Aug 12, 20213 min read

What is Women Empowerment?

Empowerment is the process through which one qualifies one to gain power, authority, and influence over other people, institutions, or society. It is also a process that allows one to gain the knowledge, skillset, and attitude needed to cope with the changing world and the circumstances in which one lives.

What is Women's Empowerment?

It is the outcome of the process by which women challenge gender-based discrimination in every institution and structure of society. It can also be said as encouraging women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others.

Why is women's empowerment so important?

“Women are worshipped as a goddess in our country India, but not given her true status.”

Empowering women is very important for the health and social development of families, society, communities, and countries. Women can reach their full potential when they are living safe, fulfilled, and productive lives. Contributing their skills to the workplaces can raise happier and healthier children. Women can help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large. A central part of empowerment is through education. Those girls who are educated can pursue meaningful work and contribute to their country’s economy. They are also less likely to get married young when they have eight years of education; this means that they and their families are healthier.

According to UN’s Endorse the Women’s Empowerment Principle :

Principle 1: Create high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
Principle 2: Treat people fairly at the workplace, respecting and supporting non-discrimination and human rights
Principle 3: Ensure the health, wellbeing, and safety of all workers, whether male or female
Principle 4: Encouraging education, training, and professional development for women
Principle 5: Apply supply chain, marketing practices, and enterprise development that empower women
Principle 6: Champion equality through community initiatives and advocacy
Principle 7: Measure and report publicly on progress to create gender equality

You can read more on how to endorse these principles here.

Six “S” for Women Empowerment

Shiksha = Education
Swasthya = Health
Swavlamban = Self Reliance
Samajik Nyay = Justice
Samvedan = Sensitivity
Samta = Equality

How can we achieve women empowerment?

Changes in women's mobility and social interaction.
Changes in women's labour patterns.
Changes in women's approach to and control over resources.
Changes in women's control over decision-making.

Help from governments: -

Self Help Group
Angan Badis
Government Schemes
Micro Finance
Self-Employment

What are the constraints of Women Empowerment?

There are many constraints in women empowerment like- Lack of education, Low ability to bear the risk, Low Social status, Traditional views limit participation, financial constraints, Family responsibilities, Conflicts among women’s groups, and Low mobility.

Changes of an empowered women

There were many changes seen in the empowered women like- Improvement of personal knowledge, Self-defining power, Authenticity, Creativity, Physical strength, Equality Mutuality in relationships, Economic independence, Freedom from oppression, and having political power in society.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMEN”

If a woman is empowered, she will have the ability to empower other women around her. Empowering one woman can lead to empowering many women. Limitless Stree aims to create a community of empowered women who can lead other women. As a community here, we inspire each other, motivate and help to break the self-limiting beliefs. Like we say,

Being limitless is your inner potential

Half of the world’s population is represented by women, but we see gender inequality in almost every nation. Until women are given equal opportunities, entire societies and communities will perform below their optimum potential. The dream of women empowerment will not be fulfilled until the women play an equal, decisive, and appropriate role in their families, which is the basic empowerment unit.

Women empowerment is one big issue facing India. It is essential to create awareness and understand gender equity by the decision-makers. The Government of India should take strategic steps to develop and help women.

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About The Author

Mitali is a youth enthusiastic women pursuing her BBA-LLB from Mody University. She is an advocate for women’s education and women empowerment. She has been a part of many campaigns to raise awareness in the society regarding the issues around women and working towards achieving the goals of SDG 5.

Mitali Rakhecha Communication Coordinator

Reaching Sky Foundation

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