Since when do women require permission for anything?
Have you ever come across a statement that makes you do a double take, only to realize you read it correctly and wonder how we got to this point as a society? That was my reaction last week as I strolled past a shop in my Minnesota hometown. Giggle Gals, a women-owned boutique catering to suburban moms, features clothes, jewelry, and home décor. In their window, a glaring sign reads: “Your husband called, he said buy what you want.”
Wait, what?
Are we seriously implying that I need to consult my husband before I can treat myself? Should I prepare his dinner and neatly stack his laundry before checking in to see if it’s okay for me to purchase this bath bomb? Did we just time travel back to the 1950s without me noticing?
I tried to interpret the store owner’s intent as lighthearted or humorous, but honestly, it’s anything but funny. The sign suggests that women cannot make financial decisions without their spouse’s approval. Last I checked, women are dynamic, hardworking individuals. More and more women are the primary earners in their families, juggling work, meals, doctor visits, and after-school activities. They run marathons, contribute to charities, and organize school fundraisers. They work full-time—inside or outside the home—and still find time to serve on boards, coach kids’ sports teams, and participate in the PTO.
If they choose to buy something from your store, they absolutely don’t need anyone’s permission. Women today earn the majority of college degrees in the U.S., across all levels—associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorates. We comprise nearly half of the U.S. labor force and, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, own close to ten million businesses (yours included). Seventy percent of mothers with children under 18—who are your target customers—are in the labor force, with over 75 percent working full-time. The result? Stronger families and a thriving economy for everyone.
This sign is an affront to all women, implying we need our husbands’ approval to make personal decisions. That notion sets us back decades. Of course, men and women often make major purchasing decisions together, but suggesting we need to ask before buying something for ourselves is absurd. We are capable adults with our own brains, wallets, and considerable purchasing power.
We’ve got this. No permission required.
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Summary
A local clothing store’s sign suggesting women need their husband’s permission to make purchases drew criticism for being outdated and offensive. The article highlights the strength and independence of modern women who make their own financial decisions.