Is it permissible for a woman to propose marriage to a man for the sake of preserving her chastity and securing her livelihood, and is it permissible to stipulate that the marital authority ( عصمة - ismah) be in her hands?

It is permissible for a woman to offer herself in marriage to a man she deems suitable due to his religiosity and character. It is preferable that this be done through an intermediary woman from among his maharem (unmarriageable kin). Otherwise, there is no harm in her doing so directly, based on the hadith of the woman who offered herself to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The age difference between the spouses does not matter. As for stipulating that divorce be in the hands of the woman, this is permissible if the condition benefits her, such that she has the right to annul the marriage if the husband violates the condition. It must be emphasized that it is forbidden for a woman to work in a place where she mixes with non-mahram men.