Here's To Strong Women - Let's Enhance & Empower The World!

Here's to strong Women; may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

Illustration by Iryna Korshak From Dribbble

Namaste.

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated every 8th of March to honor the social, economic and cultural achievements of women in various walks of life. This day represents the unity of women across the world to accelerate issues of gender parity. Feminism and IWD are two of the greatest moments across the world that has helped improve the standard of living of women. Women play a vital role in building families as well as the society. Inspite of all, we have not achieved equal rights in many parts of the world.

The toxic culture of stereotyping gender, physical harrasment & assault, child marraige, female infanticide are some of the reasons for lack of equal opportunities for women. In countries like India, child marriage and sexual abuse & assault are at all-time high in flames. Irrespective of what laws are in place, unless we change our mentality towards women, it will be difficult to create a gender equal society in the world. In spite of all drawbacks and hurdles that still prevail, Indian women (especially educated) are no longer hesitant or apologetic about claiming a share and visibility within the family, at work, in public places, and in the public discourse.

"yatra nāryastu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ; yatraitāstu na pūjyante sarvāstatrāphalā: kriyā:"

Gender Equality & Women Empowerment

Gender equality means that men and women have equal power and equal opportunities for financial independence, education, and personal development. Gender issues are not focused on women alone, but on the relationship between men and women in society. Women's empowerment is a critical aspect of achieving gender equality. It includes fostering a woman's sense of self-worth, her decision-making power, her access to opportunities and resources, her power and control over her own life inside and outside the household, and her ability to effect change.

"You're Just A Woman. Behave Like That."

This phrase is common in almost every Indian household. She has no right to get freedom and ability to take decisions. A woman should have the freedom to share and express her opinion. Social empowerment might be one of the most prominent forms of empowerment shown in the mainstream media. It strengthens women’s social relations and their positions in social structures, giving them more of a purpose outside of the home. Social empowerment also fights back against discrimination based on gender, disability, race, ethnicity, and religion.

"Girls Are Not Meant For Education."

Education is a key area of focus. Approximately one quarter of girls in the developing world do not attend school. Families rely on girls' labor for household chores, and childcare, leaving limited time for schooling. Education puts everyone on equal footing, and lets young girls have access to what their rights and duties are. Not only that, obtaining knowledge can boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and make girls self-sufficient.

"Women Can't Carry Financial Services."

People say money can’t buy happiness, but being at an economic disadvantage can take away access to becoming empowered. A better quality of material life, within the family as well as for the overall society, can be achieved through promotion of sustainable livelihoods with entrepreneurial efforts owned and managed by women.

"Women Has No Place For Politics."

Having a voice in politics can be substantial in letting a group’s view be pushed into the light of mainstream media, and that’s no different for advocating women’s rights. Having political influence would not only give a voice to those who haven’t had a voice in how things are governed, but it would also allow the possibility of policies and programs being put into place.

"Women Are Psychologically Weak."

Psychological empowerment aligns with the mental health and it impairs traditional and patriarchal taboos and social obligations and lets women go beyond what’s expected of them in society. This can build self-confidence, help women recognize their self-worth and dismantle all the stereotypes.

In this current age, true empowerment and growth can only be achieved by taking successful strides in eliminating deep-rooted ideologies of gender bias and discrimination like the confinement of women to the private domestic realm, restrictions on their mobility, poor access to health services, nutrition, education and employment, and exclusion from the public and political sphere.

Anything to say? Please leave a comment. Thanks!

Jai Hind.