On women empowerment

Women’s empowerment is a precondition for the progress and prosperity of any society. What does women’s empowerment mean in actuality? There are two interconnected dimensions of women’s empowerment: personal autonomy and social responsibility. In this context, women’s empowerment refers to creating a conducive and supportive environment where women can make decisions about their own lives and also contribute to the social, economic, political and developmental aspects of society.
Personal autonomy includes women’s ability to make choices and decisions about their personal lives, healthcare, education and wellbeing, free from coercion, violence, or discrimination. Social responsibility involves women’s ability to realise their inherent potential as humans, contribute to society through participation in decision-making processes, and take on leadership roles. It encompasses their engagement in the social, economic, political and developmental aspects of society and their ability to influence positive change.
To assess the level of women’s empowerment in a society, several key indicators can be examined. These include their relative say in political, economic, and social affairs, as well as the level of freedom, discrimination, and patriarchy. Political aspects encompass voting rights and political participation, representation in political offices and decision-making positions, influence on policymaking and legislation, access to political education and training, leadership development and capacity building, and initiatives encouraging women to run for public office. Economic aspects include access to employment opportunities and training, job security and protection from workplace discrimination, ownership and control over assets and property, entrepreneurship and business development support, increased participation in the formal economy, and access to social security and benefits.
Access to healthcare and reproductive services, education and knowledge, freedom of thought, religion, and expression all serve as crucial indicators of women’s empowerment in a country. Additionally, the prevalence of gender stereotypes, patriarchy, toxic tendencies, chauvinistic social norms, domestic violence, and the level of acknowledgment of women’s social contributions serve as important social indicators of women’s empowerment. Strong political, social and economic indicators suggest a high level of women’s empowerment in a society.
However, when most indicators suggest a bleak outlook in a society, women’s empowerment remains nothing more than a myth. One might ask: what factors hinder women’s empowerment in a society? The lack of participation and dismal outlook in all aspects of the social, political and economic spheres hinder women’s empowerment. Moreover, the prevalence of toxic patriarchy, gender bias, and outdated and inhuman customs also prevents women from getting empowered in a society.
Lack of women’s empowerment has severe consequences at individual and societal levels. Women face political marginalisation, disadvantaged economic conditions, and social discrimination. These impacts of discrimination can manifest as physical violence, including sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and even honour killings. Structurally, it translates to political underrepresentation, economic dependence, limited access to education and healthcare, and restricted opportunities. Rigid gender roles, discriminatory property rights, and societal bias all contribute to a patriarchal environment. At the state level, such societies stagnate due to the underutilisation of women’s talents and potential.
Women’s empowerment requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, increasing their participation in all aspects of society is crucial. This includes politics, the economy, social spheres, and development initiatives. By having a greater say, women can contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the country’s progress. Secondly, dismantling patriarchal structures and discriminatory practices is essential. This means tackling harmful stereotypes, toxic social norms, and all forms of discrimination women face in every setting. Only by dismantling these barriers can women fully contribute to inclusive development.