WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND RIGHTS
Analyn A. Caballero
Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai famously quoted “I raise up my voice— not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”, and that sentiment precisely outlines the basis of new age women empowerment. Discrimination against women is rampant all over the world even in this 21st century. Patriarchal societies in most countries are adept at exploitation as well as victimization of women. Even though about 50% of the world’s population consists of women, but unfortunately most of them are denied basic rights education, freedom of speech, voting power and even independent identity. Crimes directed specifically against women are reported from all over the world. There still remain questions about acceptance of women empowerment in the most advanced of countries, while developing nations and nations under political duress are far from achieving the desired status.
From the time of the women's movement, women have proven to society that they are just as capable and qualify for the same roles that men perform. Since they have been given more educational opportunities, they have also proven that they are just as competent by accomplishing the same educational level as men. They also proved that they are capable of performing the same kinds of work that men have traditionally done. They have forced society to modify job titles (formally known to be only men jobs) to acknowledge the women who have gone into these fields: from fireman to firefighter; mailman to mail deliverer; policeman to police officer; and etc. Due to these new opportunities that have been made possible to women, more and more of them are joining the workforce each year. According to America Today, about 55% of the people who enter the workforce each year are female. At this rate, women will eventually dominate the work force; thus, dominating the economic system. Gaining this financial independent will allow women to surpass in other areas of society, which is also give them more political influence.
Women no longer need men to rely on. They need support and society with right senses can only provide women with it. Nothing is beatable for a woman. All she needs is support and lots of love.
I believe a woman is a most powerful creature in this living earth. Not only she compromises her family, but in the time of need, she tends to have such energy to make things go in a right way whether the cost to it is they themselves! The aim of women empowerment is providing strength to them.
In conclusion, I believe if we want to bring about women empowerment in the true sense, there is a dire need for the elimination of the male superiority and patriarchal mindset.