Empowerment is a call for action for a stronger society. When we talk about empowerment, especially women empowerment, we are discussing the transformative power that reshapes societies and fosters growth.
Despite significant progress over the past few decades, women empowerment still has a long way to go. Women around the world face challenges ranging from gender-based violence and discrimination to unequal access to education and economic opportunities. These barriers not only hinder women’s personal and professional growth but also impede societal progress.
The ripple effect of empowering women
Empowering women goes beyond fairness and equality- it unlocks their potential. Women who are empowered bring diverse perspectives to the table, drive innovation, and stimulate economic growth. It also leads to higher economic productivity and better outcomes for future generations.
Empowering women benefits everyone. Educated women are more likely to have healthier and better-educated children, leading to a more informed and capable future workforce.
Empowered women contribute to the economy by participating in the workforce, starting businesses, and investing in their communities, which leads to increased economic productivity and growth. When women have access to income and resources, they are more likely to invest in their families’ health, education, and well-being, which can lift households out of poverty. They are better informed about healthcare and can make decisions that lead to healthier families.
Women empowerment contributes to the richness of cultural expressions and traditions, ensuring that the voices and experiences of women are reflected in the cultural narrative. They are key drivers of sustainable development and are often at the forefront of initiatives related to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Barriers to speeding up women empowerment
To accelerate the process of women empowerment, it is crucial to first identify and tackle the obstacles that are holding them back. These obstacles are complex and deeply ingrained in our societal structures. Women have to confront various stereotypes and societal norms that have gone unquestioned for decades, perpetuating discrimination.
Even today, women and girls face limited access to quality education and decision-making opportunities, which often discourages them from aspiring to leadership roles. The lack of education also reduces their chances of making the most of their abilities and achieving their full potential. Inadequate infrastructure and healthcare facilities can also impede their progress and empowerment.
Gender-based violence and harassment are significant barriers that limit their ability to contribute fully to society, further hindering their empowerment. The rigid cultural attitudes and stereotypes that have been entrenched for generations can create resistance to speeding up women empowerment initiatives.
A basic outline of the blueprint to empower women
- Education and Training: Providing girls and women with education and vocational training can open doors to new opportunities.
- Healthcare Access: Ensuring women have access to comprehensive healthcare services is vital for their empowerment.
- Economic Opportunities: Creating pathways for women to participate in the economy on equal footing with men is essential.
- Legal and Policy Reforms: Implementing laws and policies that protect women’s rights and promote gender equality is critical.
- Leadership and Representation: Encouraging and supporting women to take on leadership roles can change perceptions and policy.
Can men become “The Pillar of Strength”?
Women require the support of the men in their lives because when men are in support, it can help women overcome half of their battles. Girls are often conditioned to depend on men emotionally, physically, and sometimes financially.
Women support men in achieving their dreams, but they also expect the same support in return. To promote gender equality, men should educate themselves on the social barriers that women face and challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes by equally sharing household and caregiving responsibilities. Men should encourage and support women in leadership positions, both in the workplace and in the community, to normalize the authority and decision-making roles of women.
Men should take a stand against all forms of violence and harassment against women, both in public spaces and in private. By creating a space for women where they can feel heard and respected, we can create a safer society for future generations, with a transformative effect on society as a whole.
Workplace politics priorities
Today, workplace equality is a crucial step towards empowering women and creating a stronger society. Women want to have an equal say in the workplace based on their stake and position in the company. To achieve this, organizations must recognize the value of diversity and make inclusion a core part of their mission and values.
They should create training programs to assist employees and leadership in understanding and addressing unconscious bias. This creates a safe team environment where everyone feels valued and can contribute equally. To support the career development and advancement of women, companies should offer mentorship and sponsorship programs.
Organizations should also take steps that benefit women, such as providing flexible hours and remote work options to accommodate different working styles and life commitments. Regularly acknowledging and celebrating the contributions and successes of women in the workplace is also crucial.
To ensure fair and equal pay and career progressions for women based on their work and achievements, regular audits should be conducted. By doing so, companies can create a more diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It will help the workplace become more inclusive for women but also benefit from the increased diversity of thought, experience, and perspective that women bring to the table.
Role of NGOs for speeding up women empowerment
Many NGOs focus on educating women and girls, providing basic education, vocational, and self-employment training to make them financially independent and empower them to make informed decisions. Smile Foundation is one such organization that contributes to women empowerment through various projects like Project Manzil, STeP, Girls Engineering Scholarship, livelihood, skill development training, and scholarship programs.
Nonprofits also aim to spread awareness and improve access to healthcare services in the remotest areas for the welfare of communities. They also support and helps speeding up women empowerment by providing financial aid, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs, and providing access to the digital age for better growth. Development organizations mostly target marginalized groups so that they can make a significant impact and create a positive impact by empowering vulnerable populations and ensuring inclusivity. This encourages community engagement, collaboration, and networking between those with access and those in need.
Nonprofits also conduct leadership programs for rural women to help them gain confidence and encourage their participation in the decision-making process at all levels. This can have a profound impact on the broader social and economic fabric of communities.