There is no limit that we, as women, can accomplish.” Michelle Obama (need no introduction but in case Attorney and former first lady of US and published author) True! Woman possess that kind of power.
First need to understand what this term, casually used “Women Empowerment” translate into a number of research work produced to conceptualise the definition of Women Empowerment.
Generally and most often researchers refer most importantly to woman’s power of decision making.
Also, their ability to have control of their lives. These two important characteristics certainly affect the outcome of them and their families importance. It is noteworthy to refer few researchers here.
Researcher Kabeer, (2001) define empowerment as an expansion in people’s ability to make strategic life choices in a context where this was earlier denied to them. “
According to Malhotra, (2002), the underline concept which define women empowerment relates to choices, control and power.” Yet another definition by Eyben,et al (2008) goes, like, ” Empowerment is a process which relate to the power of an individual to redefine women possibilities and options and to be able to act upon them. “
Thus, the diversity is how differently the nature of women empowerment seen by different researchers becomes complex in characterisation. However, it remains a relative concept, not possible to define in absolute terms.
The major characteristics highlighted are , women participation in making household decisions, free to move, her access to education, relevant economic opportunities i.e employment without gender disparity and her property rights.
One important aspect in this regard is women’s dignity. Dignity of women’s character is closely linked with empowerment. It is believed that economic emancipation or seat in the parliament or political role isn’t all but true empowerment is about economic as well as moral emancipation also. This relates to the strength and power of the women.
Dignity is an important aspect of women’s character that define integrity and morality.
Strength in simple words refer to one’s decision to choose style of dressing, hours of work, drawing boundaries when socialising. When to be reserve and park? What invitation to accept, when to decline politely.
Economic independence or financial freedom never mean to divorce dignity, modesty, ones morality. One have to learn to say NO even if there is a fear of financial loss, fear of losing a job or cut in the wages or increment. Always be ready to refuse to maltreatment. (as a commodity or an object) It’s benefits refer to a woman who is given full authority to recognise her skills, her confidence. She will be then able to have control of herself meaning her life. It helps in decision making independently.
Thus pave the road to gender equality. Gender equality benefits women to enjoy equal status in society as their counterparts. Equality includes, education, health care facilities, no wage differential, equal economic opportunities and authority to take decisions regarding their offspring’s education and wellbeing. It also include taking financial decisions with spouse.
Few days ago a TV drama serial ended with an important note on women empowerment. That male member in a family, may they be father, brother, husband or son with whom a woman is living must be allowed to live independently, not in a separate house but must allow to move along. Learn basic actions/decisions that male members usually handle themselves. She should be taught of the banking functions, investments, property rights etc. the underline importance is Godforbid if she is left alone to handle things for any reason, she may not feel stranger in the market, in the society.
Thus a society will be free of barriers and women have in this way access to education and economic opportunities that is in the job market. No Gender discrimination but whoever gets the job have to qualify on merit. She can make her own life choices and control their family life as any male member would do. This way women partly recognise and use their full potential. Last year International Women Day (IWD) 2025theme was, Rights, Equality and Empowerment for all women and girls.
Child upbringing is very much linked with women empowerment, perhaps, better to term as mothers empowerment.
World and developing countries historical record verify the not so encouraging truth that women were maltreated in many societies. This refer to the rights of women not recognised. Thus this attitude and negative behaviour affect the upbringing of their offsprings. Certainly affect the development, psychological and physical of the young ones. Researchers agree to a point, that every child’s initial years are crucial in their upbringing. It includes training, only a mother who is necessarily a woman can deliver. The consensus among researchers is mother’s economic as well well as social status have positive effect on child. Empowered women are better Mother’s.
I recall, read an article a while ago, in Discover magazine, a well-known American science publication founded in 1980, by Time Inc. in USA, proved scientifically the fact that child’s IQ level largely depends upon Mother’s intelligence.
Therefore, empowerment of women is important.
Woman’s aka mother’s intelligence depends upon their education, free environment, socialising with intellectuals in the society, reading and reading good biographies of eminent people, leaders, influencers etc.
Moreover, irrespective whether a mother is career woman or house wife, house keeper but if empowered will positively benefit the home environment, hence children reap benefits, and ultimately the society. However, the values, behaviours and attitudes that are instilled in children during initial years are important in shaping their personality. When mothers are empowered in the domain of child upbringing, they unintentionally open the rout for a gender equitable society in respect of education, wages and more.
The government can help promote the process of inclusion and empowerment by pursuing certain logistics.
First step is to offer children free education till high school irrespective of gender. The schools may also serve milk and healthy snacks to primary school children. This will motivate children as well as underprivileged parents.
After high school the successful students must be given vocational training at subsidised fees. On completion authorities must plan a programme to offer relevant jobs to them.
Government can also support women, professionals, in career by helping them before after child birth. This can be in a way of 3 to 6 months maternity leave with pay and also paternity leave to husbands. After all, women as mothers have to face all the brunt at every front. She need a break too after a long tough time of child birth and house chores. She should not face Postpartum Syndrome (PPS) or normally known as Postpartum Depression. This is a serious mood disorder that women face after childbirth, hence need husband’s support in all spheres of daily life.
Today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders. They need special attention and nurturing indeed.
Eventually, empowered mothers may promote more inclusive, progressive as well as prosperous family life and society when they unlock the full potential of 50 % population that is, women who are mothers or future mothers to be.
