How women can participate better in family finances

Across the Gulf, more women are joining family financial discussions, yet many remain on the sidelines of long-term planning. Tradition, trust or limited access often hinder their participation in financial decision making, leaving families vulnerable when life takes a turn. Open conversations about money are the first step towards building financial awareness and long-term confidence.

Time to talk

If one partner manages the family’s finances alone, the other may be less equipped to handle significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, bereavement, inheritance, or transitions in a family business. Many families only make important financial decisions when something goes wrong, leading to rushed choices, emotional stress and strained relationships.

A recent succession planning survey in the Gulf by Lombard Odier underlined this tension. Many families know how important it is to prepare for the future, yet half still choose to put off these vital conversations. Nearly two thirds of wealthy families in the region confirm that they don’t have a clear succession plan in place. With the region on the brink of its first major transfer of wealth across generations, proactive financial planning is no longer a nice-to-have but more of a must-have.

Legal frameworks also matter as they can vary significantly across jurisdictions, with some countries applying different inheritance rules depending on an individual's faith or religious affiliation. This means that spouses can have wills that reflect their personal wishes, but it also underscores the importance of knowing which rules apply to one’s circumstances.