By Koneru Lakshman Havish
How can our society and humanity grow if half its population is not included? Do you think it can be developed and sustained? The answer is no! This is not a hypothesis but a bitter truth. According to Research, women under the age of 40 are more likely financially impoverished than men under the age of 40. According to available research data conducted in 89 countries by the UN, 4.4 million more women than men live on less than US$1.90 per day. The crucial step towards bolstering women’s empowerment is education. In this article, we will overview the role of education in empowering women.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes and Norms
Education challenges gender stereotypes and norms in the society. An educational system that is based on inclusivity and rejects bias is crucial in the development of a society that also fosters the holistic development of girls and women. By creating a gender-sensitive curriculum and promoting inclusive teaching practices, education can overcome gender bias and provide equal opportunities for girls and boys. It enables girls to challenge stereotypical norms, follow diverse career paths, and participate in decision-making.
Equal Access to Quality Education
Mitigating unequal access to quality education for women is a crucial step towards empowering them. Barriers like poverty, discrimination, cultural practices and lack of adequate infrastructure significantly affect girl’s education. Removing obstacles and prioritizing girls’ education help them acquire the right skills and knowledge that support them to achieve greater personal and professional growth. Women’s empowerment provides long-lasting benefits not only for women but also for the betterment of society. It is observed that women’s empowerment works as a catalyst for productivity and economic growth. Therefore, ensuring equal access to quality education is the first step toward a sustainable future.
Financial Independence
Education enables women to acquire skills and knowledge that allow them to enter the workforce, earn income and achieve financial independence. Education empowers women to expand their employment opportunities, enhance their earning potential, and reduce the gender wage gap. It is through education that equality in the workforce is fostered. By learning advanced professional education, women are becoming new leaders of the future. Today, with the proper education, women are charting new paths in business. There is a sharp rise in women’s entrepreneurship. When women are economically empowered, they make sound financial decisions that benefit families and communities alike.
Leadership Development
Education empowers women to bolster their leadership skills, self-confidence and critical thinking abilities. Education harnesses the future women leaders. Today, women play vital roles in decision-making, problem-solving, and strategy development. Education encourages women to engage in politics, advocate for their rights, and participate in policy development. Empowered women bring diverse perspectives and priorities, leading to more inclusive and equitable solutions. Education is a crucial milestone in women’s empowerment as it helps them face challenges, confront their traditional roles and turn their lives around. To develop urbanization, we need more women in decision-making roles; therefore, education plays a pivotal role.
Education plays a vital role in bolstering women’s empowerment. It helps women to gain knowledge and learn new skills. It enables women to participate in the decision-making process of critical thinking and, thereby, offering a diverse perspective and equitable solutions. Empowering women is essential for the economic growth and betterment of the society. Education breaks stereotypical roles and gender norms, offering inclusivity and breaking barriers like societal bias. It is pivotal that equal access to quality education opportunities must be available to both girls and boys. Education is the first step towards women’s empowerment.
(The author is Koneru Lakshman Havish, Vice President, KL Deemed to be University, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
