Rock Hudson’s movie “Come September” was so popular. But come March and there is a frenzy of activities for Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th. It’s a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The day is now recognized globally and celebrated in various ways, including rallies, marches, conferences, art exhibitions, and more. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of recognizing and empowering women in all aspects of life. The fact that we have a day specially dedicated to women (and not for men) means there is some work to be done, some debate, some dilemma on this topic. We don’t have a debate on whether walking is good for health, because that a given, no debate or evidence needed.
With Women’s Day celebrations, a topic that is synonymous is women empowerment. In the debates, functions, rallies that we have on this day, we have very accomplished and brilliant ladies leading the way as shining examples. So, there is no doubt that women are empowered. But let’s step in to the real world and let’s break the words, women empowerment. Women don’t need a definition or should I say are beyond a definition. What is empowerment? It is a process, a work in progress. For me empowerment is the right of choice, the freedom of making decisions and having control of your life.
How many women have the right to choose and make important decisions of their life. There are so many restrictions, obstacles and mindsets they have to deal with. Girls should do this and should not do this, or this is not for women…where are these rules written? We have the Right of Equality and no discrimination on the grounds of caste, religion and sex enshrined in the constitutions and laws, but we all know there is a world of difference between theory and practice.
When women have been oppressed for centuries and denied freedoms and opportunities, yes empowerment is definitely needed simply, to undo the injustice done to them. I would like to draw an example of a diamond. Its natural and inherent quality is to shine, but if you cover it with dust, it cannot shine. In the same way, if you deny women the right of equal opportunity and place so many restrictions and obstacles on them, how will they shine? Just remove the obstacles, give them the opportunity to shine.
Women empowerment refers to the process of enabling women to have control over their lives, access to resources, opportunities, and the ability to make decisions that affect them and their communities. It involves challenging and changing the structures and systems that perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination.
Empowering women encompasses various aspects, including:
Education: Ensuring equal access to education for girls and women, as education is a fundamental tool for empowerment and socioeconomic development.
Economic empowerment: Providing women with equal opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, land ownership, and access to financial resources, including credit and savings.
Political participation: Encouraging women’s participation and leadership in politics, governance, and decision-making processes at all levels.
Health: Ensuring access to healthcare services, including reproductive health services, and addressing issues such as maternal mortality and gender-based violence.
Legal rights: Promoting and protecting women’s legal rights, including laws against gender-based violence, discrimination, and ensuring access to justice.
Social and cultural empowerment: Challenging harmful gender stereotypes, norms, and attitudes that limit women’s choices and opportunities in society.
Empowering women is not only a matter of social justice but also critical for sustainable development and achieving gender equality. When women are empowered, they can contribute more effectively to their families, communities, economies, and societies as a whole.
What is the toughest part of women empowerment is changing the mindset, the society norms and prejudices that have been in place for so long. Law can be made to empower women, but it cannot go into every household to see if it is being implemented. It is said, actions speak louder than words. As more women break the glass ceiling and rise, the more they encourage the others to do so. They become role models. What is needed is a congenial ecosystem and support system to empower women.
Let’s hope years down the line, there is no discussion on women empowerment. That is when we know we have truly arrived. International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women. It is a day to honour women’s resilience, strength, and contributions to the world while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality. I would end with this powerful quote, “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” –Hillary Clinton.
