A Call to Action for Equality: The Power of Women’s Empowerment.
Opinion by| Afreen Manzoor
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” Margaret Thatcher This quote captures the essence of women’s capabilities and the urgency of empowering them—not just as individuals, but as catalysts for economic growth. In the 21st century, one of the most paramount and pressing issues is the empowerment of women. This involves enhancing their access to resources and enabling them to make informed and independent decisions. Women’s empowerment is the process of improving their status across economic, social, political, and cultural spheres.
According to the Gender Gaps Report 2025, only 61% of women of prime working age participate in the labor force, compared to 91% of men. Alarmingly, it is projected that over 340 million women and girls will live in extreme poverty by 2030. Despite constituting nearly half of the global population, women still face substantial inequalities. Statistics show that the global gender ratio stands at 101.07 males for every 100 females, reflecting ongoing disparities that transcend demographics.
Across religious traditions and spiritual philosophies, the core values of women’s empowerment are echoed. Most religions, despite their differences, advocate for women’s dignity, autonomy, and financial independence. In Islam, for example, the Quran highlights the equal origin of man and woman (Al-Quran 4:1) and upholds women’s rights to own and manage property. Hindu philosophy venerates the cosmic balance of male and female through the principle of Ardhanarishvara—Shiva and Shakti united, symbolizing equality and interdependence. Christianity emphasizes that both men and women should have equal opportunities to pursue their talents and careers. These shared beliefs across faiths highlight a universal aspiration for gender equality and respect.
In the economic domain, religions generally support women’s financial independence. From Islamic principles that stress women’s ownership rights, to evolving Hindu practices that acknowledge women’s historical economic roles, there is a clear endorsement of financial freedom for women. While the level of implementation varies, the shared objective remains the same: empowering women to lead financially independent lives.
True empowerment begins by equipping women with skills, opportunities, and choices equal to those provided to men. When women are educated and trained, they become confident, self-sufficient, and capable of driving meaningful change. However, for such empowerment to be realized, deep-rooted societal biases must be addressed. Women’s voices need to be heard and valued, and they must be encouraged to participate actively in all spheres of life.
Research such as Dhyana Dipta Panda’s “Women’s Empowerment in India: Rational and Present State” (2017) illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by women in India, including gender-based violence, economic inequality, and inadequate access to healthcare and education. Despite legislative advancements like the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023—which reserves 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women—the bill remains unimplemented. This delay reflects persistent patriarchal norms and the reluctance to cede space to women in politics and leadership.
Globally, women’s representation in leadership remains limited. Only 87 countries have ever had a female head of state, and women hold just 26% of parliamentary seats worldwide. For true progress, every woman must be aware of her rights and empowered to claim them. As Swami Vivekananda wisely noted, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing.”
Several effective methods exist to promote women’s empowerment. Microfinance and savings cooperatives provide women with financial access, allowing them to invest and receive micro-loans. Job skill training in areas like beekeeping, mushroom farming, and tailoring can enable women to start their own businesses. Safe spaces for women to learn, share, and discuss gender equality further support their emotional and intellectual growth.
Empowering women leads to empowered communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Government intervention can accelerate this process through policies that provide free or affordable education, skill development programs, and financial aid for women entrepreneurs. Encouraging the establishment of home-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can help women balance family and career while contributing economically.
However, for these initiatives to succeed, a societal shift in attitude and behavior is essential. Women must be recognized as equals—not just in law, but in practice and perception. Empowerment must be holistic, encompassing not only economic but also social and emotional dimensions. As we move forward, we must continue to champion women’s rights, support their ambitions, and celebrate their achievements. Only then can we build a truly inclusive, just, and resilient society for all.
Author:AFREEN MANZOOR. E-mail: afreenmanzoor121@gmail.com . A student pursuing PG in Political Science, School of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir .
