"A strong woman" - Venus Williams discloses what is 'hard to fathom' as she highlights mother Oracene Price's financial independence in new campaign

Venus Williams recently partnered with WNBA star Cameron Brink and SoFi Technologies to launch the 'Give Her Credit' campaign, to inspire women in their journey of financial independence. The seven-time Major winner cited her mother Oracene Price, who was instrumental in her and Serena Williams' success, as a prime example for every ambitious woman.

The elder Williams sister was one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The 43-year-old spent nearly three decades as a top fixture on the WTA Tour. While the American's legacy as a competitor remains inspiring, she is also growing outside the court with her initiatives.

Earlier this week, Venus Williams and Los Angeles Sparks' Cameron Brink launched the 'Give Her Credit' campaign to promote women's financial independence to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). SoFi, a finance company, will award $500,000 to 50 individuals through this cause.

Speaking to People, the former World No. 1 expressed dismay that women tend to have a better chance of getting credit if they have a male co-signer. She further claimed that her mother, Oracene Price, never required any financial help to get by.

"It's hard to really even fathom in this day and age that a woman would need a male co-signer," Venus told People. "My mom is such a strong woman, I can't imagine her needing a male co-signer in the '70s to sign anything for her."

For those unaware, the ECOA is a US law enacted in October 1974 that disallows any discrimination against credit and loan applicants based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age.

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"Oracene Williams always the backbone" - Venus Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci

Venus Williams and her mother Oracene Price at Wimbledon 2022

Seven months ago, Rick Macci — who had worked with the sisters for a brief period in the early 1990s — showered rich praise on Oracene Price. According to Macci, Serena and Venus Williams' mother had always looked out for their best interests, even if it led to 'backroom disputes' with her ex-husband Richard Williams.

"Orecene Williams always in the Background. Orecene Williams always the Backbone," Macci wrote on his X handle in March. "Orecene Williams always had the girls' Back. In every Backroom dispute with the KING, he would Backpeddle Back off and everything would be Back on track. @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams."

Oracene Price has worked as a tennis coach in the past. She was portrayed by Aunjanue Ellis in King Richard, a biographical film documenting the Williams sisters' childhood.