5 ways women can be empowered

AS we commemorate Women’s Month, the phrase ‘women empowerment’ will be echoed across social media and at events. But what does it truly mean?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, empowerment is defined as ‘authority or power given to someone to do something’.

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Even with ‘authority’, women still earn less than men, despite constitutional commitments to equality in the workplace.

So how can women be truly empowered?

1. Education is an essential key to freedom; providing equal opportunities equips women with the skills to succeed and creates a platform for financial independence.

2. Challenging and overcoming gender stereotypes is crucial because these stereotypes have hindered the progress of womanhood. Women have long been regarded as weak or secondary to their male counterparts.

3. Increased access to resources, including tender and farming opportunities, is essential. Despite progress in business, women are often overlooked for new financial opportunities.

4. Women are seen as capable of managing households but not intelligent enough to become presidents. There is a saying that goes: ‘give a woman little and she will multiply it’. However, in politics or management roles, women are viewed as fragile and incapable of handling pressure.

5. Although women’s rights have advanced significantly, many are calling for more action—to amend policies and legislation that protect and uphold their dignity.

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