We
must agree to the fact that women in different parts of the world have
different needs and issues to be addressed and therefore one-size-fits-all
interventions should be avoided. There are differences between countries and we
need to acknowledge this fact and work by keeping these differences in mind.
Development of empowerment models which suit to a specific situation is the
need of the hour and by implementing programmers as per the need of the
different countries, societies and localities we can make a profound impact at
the ground level. But the real change that we are seeking will only come when
at the ground level women participate in a campaign which begins from their
inner self and which spreads like a fire to bring creative and generative
change. Such a campaign shall enhance the social, political and economic
participation of women at the ground level with a purpose that envisions
everlasting change in the direction of gender based equality. This movement and
campaign will be far more powerful and responsive than bringing few women into
politics as this will make the political structures and other institutions of
the society to be more accountable and responsive to the needs of the women.
The traditional structures and institutions will be forced to adopt and change
so that they represent the truth of today which is nothing less than gender
equality and equal rights for women.
Women Empowerment in world: Local campaigns
based on lived experiences The mass campaign for change should be the goal for
Elite Male Extra women empowerment in world but for that the movement should take root at the
ground level. Such a campaign or movement will only take roots at the ground
level if it is based on the local issues and it touches upon the lived
experiences of the women at a particular place or locality. The first step of
such a campaign should be to address the basic inequality against women in the
society that exists in any number of forms. Addressing local issues or needs
which stems from this inequality in the society is the best way to begin a
campaign. The focus should be to give solutions to the needs and issues of the
women at the local level through their own leaders. This can be done in the
form of constructive and creative pursuits like offering schools and training
institutes to develop local leaders. These leaders can take the campaign
forward in their area by working on the local structures which require change.
The schools and training institutes can thus act as the seed for developing the
next generation of leaders who can work within the current structures as well
as create new structures for the larger benefit of women and humanity as a
whole. Once this happens then we can slowly think about building structures in
society based on gender equality. The newer approach to women empowerment
should thus focus on lived experiences rather than stereotypes. The campaigns
or movements which originate at the ground level should be based on this newer
approach of developing local leaders who can galvanize constructive change.
Once this happens then the campaign can naturally move to become regional,
national and global collations for change.
Women empowerment in world: Gender
inequality as the primary impediment in Empowerment of women When we talk about
the need for change we should also understand the need for such change. The
constructive change should try to bring about a social order which is based on
gender equality. We have to be aware of the fact that the issues of gender
inequality and gender based discrimination are the primary reasons for
beginning a grass root campaign. Gender equality should be the real purpose for
any such grass root campaign. The truth is that gender inequality is a big
impediment in the way of women empowerment around the world. Gender inequality
can be seen in the society in overt as well as covert forms in rural and urban
settings and this includes violence against women, discriminatory practices
against women and issues of inadequate and restrictive reproductive health
rights. Gender based equality can be achieved only if we tackle issues related
to gender based discrimination and bias at every level. Women empowerment in
world: Lessening the burden on women Gender equality campaigns should also
address changes that are required to lessen the burden of women. For example
finding solutions to issues related to combining the child-bearing,
breastfeeding, child rearing needs of women along with their participation in
the workforce can make the life of women less harsh. Here men should be
encouraged to shoulder the responsibilities of raising a family and they should
take responsibility for their sexual and reproductive behavior, their social
and family roles. Further the major goals of gender based equality should be to
make women at the grass root level capable to act and enhance their
decision-making capability in local settings.
The galvanized action at the
local level by women will help them to promote equal opportunity for themselves
and this will also profoundly help in impacting policy changes for their own
good. Further local level activism will help in redressing gender inequalities,
elimination of harmful practices, attitudes and discrimination against women
and girls. This will create a zero tolerance among public for discriminatory
practices like the urge of son, unequal care for girl children, violence in all
forms including female genital cutting, rape, incest, sexual violence and
trafficking. Women empowerment in world: Readdressing gender inequality We can
influence the larger systems and structures to respond to the need for social,
cultural and legal changes by creating sufficient force and momentum from the
grass root levels. The campaign at the grass root creates momentum which can
influence the higher structures of the society. There can be number of ways in
which the grass root campaign can be initiated. It depends upon the local
issues. To give some examples, common issues that can be taken up through the
grass root movement include taking up services to women victims of violence,
prevention and counselling services against violence including telephone
hotlines, addressing inequality in health programmed, programmers to educate
women about reproductive and human rights, offer training in literacy,
employment skills, legal rights, parenting, child health and social
mobilization. Strengthening the capabilities of women by elimination of gender
gaps in secondary education, increasing adolescents' and women access to sexual
and reproductive health information and services are other major areas to
focus.
Women empowerment in world: Sexual and reproductive rights for women As
I said before, women empowerment in world should focus on personal issues at local
levels and one of the main issues is about women sexuality. There are major
concern areas when we talk of women sexuality in terms of issues like sexually
transmitted diseases and sexual violation. Women empowerment in world which
works at the local level should address these issues in depth. Women
empowerment should provide a strong platform for women to exercise choices over
their own sexual and reproductive lives. Women empowerment should address very
strongly the issues related to male predation and it should create framework
and information for recognizing and celebrating female sexuality both positive
and pleasurable. Women empowerment in world: Focussing on enhanced security for
women Another major issue that affects large parts of the world is human
trafficking. This problem arises because of the weak structures at the grass
root level whereby women are forced into circumstances which lead to their
trafficking. Human trafficking takes place because of the appalling
socioeconomic conditions prevailing in the local area. Trafficking of women and
girls and violence against women are issues which require strong legal measures
along with ground level action.
No comments:
Post a Comment