Call to Action for Equality: The Power of Women’s Empowerment

What if we empower the full potential of women, not just as individuals but as drivers of economic growth? The answer lies in empowering them. One of the most paramount and predominant issues of the 21st century is the EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN. Women’s access to resources and capacity to make smart and sound decisions. It is the process of improving the status of women in society on the economic, social, political and cultural areas. The gender gaps report 2025 states that only 61% of prime working-age women participate in the labor force compared to the 91% of prime working age men. The report also highlights the fact that over 340 million women and girls are projected to live in extreme poverty by 2030.

According to the Statistics.com, despite women making up nearly half of the world’s population, the global gender ratio stands at 101.07 males per 100 females.
Across diverse religions and faiths, the philosophy of women empowerment shares a common thread: promoting independent, respected and empowered women. Despite differences in beliefs, various spiritual traditions advocate for women’s dignity and autonomy, fostering a global culture of equality and respect. Each individual has autonomy to make their own choices, exercising their freedom of will. Allah SWT in holy Quran says that the origin of man and women is same (AlQuran 4:1). In Hindu philosophy, men and women are considered equal and of the same essence, embodying the same principle of Ardhanarishvara, where shiva (male)and Shakti (female) unite to represent the cosmic balance and the harmony between the masculine and feminine energies. It highlights the importance of balance, equality and interdependence between the male and female principles in Hindu thought.

Christians believe that both genders should have equal opportunities to pursue their skills and talents and that both genders should be able to work if they choose to. This was the connotation that different religions had regarding the status of males and females in the world. Talking about the economic sphere and financial independence Like, Islam provides a strong foundation for women’s financial independence, with the Quran emphasizing their right to own and manage property
while as the Hindu philosophy has evolved over time with some women holding and sharing significant economic power and influence throughout the history.

Therefore, most religions encourage the women folk as well to have financial freedom. Between, different religions have varying views on financial freedoms for females, they share common themes that promote women’s economic empowerment. Women should be given skills, choices and chances to pursue their dreams just like we provide opportunities to boys. We need to empower women with skills to help them move forward. When women are educated, they will become confident and capable. In order, to achieve this we must eliminate societal biases and value women’s voices, encouraging them to come forward and participate.

A research article titled as Women’s Empowerment in India: Rational and Present State by Dhyana Dipta Panda (2017) reflects that despite progress, women in India still face challenges including gender-based violence, economic inequality and limited access to healthcare and education. The patriarchal norms and societal expectations continue to restrict women’s freedom and opportunities example,

Despite the Women Reservation Bill, 2023 being passed by both look Sabha and Rajya Sabha and receiving the presidential assent from the President Draupadi Murmu on September 28, 2023, the bill remains unimplemented. This highlights the deep-rooted stereotypes and patriarchal norms in Indian society, which hinders the progress of women’s empowerment. The bills stagnation reflects the challenges women face in achieving equal representation in politics and decision-making position. The Women’s Reservation Bill also known as Constitution’s 106th Amendment Act 2023 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on September 19, 2023. The bill aims to reserve 33% of the seats in the look Sabha, state legislative assemblies and the legislative assembly of the national capital of Delhi for women.

In order, to equalize our society, women empowerment must be advanced quickly. In order to equalize the value of both the prides in our society, women empowerment must advance quickly. Some of the recent surveys state that only 87 countries have ever had a female head of the state. Women folk only hold
26% of the parliamentary seats worldwide.

Every woman must be informed and aware about her own rights in order to truly achieve the empowerment. As Swami Vivekananda says that there is no chance of the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly only on one wing. Therefore, there are various ways through which women empowerment can be incorporated. They are:

By empowering women, we empower the communities and by empowering the communities, we create a ripple effect of positive change that resonates far and wide. However, in order to achieve women empowerment, it is essential to recognize that women are equal to men. Women often face limited opportunities to venture outside their homes. Government intervention can be instrumental in bringing this gap by implementing policies that provide women with access to free education or higher education at minimal costs, skill development courses and financial support for entrepreneurship.

Specifically, initiatives that enable women to establish micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the comfort of their homes can be particularly effective. This can include support for home-based services, food production and other entrepreneurial ventures that leverage women’s skills and interests. As we strive for a brighter future, let us continue to uplift and empower women, recognizing their strength, resilience and potential to shape a better world. However, such initiatives certainly require a complete shift in the societal attitudes and behavior towards women.

Ultimately, empowering women requires a holistic approach that encompasses not only economic empowerment but also social and emotional empowerment. Therefore, let us continue to champion women’s rights, support their endeavors and celebrate their achievements, for in doing so, we build a stronger, more just society for all.

Author is pursuing PG in Political Science, School of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir. She can be mailed at afreenmanzoor121@gmail.com