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Shaivya argues that empowering women is crucial for accelerating economic and social progress, as it goes beyond mere equality and offers strategic benefits, exclusively for Different Truths.
The world is waking up to the power of women, driving economic and social progress. Investing in women is not about equality; it is a strategic imperative with far-reaching benefits. As societies and businesses tap into the potential of the contribution of women, an initiative to support women is gaining momentum around the globe. This article explores why investing in women is a recipe for faster progress.
Boosting Women, Boosting Economies
Investing in women’s economic development creates a ripple effect of benefits for communities and nations and unlocks powerful potential. Studies have continuously shown that when women have access to resources such as education and employment opportunities, they contribute significantly to the economic growth of society. When women are economically secure, they gain greater political and social influence, creating an equitable environment that goes beyond immediate economic benefits.
When women have their income, they contribute directly to their families’ well-being, stimulating the local economy. Women are natural entrepreneurs, therefore, investing in their businesses may foster innovation and diversification in the market. Women are symbols of care and nurture; they prioritize their children’s education and health over everything. When they are economically empowered, they can invest in their families, leading to a more skilled and healthier future workforce. Also, by bridging the gender gap in the workforce, the wage gap between the genders is naturally narrowed, creating an efficient allocation of talent in various sectors.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Investing in women-led startups and businesses is not just promoting diversity, it is unlocking a treasure trove of fresh ideas and approaches. They bring lived experiences and unique perspectives to the table. Their point of view leads to a solution that a traditional thinker might miss. Usually, women are underrepresented in leadership roles and technological fields. Supporting women-led ventures can lead to groundbreaking advancements in fields like healthcare, technology, and education. Fostering a women-led business network creates a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration and knowledge exchange, leading to cutting-edge solutions for economic development with a global impact. Supporting women entrepreneurs is about fueling the engine of innovation for a sustainable future.
Education and Skill Development
Investment in education and skill development builds the very foundation for a thriving society. Empowered minds create empowered societies. When girls and women have equal access to education, they gain the knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills required to contribute meaningfully to their society. It encourages women to pursue their career aspirations and enter skilled professions, which leads to a more productive and innovative workforce, boosting the economic capability of society and paving the way for progress in various sectors. It is an investment in the future, that reaps benefits for generations to come.
Health and Well-being
When women are healthy and supported, societies thrive; the benefits ripple out, creating a healthier and more vibrant place for everyone. Investing in women’s health programs, family planning, and maternal care is a strategic investment not only for the women but also for the well-being of the entire community. Healthy women; both physically and mentally, are the cornerstone of a strong family. Prioritizing women’s health through access to affordable healthcare, preventive care, and early detection programs can ensure a healthier population in the long run.
Access to family planning services empowers women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, leading to healthier families. When women have control over their fertility, they can invest more in their education, careers, and children’s future. A healthy mother is better equipped to participate in economic activities and support their family in caring for her child, leading to improved child development. Investing in women’s health helps build a stronger and more resilient society.
Breaking Stereotypes and Cultural Barriers
Investing in women is a powerful tool to shatter stereotypes and cultural barriers holding women back. When a woman is encouraged to choose and pursue a career in a traditionally male-dominated society, such as science and technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), it challenges the status quo. It dispels the notion that certain roles are gender-specific, creating opportunities for female leadership and innovation. When young girls see women excel in diverse roles; it breaks down age-old and limited beliefs and inspires the future generation to pursue their dreams regardless of the gender stereotype.
Conclusion
Investing in a woman is a catalyst for social change. As more women enter the traditional patriarchal fields and achieve success, societal norms begin to shift. Investing in women is not individual empowerment; it is unlocking a world of potential for society. Investing in women is also not about achieving gender parity, it is about unlocking a future of brimming possibilities. It is a strategic investment for a brighter future for society and is not a charity. Fostering equal opportunities and dismantling the barriers for women, creates a richer symphony of experiences, ideas, and perspectives. The empowered women add a unique melody to the chorus of progress and development, they become active participants in shaping a resilient future.
It is not just the responsibility of the government to create a future where women thrive, it is a collective responsibility. By harnessing collective power, we can create a world that is prosperous, sustainable, and equitable for all.
References:
1. UNESCO. (n.d.). UNESCO Gender Equality in Education, Retrieved from (https://www.unesco.org/en/gender-equality/education)
2. World Health Organization. (n.d.), WHO Women’s Health, Retrieved from (https://www.who.int/health-topics/women-s-health)
3. UN News. (2023, June), Breaking Stereotypes, (https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1137532)
4. World Economic Forum. (2022), Global Gender Gap Report 22, Retrieved from (https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2022/)
5. International Labor Organization. (n.d.), ILO Report on Economic Empowerment, Retrieved from (https://www.ilo.org/global/docs/WCMS_184878/lang–en/index.htm)
Picture design by Anumita Roy
