Two E's are the Key Elements of 'Empowering' Women

[Bhabatosh Nath]

In the countries like in South-Asia, 'Education' and 'Economy' are the two vehicles with which a woman can attain 'Empowerment' in her family and in the society as well.

Here 'Education' does not mean only 'Formal' education. It is informal, life-skill-oriented education. In our country many women are totally illiterate, but can we imagine how do they 'manage' their own family with so many members in a family? Do we (both men and women) recognize their creativity? There are so many potential women in rural and urban slum areas...how many of us know about them or do we have any data/ information on their creativity? It has been proved by many development organizations that if these women would have any opportunity to participate in any orientation/ training/ learning session, they could spontaneously show their potentiality and explore them in that way. So, 'Education' to the women is the first step to build the 'Platform'.

Secondly (and importantly), engaging women in Economic development activities and ensuring 'self-employment' of the women will lead them to become 'self-confident'. It is proved that when the women have cash money in their hand, they are able to raise their voice, they can argue against ill-motives, they can participate in family decision-making process, overall, they can lead the family alongside with men. The society recognize women's role and their creativity once the women prove themselves as 'self-managed' persons, and thus they become 'Empowered'.

So, when it is possible to interweave two E's at a time for a woman, Women's Empowerment will surely be achieved. Primary healthcare and hygiene, family planning, children's education, human rights, environment etc. will obviously be in place. There would be no need of taking gigantic projects on these interventions.

[Pramod Sharma]

Thanks for a very good thought! I agree with your assessment. Now we also need to think which E is more important. Can we suggest to start quiz like koun banega karorpati weekly for  girl students/ villager women. so that they attract towards education and also earn money.