Woman empowerment is not just about the ability to make decisions and act independently, it also means a strong sense of self-worth. It is important to empower women because they play a crucial role in the development of society.
Several studies have found that women’s empowerment differs depending on the measure used, sociopolitical environment, and setting studied. For example, studies have found that women in urban areas are more empowered than those in rural areas.
They’re strong and courageous
A woman who feels empowered knows she has the power to create good in her life. She loves to give back and will be the first one to support a friend going through a tough time. She also believes she has more than enough to go around.
Women are socialized to prioritize other people’s needs above their own, which can limit their own courage. One way to activate personal courage is by taking a risk and doing something that’s outside of your comfort zone.
For example, asking for a raise is a brave act. Especially when women are still paid only 61 cents, Native American women 58 cents and Latinas 53 cents for every dollar earned by white men.
They’re wise and smart
A woman is empowered when she has the knowledge and ability to make her own decisions. She has the confidence to step into any dream or goal she desires for herself and has the capability of overcoming obstacles with her strong will.
An empowered woman understands that she isn’t the only one in her situation, so she often seeks advice from others. However, she also makes decisions based on her intuition and trusts that it will lead to good things.
She loves herself, including her flaws and weaknesses. She is not afraid to be vulnerable with other people, showing her true personality and letting them see who she really is.
Whether she is in the office or at home, she gives back to other women by helping them be their best self too. This can be as simple as writing a note of thanks to her teacher or picking up coffee for a new mom at work.
They’re not afraid of showing their emotions
Women around the world face many challenges, including inequality in pay and access to opportunities and decision-making power. This inequality affects their families, villages, and businesses. But these women are not helpless, and they can take action.
Women’s empowerment can also mean empowering themselves by focusing on their own health and well-being. It can also involve supporting other women and girls to reach their potential. Empowered women are not afraid to show their emotions, even if they might be embarrassed or uncomfortable. They know that being honest with themselves makes them stronger.
The best way to empower women is to make sure they’re heard. Leadership teams, conference lineups and speaking roles still largely prioritize men and male voices. If you are given access to these spaces, consider signal-boosting other women by letting them speak or inviting them to meetings. You can even do this by giving them credit when they have a great idea. This is an effective and simple way to make a difference.
They’re secure with who they are
Whether they aren’t the best or even the only one in the room, empowered women know that they are enough. They have a precise idea of their purpose and they don’t stop until they reach it. Moreover, they are secure with who they are and don’t allow anything or anyone to change that.
Increasing women’s economic empowerment and political participation is critical to achieving global development goals and gender equality. Empowered women can contribute to stronger economies, increase the productivity of their families and communities, and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Women’s empowerment is a complex interplay of innate characteristics and local social norms. This dynamic is crucial for understanding the true meaning of woman empower as a multidimensional, relational phenomenon. In daily realities, community judgment of individuals’ alignment with local gender norms determines their empowerment outcomes.