Women, Wealth, and Power: Redefining Legacy in Patriarchal Systems

Tsitsi Mutendi
Nov 26
4 min read

Across Africa and many traditional societies, wealth transfer has long been governed by patriarchal norms—where inheritance, leadership, and economic control are predominantly male domains. Yet, beneath the surface, women have always been pivotal in building and sustaining family wealth. As Abiola Adediran powerfully articulated in her article, Women & Wealth Transfer in Patriarchal Societies, the exclusion of women from formal inheritance structures does not negate their economic influence—it merely obscures it.

Today, the tide is shifting. Women are stepping into visible leadership roles in family enterprises, demanding equitable inheritance rights, and redefining what it means to be custodians of generational wealth. But systemic change requires more than just recognition—it demands education, policy reform, and a cultural recalibration that honours women’s contributions while preparing them for the responsibilities of wealth stewardship.

The Silent Matriarchs: Africa’s Unseen Wealth Builders

Historically, African women have been the backbone of commerce and community wealth, even in male-dominated lineage systems. From the market women of Nigeria’s Onitsha and Ghana’s Makola to the entrepreneurial Shea butter producers of West Africa, women drive economic activity—often without formal ownership.

Data Point: A 2021 report by the African Development Bank found that women contribute approximately $300 billion to Africa’s GDP through informal trade and SMEs, yet own less than 20% of registered businesses (AfDB, 2021).
Cultural Insight: In many African societies, while property is inherited through male lineage, women control household finances and micro-economies, acting as de facto wealth managers.

This paradox—power without recognition—highlights the need for systemic shifts in how wealth is transferred and managed.

The Inheritance Gap: Why Women Are Still Left Out

Despite their economic contributions, women face persistent barriers in wealth transfer:

Legal & Cultural Barriers – In many African countries, customary law still favors male inheritance. For instance, in some regions, widows lose property rights to male relatives upon their husband’s death (World Bank, 2020).
Lack of Financial Preparedness – Many women are not formally trained in wealth management, leaving them vulnerable when they do inherit assets.
Stereotypes in Family Businesses – Sons are often groomed for leadership, while daughters are sidelined—even when they are equally capable.

Abiola Adediran’s observation rings true:

"Women have been mostly excluded when it comes to inheritance, but the tide is shifting. Now, they must be prepared for it."

How to Cultivate Female Leadership in Wealth Stewardship

1. Education & Financial Literacy

Next-Gen Training: Wealth-holding families must invest in financial education for daughters, ensuring they understand investments, governance, and succession planning.
Case Study: The Rise of Female Family Office Leaders in Kenya and South Africa shows that when women are trained early, they excel in managing complex portfolios.

2. Legal & Policy Reforms

Land & Property Rights: Advocacy for gender-inclusive inheritance laws is critical. Rwanda’s progressive land reforms (where women now hold 26% of registered land titles, up from 5% in 1999) demonstrate the impact of policy changes.
Trusts & Estate Planning: Families should use legal structures (trusts, wills) to protect female heirs from disinheritance.

3. Shifting Cultural Narratives

Recognizing “Outlaws”: Women who marry into family businesses (often called “outlaws”) contribute significantly but are rarely included in succession plans. Formalizing their roles ensures continuity.
Male Allies: Sons, husbands, and brothers must advocate for equitable wealth distribution.

4. Mentorship & Networks

Female-Led Investment Groups: Platforms like Women in Finance Africa (WIFA) and AWEC (African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative) provide mentorship, fostering a new generation of wealth-savvy women.

The Future: A Collaborative Legacy Model

The most sustainable family enterprises will be those that embrace inclusive leadership—where women and men co-steward wealth with shared vision. As I noted in my recent discussion with LuciaDeKlein Private Office:

"True legacy is not just about preserving assets; it’s about empowering the next generation—regardless of gender—to lead with wisdom and foresight."

The data is clear: Economies grow when women have economic agency. By dismantling archaic inheritance norms, investing in female financial education, and rewriting the narrative around women and wealth, Africa (and the world) can unlock unprecedented generational prosperity.

Call to Action

For Families: Audit your succession plans—are women included?
For Policymakers: Strengthen gender-equitable inheritance laws.
For Women: Seek financial education and assert your rightful role in wealth stewardship.

The era of silent matriarchs is ending. The future belongs to visible, empowered women leading legacies of wealth and impact.

Tsitsi Mutendi is a renowned expert in family governance, with a strong focus on African family firms. As the co-founder of African Family Firms Expert, she has dedicated her career to advising and consulting family businesses and family offices. Tsitsi is a skilled facilitator, speaker, and author, known for her insightful contributions to the field. In 2023-24, she serves as the President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa. Tsitsi is also the co-founder of Mutendi Montessori, a primary and secondary educational institution, and the founder of DanTs Smart, a technology and software development firm. With over 23 years as an entrepreneur. Tsitsi is a renowned multi-potentialite entrepreneur whose expertise has earned her recognition in leading publications such as Forbes Africa and Arise Africa, and she has been invited to speak on prestigious global stages, including the Athena40 panel. Her work can be found on www.tsitsimutendi.com www.nhakalegacy.com www.africanfamilyfirms.org and her trending podcast for families of wealthy and their advisors https://anchor.fm/enterprisingfamilies. You can Also get her book RAISING THE BAOBAB https://amzn.to/42cpFdL