the gilded cage

the problem

The goal of the Secret Garden Social Club project is to promote financial empowerment and bring visibility and awareness to the often-overlooked problem of coercive control and white-collar domestic violence

white collar violence

the definition

Domestic violence can be subtle, sophisticated, and imperceptible to the uninitiated. Sometimes known as ‘white collar’ abuse, emotional, financial, sexual, social or verbal abuse is easily obscured by affluence. It leaves no apparent mark on the victim but it is absolute in its ability to paralyse them with fear. And domestic violence does not discriminate, it could be happening to you, your sister, your daughter, your mother or your friend.

Source: 'The Gilded Cage: I Broke Free from the Gilded Cage of White Collar Domestic Violence and You Can Too' by Lesley Oliver

financial inequality

the 'm' factor

For many women, financial security is one of the biggest considerations that factor in when deciding whether to stay in an unhappy marriage or divorce. As a result, a significantly large number of women stay in marriages that are unhealthy and even border on dysfunctional.For many, the homemaker/breadwinner roles have an impact on whether to stay in or leave a bad marriage. Most women who are divorcing can no longer afford to stay at home long-term, and must re-enter the workforce, possibly at a much-reduced salary from what they are used to.

coercive control

entrapment

Coercive control by a male partner is the most common and most devastating context for women’s help-seeking because of abuse. Coercive control is not a type of violence. Instead, it can involve fear, constraints on autonomy, belittlement, and other facets of abuse elicit “entrapment”.

legal contstraints

the risks

Understandably, women are concerned about how much of a financial loss would be created by a divorce, as the same income that once supported one household is required to support two. Add to this challenging financial reality legal fees, the uncertainty of how the assets and liabilities would be split, plus alimony and child support questions, and it is no surprise that some women decide to just endure their unhappy situation.

the path to freedom

nfts & AI

A creative marketplace where every woman can create and share her work anonymously and make her way to financial independence
Using generative AI art technology to democratize the art-making process with a social cause at heart

support system

community

A powerful network of like-minded members and creators

inspiration

mentors

Inspirational insights and practical advice from experts and leaders

support fund

TREASURY

Part of the marketplace proceeds will form a treasury to allow for direct support of our members

legal help

council

Access to legal help and advice

earning opportunity

petals

Through partnerships, our members can turn their everyday consumer spending into personal earning opportunity and collect loyalty points ('Petals') stored securely in protected wallet

secure wallet

vault

Collected points ('petals') can be redeemed as cashback or tokens in and saved in secure and private personal vault