Women: Why, What and How???

Women have long been the subject of discussion and debate. Women are an essential component of society and are vital in determining how the world will develop in the future. In this article, we'll discuss why women are valuable, what difficulties they confront, and how we can support and empower them.

Why are women important?

Women are indeed often considered the primary caregivers of children and elders in many societies worldwide. This role of caregiver is a critical one, and studies have shown that when there is a change in a society's economy or political organization, women are often the ones who step up to help their families adjust to the new realities and challenges. Furthermore, women often play a crucial role in initiating outside assistance to their families during times of need. They are adept at navigating complex systems and finding resources that can help their loved ones thrive. This may involve seeking out educational opportunities, accessing healthcare services, or finding ways to supplement the family's income.

The role of women in facilitating a society's transition from pre-literate to literate cannot be ignored, as they have made significant contributions towards achieving basic education, which is crucial for sustainable development. Studies have revealed that education can enhance agricultural productivity, improve the status of women and girls, decrease population growth rates, promote environmental conservation, and ultimately elevate living standards. Mothers, in particular, play a vital role in encouraging their children, regardless of gender, to pursue education and remain in school. Women are at the forefront of bringing about positive changes that lead to long-term capacity building for families and communities.

Today, the median female share of the global workforce stands at an impressive 45.4%. This increase in women's participation in the formal and informal labor force has had a transformative impact on communities across the globe. In many rural developing communities, women's small businesses have emerged as a vital lifeline for extended families and formed the foundation of a networked economy that can benefit future generations. Despite facing significant obstacles such as discrimination, limited access to education and financial resources, and cultural barriers, women have demonstrated remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in creating and sustaining businesses. By providing employment opportunities and generating income, women-led enterprises not only benefit individual households but also contribute to the broader economic growth of their communities.

What challenges do women face?

Gender discrimination continues to pose a significant challenge for women, limiting their opportunities and affecting their quality of life. This pervasive form of discrimination can manifest in various areas, including education, employment, and social status. For example, in some cultures, girls are completely prohibited from attending school, which significantly impedes their chances of acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to improve their lives. Even in societies where girls have access to education, they may still face discrimination in the classroom, such as being discouraged from pursuing certain subjects or being subjected to gender-based bullying, which can undermine their confidence and impede their academic progress.

In addition to the challenges of gender discrimination, women also face significant health issues that are specific to their gender. Reproductive health issues, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can significantly impact women's physical and mental health. For example, menstrual-related conditions, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), affect millions of women globally, causing pain, discomfort, and fertility issues. Pregnancy-related complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, can also have severe consequences for women's health and the health of their infants. Additionally, menopause, which marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia.

On top of that, lack of representation is another significant challenge that women face. Women are often underrepresented in leadership roles, politics, and other areas of society, which can limit their ability to influence decisions that affect their lives and those around them. This underrepresentation can be particularly acute for women of color, Indigenous women, and women from other marginalized communities who face intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion. The lack of representation can have significant consequences, including perpetuating the idea that women are not as capable or deserving of these positions as men. This can create a self-perpetuating cycle where women do not see themselves represented in leadership roles or other areas of society and therefore do not aspire to these positions or receive the necessary support and opportunities to pursue them. This, in turn, can further perpetuate the underrepresentation of women and limit their ability to influence decision-making processes and shape the future of their communities and countries.

How can we support and empower women?

Promoting equal access to education is not only a way to support and empower women but also a crucial step towards achieving gender equality. Education is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of women and girls, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to break free from poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. Moreover, education can help women become leaders in their communities, driving change and progress towards gender equality. By promoting females’ education, we can break the cycle of poverty and ensure that future generations of women have the same opportunities as men. However, ensuring equal access to education is not always straightforward, particularly in developing countries where poverty and cultural barriers may prevent girls from attending school. As a society, we must work towards breaking down these barriers and providing girls with the resources and support needed to access education.

Advocating for equal pay and fair working conditions is crucial for supporting and empowering women in the workplace. The gender pay gap not only affects women's financial stability but also has broader implications for society as a whole. When women are paid less than men, it perpetuates gender inequality and reinforces harmful stereotypes that women are less valuable than men. Therefore, it is essential to address the root causes of the gender pay gap, such as discrimination, bias, and unequal opportunities for professional development and advancement. Employers must ensure that women are paid fairly for the same work as men and provided with equal opportunities for career growth and advancement. Additionally, promoting flexible working arrangements and parental leave policies can also help support women in the workplace. Many women are forced to choose between their careers and family responsibilities, which can limit their opportunities for professional development and advancement. By promoting flexible working arrangements and parental leave policies, employers can support women in balancing their work and family responsibilities and help them succeed in their careers.

Besides, addressing gender-based violence and discrimination is a critical aspect of empowering women. Violence and harassment against women remain pervasive and have far-reaching implications for women's physical and mental health, their ability to participate fully in society, and their economic empowerment. To create safe spaces for women, we must address the root causes of gender-based violence and discrimination, including harmful gender stereotypes, patriarchal social structures, and discriminatory laws and policies. We must work to dismantle these structures and create a culture that values and respects women's rights and dignity. Moreover, we must provide support and resources for women who have experienced violence or harassment. This includes access to safe and confidential spaces, legal and medical assistance, and counselling services. We must also work towards creating a justice system that is responsive to the needs of women and holds perpetrators accountable for their actions.

To sum up, supporting and empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also provide economical gains. Studies have also shown that gender equality is associated with higher economic growth, reduced poverty, and improved overall well-being for individuals and communities. In short, we must prioritize efforts to support and empower women by addressing the various challenges they face, promoting gender equality and inclusivity, and creating opportunities for women to thrive. By doing so, we can build a more just and prosperous world for all.

Written by,

Xiao You

The Fonz