Breaking Chains: Shifting from Symbolism to Substantial Empowerment for Women

Last week marked the beginning of International Women’s month, a time when we reflect on the incredible contributions of women globally. As we delve into this observance, it’s crucial to confront the stark realities that persist for women worldwide.

It’s incredible to see that despite women constituting 60% of the workforce generating revenue and wealth, and being responsible for 50% of food production, they earn only 10% of the world’s income and possess a mere 1% of the land. These statistics show the urgent need for substantive change beyond the confines of a designated month,a week or day of recognition.

What women truly need is not just a symbolic acknowledgment but tangible empowerment. This empowerment shows in the ability to send their daughters to school, own bank accounts, and assert control over their bodies. Yet, in many societies, women are constantly told how they should behave, dress, and express themselves. Messages like “be nice, be agreeable, be gentle, don’t speak until spoken to” perpetuate a cycle of subservience that they must later contradict in real life and work. The disparity in pay, as exemplified by women in many parts of the world carrying heavy loads in the back and a child in their arms, while earning half of what men do, is a glaring injustice that cannot be ignored.

My own personal story of gender equality with my grandmothers married off as children and mothers denied education beyond elementary school are always on my mind. Even in times of crisis, such as during disease outbreaks, women bear a disproportionate burden due to their roles as primary caregivers. We saw this during the Ebola crisis, AIDS, and Covid.

While discussions during International Women’s Week shed light on these issues, they often lack the sustained action needed to effect real change. Women do not need microfinancing; they need macro financing and the removal of so many cultural, religious, and legal barriers denying them basic rights. Rights to their voices, to their bodies, their children, their income, inheritance, education, and so much more.

We must realize that the fight for gender equality is not just about celebrating progress but acknowledging the systemic barriers that continue to marginalize women. In an age of technological advancement, it is disheartening that gender inequality remains entrenched in our societal structures.

As we move forward, grappling with issues ranging from cybercrime to human trafficking, we cannot afford to leave women behind. The prevalence of trafficking, particularly affecting women and children, underscores the critical need for comprehensive solutions as today over 80% of those trafficked are women and 50% are girls. In conflicts and crises worldwide, women and children often bear the brunt of the suffering, underscoring the urgency of addressing gender-based violence and inequality.

Disparities in access to education and healthcare continue, exacerbated by factors such as poverty and cultural norms. While advancements like remote healthcare and education offer hope, they remain out of reach for many marginalized women and girls.

It’s time to move beyond mere celebration to meaningful action, ensuring that women are included in all aspects of society, from politics to economics.

As we stand on the brink of technological singularity, almost human evolution, it’s critical that our societal norms evolve past the true Stone Age to reflect the principles of equality and inclusivity.

We have to break free from the constraints of the past and find a way for a future where women all over are truly empowered to thrive.