Worldwide nearly two-thirds of the illiterate are female. More than 60% of people entrenched in extreme poverty are female. These grim statistics are a stark reminder that even in the 21st century, women still have a long battle before they can achieve gender equality.
Before we can promote female empowerment, we must understand gender equality. On the surface, gender equality seems quite simple. It means having equal rights and opportunities for all genders. However, it is a rather complex issue when examined in detail.
Gender inequality is a pervasive issue and is deeply rooted in societies globally. This imbalance between genders affects almost every aspect of women’s social, economic, and political lives. According to a report by the United Nations, in 18 countries, men have the legal right to prevent their wives from participating in the workforce. Similarly, in nearly 40 countries, male children have greater inheritance rights than their female counterparts. A further 50 countries don’t have any laws to protect their female citizens from domestic abuse.
Female empowerment is critical for it is a fundamental human right that is essential for building a peaceful and prosperous world. Society must ensure women have equal access to quality education and healthcare, well-paying employment opportunities, political representation, and economic decision-making powers. These are critical to achieving equality.
As more women gain a quality education with specialized skills, they will create a bright future filled with opportunities for their daughters. This translates to a significant increase in household incomes, lower mortality rates, and an increase in enrolment rates in colleges and universities. The ultimate objective is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through the empowerment of women.
Empowering women entails equipping them with the right tools to exercise control over their lives. Education can provide women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the intricacies of society. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, boosting girls’ education can facilitate the fight against poverty and disease. Each year a girl spends in secondary education, her income potential rises by 25%.
In addition to providing them with educational opportunities, imparting women with vocational skills is essential. In the 21st century, Information Technology literacy is an excellent resource to equip women with valuable skills they could apply to earn a good livelihood for their families.
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if women were the leaders? If this question has piqued your interest, you might want to delve into G Michael Smith’s The Prison of Power: A Man-Made Tale. It’s a work of fiction that takes you on a journey through a world where a reversal of gender roles sees women put in leadership positions. You can purchase a copy of this sensational tale on Amazon and explore the possibilities and the pitfalls.