Women Empowerment - The key lies with the women

Women Empowerment - The key lies with the women

Introduction

Women empowerment is possible if all sections of society move towards making it a reality. Apart from the women in any society, it is also the attitude of men towards them that plays an important role in any type of empowerment. India has an environment of gender inequity and biases which play out at homes and offices across the nation. Certain other countries view women’s rights in an even more negative manner. This attitude has to change now. If the world has to prosper and become a more peaceful place, it is important to encourage its women to become leaders in every field from arts and cinema to science, politics, economics and the corporate sector.

Viewpoint

• One of the most important contributors to women’s empowerment apart from the ladies themselves is the societal attitude. Women need to be encouraged to pursue professional activities apart from their domestic responsibilities. Family members need to chip in so that women are not overworked in personal or professional fields. People need to give young ladies the chance to pursue an occupation of their choice rather than sticking to typical fields. Astronaut Sunita Williams is an example of the progressive and modern approach towards women that makes their success stories possible.

• Women need to empower themselves. They need to think positively and become more confident about themselves. They need to challenge societal biases and stand up for what they believe in. The recent case of Tehelka’s Tarun Tejpal being brought to book because of the courageous attitude of the girl who was his victim is a prime example of this. Women should not keep quiet and they should stand up against injustices.

• Society’s leaders and thinkers as well as media should laud the guts of lady entrepreneurs who power the economy and give opportunities to others. From Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar Shaw to Ela Bhatt, who has founded SEWA, there are many empowered ladies who have become an inspiration for girls and women across India.

• Women currently work for nearly 75% of the world’s working hours and produce about half of the total agricultural output of the world. But they earn only 10% of the world’s income. The condition of women in certain parts of the world such as Africa is disheartening. Women are not able to have equal access to education and jobs. They are given secondary status in many societies. The attitude of the world towards women also has to change.

• Women have always been an inspiration for the world. Pioneers in the field of healthcare and community work such as Mother Teresa are revered for their perseverance and commitment to the cause. Leading women activists and media personalities have upheld the cause of women empowerment across the world. The attitude of women towards their own self has undergone a metamorphosis as a result of this. This is a positive change.

Conclusion

Important societal units such as the family and community also need to support women’s empowerment. It is not only the ladies who can change their status for the better in any society. The attitude of the state towards women’s empowerment should also be positive. Key legislation should be passed and reforms should also be properly implemented so that women’s empowerment becomes reality. Better maternal mortality rates and guaranteed sexual and reproductive health rights are some of the key targets for activists and thinkers who want to see a brighter future for women in the coming centuries.