EMPOWERING THE 21ST CENTURY WOMEN
Over the years and in many parts of the world especially in Africa, women were treated as second fiddle to men. They were seen as lesser and inadequate to perform certain functions in society. There were laws, rules, regulations practices, and prejudices against women. Many were married off as children, and many were denied education, some were excluded from spiritual experiences, and others denied engaging in self-sustaining entrepreneurial acts.
Empowerment is a multi-dimensional technique that enables an individual to realize his or her full identity and powers in all spheres of life. Women empowerment is granting women the freedom to make life designations. The 21st century provides women with ample opportunities to excel in whatever field they choose to be, joining the armed forces or taking up leadership roles in administration. There has been active participation of women in all spheres.
There are many ways women can be empowered: place her as a leader and give her a decision-making role, provide more job opportunities invest in her entrepreneur ideas emotionally and financially, take actions against unpaid labor work, and mentor her professionally and personally. Government policies like the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), Self Help Group (SHG), National Credit Fund For Women (NCFW), and Women National Training Institute (WNTI) can aid in empowering women
Women empowerment is classified into social, educational, economic, psychological, and political
Social empowerment is the ability of women and girls to act individually or collectively to change social relationships. At home, for instance, women can discuss with their partners whether to use contraceptives or not. Outside homes, they build a positive connection and participate In social actions and decision-making without being restricted by gender norms.
Economic empowerment is the freedom of women to have skills and resources to improve their economic status and move out of poverty. They can decide on how to manipulate their income and other resources and or jointly make decisions.
As oxygen is essential to life, women’s education is essential for the all-around growth of a nation. Men and women both run parallel like two wheels in every society, therefore, both are the major component of growth and development. Educate a woman and educate the nation. Women’s education is essential for the bright future of the country, they are financially strong, reduce corruption, and change conditions leading to terrorism, an educated woman Is less likely to be a victim of domestic violence
Psychologically, empowered women become empowered automatically in other fields. When they are psychologically sound, they believe in themselves and get an insight into who they are, get conscious of what is desirable about their situation, what is in their reach, and how to improve themselves. Once we make women realize their capabilities, they eventually start believing in themselves and self-confidence takes up
Women can actively participate in politics without fear or favor, run for elective offices, and appointments, and take up leadership mantles.
Nevertheless, women and girls face many challenges: sexual harassment, cheating, girl child abuse, and robbery. However, violations against women are considered crimes such as rape, kidnapping, abduction, mental and psychological torture, death for dowry, wife battering trafficking, molestation, and importation of girls. Violations of women increase day by day thereby reducing their educational, political, and economical opportunities. Dowry-related violence is a serious issue affecting women and girls.
Crime against women is a social menace and a costly public health problem and can take the form of threats, verbal abuse, battering, rape, and murder.
Above all these, women have come a long way, and there are lots of achievements to celebrate about the wonderful milestone that women across the world have chalked. Across many spheres of life, women are shining. They are breaking age-old patriarchal doctrines and raiding what were traditionally considered to be male domains.
In this 21st century, concern for women’s empowerment is a burning issue in the present day. In the context of school and technology, we see constant growth. Women constitute the family which leads to the society than to the nation.
The role of women has changed in the 21st century. Today, women are leading in every field: they are leading in sports, commerce, industry, education, health, politics, the navy, etc. Women are no longer restricted to household activities but today, they have joined hands with men and work in every field: they are doctors, professors, have gone to space and created histories, they are entrepreneurs, good decision makers, and managers, besides they are good wives and mothers
Man can never be a woman’s equal in the spirit of selfless service with which nature has endowed her.
There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.
An empowering woman is an indispensable tool for advancing development and reducing poverty.
I believe the rights of women and girls are the unfinished business If the 21st century.
✍️ Rtr. Goodness Nnabugo
RotaFuto Editorial and Entertainment Team