Women empowerment plays a crucial role in addressing the discourse in terms of building inclusiveness today with women working alongside men in all spheres. Over the years, women had built momentum striving hard for greater feat in their endeavour. Hence, they profess an independent outlook, whether they are living inside their home or working outside. They are increasingly gaining control over their lives and taking their own decisions with regard to their education, career, profession and lifestyle.
This article, creates an atmosphere for women to look beyond challenges around them rather take charge of the opportunities for growth whilst empowered.
Women Empowerment
Women’s empowerment has become a significant topic of discussion in development and economics. When we talk about women’s empowerment it can be defined to promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others. Apparently, Women empowerment helps boost women’s status through literacy, education, training and awareness creation. Furthermore, women’s empowerment refers to women’s ability to make strategic life choices that were previously denied them.
However, women’s economic empowerment means ensuring women can equally participate in and benefit from decent work and social protection; access markets and have control over resources, their own time, lives, and bodies; and increased voice, agency, and meaningful participation in economic decision-making at all levels.
Why Empower Women:
Empowering women is essential to communities and countries and for social development of families. When a woman is empowered, it enables such woman to develop confidence realising her potential thereby enhancing self-esteem and have power to create a socio-economic revolution.
Components
Women’s right to have and determine choices as part of the component to empowering women had enriched the sense of self-worth also, right to have access to opportunities and resources; right to have power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home; and their ability to influence the direction of social and economic drive.
Challenges
Some challenges to empower women includes:
- Societal norms and stereotypes: Deeply ingrained gender roles and biases can limit women’s opportunities and potential.
- Lack of access to education and resources: Limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic resources can hinder women’s empowerment.
- Gender-based violence and discrimination: Women may face physical, emotional, and psychological barriers to empowerment due to violence and discrimination.
- Economic inequality: Women often earn less than men and have limited access to economic opportunities, making it harder to achieve financial independence.
- Political underrepresentation: Women’s voices and perspectives are often underrepresented in political decision-making processes.
- Cultural and religious barriers: Certain cultural and religious beliefs can restrict women’s autonomy and agency.
- Internalized oppression: Women may internalize negative messages and self-doubt, hindering their ability to empower themselves.
- Lack of support systems: Inadequate support from family, community, and institutions can make it harder for women to overcome challenges.
- Health and wellness disparities: Women may face unique health challenges and have limited access to healthcare, affecting their overall well-being.
- Intersectionality: Women from marginalized communities face multiple layers of oppression, making empowerment even more challenging
Opportunities
Here are some opportunities to empower women:
- Education and Training: Provide access to quality education, vocational training, and skill-building programs.
- Economic Empowerment: Offer microfinance, entrepreneurship support, and job opportunities to promote financial independence.
- Leadership Development: Create mentorship programs, leadership training, and networking opportunities to build confidence and skills.
- Health and Wellness: Provide access to healthcare, mental health resources, and wellness programs to support overall well-being.
- Policy and Advocacy: Support policy changes and advocacy efforts that promote gender equality and challenge discriminatory laws.
- Community Building: Create safe spaces for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
- Technology and Digital Literacy: Provide access to technology, digital skills training, and online resources to bridge the digital divide.
- Mentorship and Role Models: Pair women with positive role models and mentors who can inspire and guide them.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitate connections between women and industry leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
- Celebrating Women’s Achievements: Highlight and celebrate women’s successes and contributions to society.
As a woman, overcoming challenges in empowering women by building a support network, embracing one’s strengths, learning from failures, amplifying marginalized voices, and practicing self-care. Leveraging on opportunities by seeking mentorship, pursuing education and training, collaborating with others, celebrating successes, and staying adaptable and innovative can effectively empower women and create a positive impact to their communities.
In conclusion, women’s empowerment is an ongoing global endeavour, with challenges and opportunities to overcome with inspiring success stories to celebrate; this gender called female had all it takes to soar!
