Women empowerment is a multifaceted concept that includes granting women the freedom and power to make their own choices. It also breaks down societal and economic barriers that have historically restricted their opportunities.
Empowered women become fierce advocates for social change, paving the way for a more equitable world. They mentor future generations and shatter limiting beliefs, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
Self-Esteem
A healthy self-esteem includes feelings of worth and value. Practicing self-compassion (treating yourself as you would a friend) and replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can help. Women who have a healthy self-esteem are able to set and achieve goals with confidence.
Societal expectations can have a large impact on a woman’s self-esteem, especially when she feels pressure to be nurturing and look a certain way. Therapy can help women identify and navigate these expectations, creating a strong sense of identity that is untied to societal norms.
Developing a support system of family, friends, and mentors can also help women feel empowered. Incorporating mindfulness practices, like gratitude exercises and meditation, can lower anxiety and encourage a more positive outlook on life. A therapist can offer a safe and supportive environment to explore mental health issues that may be contributing to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem.
Self-Confidence
Women who have self-confidence are able to face challenges with positivity and strength. They are able to make informed decisions and take charge of their lives, regardless of societal obstacles.
They are able to communicate assertively and pursue professional growth. They are also able to build strong relationships and support others.
Confidence can help women overcome fear in specific situations, for example, overcoming stage fright when giving a presentation. However, the development of confidence in young women is more than just a matter of building up positive self-esteem.
It involves addressing the deeper issues that erode confidence, such as the pervasive culture of ‘beauty ideals’ that encourages girls to compare themselves to unachievable standards. This is a crucial part of the process for empowering women, and requires 24/7 vigilance and labour.
Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is an essential part of learning how to be your best self. It requires a high level of motivation and the dedication to stay on track. Learning to be more disciplined takes time, but the payoff is worth it.
Women’s empowerment has been a key objective in development discourse for years (Richardson 2018). But developing accurate measures of ‘true empowerment’ remains elusive, especially when it comes to measuring subjective interests against an objective expert-driven global agenda for change.
Using a measure of self-efficacy to assess empowerment works against this problem. Typically, this question asks respondents how confident they are that they can control an objective behaviour such as wearing condoms. However, this approach conflates forward- and backward-looking notions of freedom. This means that a medically trained woman who gives up her career to please an abusive partner might be scored as disempowered.
Self-Reliance
Self-reliance is a crucial trait for women to develop, as it helps them feel secure and independent. It allows them to break free from societal constraints and pursue their goals with confidence.
Self-reliant women don’t need to rely on others for emotional and financial support. This makes them more likely to be able to pursue their dreams, challenge traditional gender roles, and take on leadership roles.
Self-reliance can be nurtured through practice and experience. A great way to build this trait is by focusing on what you can control and trying new things. By achieving small goals, you can build a sense of mastery and confidence in yourself. For example, Sara is a single mom who has learned to be self-reliant by cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her own health.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to recognize your strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge can help you develop strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Self-awareness also helps you set realistic and achievable goals for yourself.
Empowerment is a continuous journey that requires a commitment to growth and learning. Personal development can help you build confidence, gain financial independence, and cultivate resilience. It can also help you identify and challenge limiting beliefs.
Women who are empowered believe in themselves and are willing to take risks. They prioritize their well-being and actively seek feedback. They are resilient and view adversity as a chance to learn and grow. They also practice mindful practices and engage in regular reflection. Examples of empowered women include Brene Brown, Indra Nooyi, and Malala Yousafzai.