Recognizing the Hidden Signs of Economic Abuse and Its Impact on Mental Health | Blush & Bloom Podcast | Ep. 14 with Claudia Segre, President of Global Thinking Foundation

8 September 2025
Culture and Current Affairs, ECONOMICS & POLITICS

Claudia Segre

Author, speaker, and president of the Global Thinking Foundation

by Gigi – Sep 7

When people talk about abuse, the focus is often on the physical or emotional side. But there’s another form that is quieter, harder to see, and just as damaging: economic abuse.

Economic abuse happens when one partner controls another’s access to money, assets, or financial decision-making. It traps women in unhealthy relationships, undermines their autonomy, and deeply affects their mental health.

In this episode of Blush & Bloom, I spoke with Claudia Segre, economist, gender equality activist, President & Founder of the Global Thinking Foundation, and Co-Chair of Women7 Italy at the G7. With over 30 years in international financial markets, Claudia has now dedicated her career to preventing economic violence and empowering women through financial and digital literacy.’

In This Episode, We Cover

What economic abuse looks like and how to recognize the signs

Why financial stress and mental health are deeply connected

How financial literacy empowers women and prevents abuse

The role of FemTech, FinTech, and InsurTech in women’s wellbeing

Digital addiction, compulsive shopping, and gambling risks

Policy-level changes from Women7 and G7 to support gender equality

Claudia’s advice for protecting autonomy and investing in yourself

Recognizing Economic Abuse

Economic abuse often hides behind the language of “care.” A partner might say, “I’m just taking care of the money” — but in reality, they are cutting off access to bank accounts, forcing debts, or excluding women from financial decisions.

Claudia shared the story of a young woman who co-signed a 30-year mortgage with her fiancé. When the relationship ended, she was left without credit cards, financial security, or support — a painful example of how easily women can be trapped by economic dependence.

As Claudia puts it: “Real care is giving people freedom, not making them dependent.”

The Mental Health Link

Financial stress is more than numbers on a page — it directly affects mental wellbeing. According to research cited by Claudia, two-thirds of women experiencing economic violence also face mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

The cycle is vicious: financial dependence feeds stress, which worsens mental health, making it even harder to break free. Awareness is the first step, followed by education and tools that help women take back control.

Building Financial Confidence

So where can women start? Claudia’s foundation has worked with more than 20,000 women over the past five years, teaching simple but powerful steps like:

Tracking daily and monthly budgets
Understanding income, expenses, and debts
Avoiding risky “financial influencers”
Building confidence through education and curiosity

As Claudia says, financial independence isn’t selfish — it’s foundational. It gives women the freedom to shape their future and protect their dignity.

Beyond Finances: Tech and Policy

Claudia also highlights the role of technology and policy in creating change. FemTech and FinTech tools can reduce healthcare costs, support insurance access, and empower women to manage their wellbeing. At a policy level, Women7 and the G7 are pushing initiatives like gender equality certification for companies — tying women’s rights to corporate responsibility.

At the same time, digital risks like compulsive shopping and gambling are rising. Claudia stresses the need for education in schools and workplaces to prevent digital and financial addictions that harm women’s wellbeing.

About Our Guest: Claudia Segre

Claudia Segre is an economist, gender equality activist, and the President & Founder of the Global Thinking Foundation, dedicated to preventing economic violence and promoting financial literacy. She is also Co-Chair of Women7 Italy at the G7, Vice President of AssoFintech, and an international speaker on women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and sustainability.