'I do not wish (women) to have power over men; but over themselves' – Mary Wollstonecraft, English writer and advocate of educational and social equality for women.
Women's empowerment can be defined to promoting women's sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others.
It is closely aligned with female empowerment – a fundamental human right that's also key to achieving a more peaceful, prosperous world.
When I think about the statement "empowering women," I recognise as a leader and business owner the responsibility to show and act. It's not always easy, and as a society, we still have a long way to go, but it all starts with taking one step at a time. In my research, I came across the World Vision website, which has partnered with UN Global Impact and UN Women to develop the Women's Empowerment Principals, which can be used to empower women in the marketplace, workplace and community:
The seven principles are:
Principle 1: Create high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
Principle 2: Treat all people fairly at work, respecting and supporting non-discrimination and human rights
Principle 3: Ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of all workers, whether male or female
Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women
Principle 5: Implement supply chain, marketing practices and enterprise development that empower women
Principle 6: Champion equality through community initiatives and advocacy
Principle 7: Measure and report publicly on progress to create gender equality
Women's empowerment can be defined as the promotion of women's self-esteem, their ability to make their own decisions, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others.
It is closely related to female empowerment - a fundamental human right that is also key to a more peaceful and prosperous world.