Financially Independent Women: Why Do Many Delay Having Children?

KOMPAS.com - Women’s economic independence also influences decisions about having children. Psychologists say many women today are freer to determine life choices, including when to have children or to delay them. This condition makes the decision to have children more carefully considered. Ibunda.id psychologist Danti Wulan Manunggal, S.Psi., says this change relates to the increasing self-confidence of women in determining the direction of their lives. She said this when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday, 2 March 2026. According to her, the ability to be financially independent gives women greater space to make more personal decisions. This condition means women are no longer entirely dependent on domestic roles as in the past. Economic independence gives women the opportunity to determine life priorities. Careers, personal development, and personal stability often become considerations before deciding to start a family. This change means the decision to have a child is no longer seen as a social obligation that must be carried out immediately. “The factor of women’s economic independence increases self-confidence and the option not to depend on domestic roles,” said Danti. That feeling makes women bolder in determining life choices that suit their conditions and readiness. Many women want to ensure their emotional, financial, and personal life are already stable. The decision is no longer solely influenced by social pressure. Many women choose to wait until they feel truly ready to undertake the role of a parent. This phenomenon shows that increasing women’s economic independence also influences the dynamics of modern families. The decision to have children is now increasingly seen as a choice that needs to be considered consciously and personally.