1. Fixing a Car

Photo Credit: Gina Valenti Photography

You don’t have to train as a mechanic (unless you want to), but every woman who drives should know how to do basic maintenance on her vehicle. Get someone to show you, or take a course, then you will be able to do essential checks and maybe avoid expensive trips to the garage.

2. Basic DIY

Photo Credit: john4kc

How I wish I’d asked my dad to teach me basic DIY skills! I don’t mind having a go at some things, but others make me nervous, so maybe I should look for a DIY class myself …

3. Financial Knowledge

Photo Credit: Reid Harris Cooper

We can’t be experts in everything, but girls, make sure you can take care of your finances. Educate yourself, keep track of your spending, savings and investments, and know what is in your account at all times.

4. Self-Defense

Photo Credit: Konstantin Sutyagin

Hopefully a skill that will never be needed, but we all need to know how to defend ourselves. Take a class, and if you’re out late on your own, be aware of what’s going on around you.

5. Financial Independence

Photo Credit: ericconca

Never, ever rely on someone else for financial support. You might want to take a career break to raise your kids, but make sure you have skills and qualifications to fall back on if you need them. Circumstances such as breakups or job loss may happen, and you need to be capable of supporting yourself.

6. First Aid

Photo Credit: matthewruth

This is something else that I have always meant to learn but, to my shame, have never got around to doing. I really should, because you never know when these skills will be needed …

7. Argument

Photo Credit: 姒儿喵喵

By argument, I mean arguing assertively rather than aggressively. Some women are still reluctant to deal with any kind of confrontation or fight for their rights. I say we need to be able to deal with poor service, complain when it is justified, and make sure that we get the treatment we deserve.

8. Being Alone

Photo Credit: Mattjr -photo

At some stage in her life, every woman should learn to cope with living alone. This equips you with all sorts of survival skills. You can find yourself alone at any time, so it’s better if you are already prepared and know that you can do it.

What skills do you think are essential for a woman? Have you had to learn things the hard way? Are there any skills you would like to acquire?

Top Photo Credit: Metro City Mayor