“Can you imagine what the world would be like if women who constitute almost half of the global population had access to education and opportunities and were allowed to contribute their best? We would achieve prosperity globally in all spheres.” ―Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D., #HeForShe
A great world is possible only when men are educated about the empowerment of women. A great world is possible only when women dare to dream and achieve big. A great world is possible only when men and women collaborate to unlock their potential.
We must enlighten men about the importance of women empowerment and educate women to make them confident, competent and independent. Encouraging girl’s education helps in many ways to empower women. It reduces child marriage and infant mortality. It controls the population explosion and decreases domestic violence. It helps them understand the world, acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities to grab employment opportunities and excel economically. It helps them assert themselves in the political process. It helps them make the right decisions and lead an independent life without any pulls and pressures. Above all, it helps build a prosperous and peaceful world.
Collaboration is Key
Men must change their mindset the way they look at women. They must empathize with women and the women must break their mental barriers. Men must handhold women and women must dream big to make it big. Women should not shy away from shouldering their responsibilities. They must break their mental barriers and move forward aggressively. Here are some ideas and insights for men and women to collaborate to create a gender-equal world.
- Men must empathize with women and understand their expectations, offer opportunities and support women to be leaders and inspire them to accomplish their dreams and objectives.
- Women must unite in their dedication to empower one another, to create opportunities, and to lift their communities as they lift themselves.
- Women must not expect men to create lives for them. Instead, they must create their own lives. It provides a sense of satisfaction and happiness for women that they have created their own lives.
- Women must treat men as allies, not enemies to achieve gender equality globally.
Steps to Achieve Gender Equality Globally
It is unfortunate that women are abused physically, mentally, and emotionally in some countries across the world. Men and women must understand that they cannot live without each other. Hence, there must be empathy and mutual respect.
Educated men will treat women like queens. Hence, provide education to men. Men must change their attitudes toward women. They must respect the choices of women. Women must assert their rights. They must dream big and convert their weaknesses into strengths. They must believe in themselves. They must do what they love. They must follow their passions.
Parents must educate their male children to treat women with dignity and respect. They must not clip the wings of their children. They must encourage their children to dream and achieve big in their lives.
Offer equal access to education for women. Invest in policies and programs. Coordinated efforts from all stakeholders including educators, students, parents, government, thought leaders, intellectuals, and nonprofits are essential to achieving gender equality globally.
Lead from the Front
Globally the encouragement to women empowerment is amazing except in a few Asian countries due to cultural factors and religious practices. Hence, women must avail the present opportunities to excel in all sectors to leave their marks.
We cannot force men to sacrifice their careers for women. Instead, we can implore men to support women in whatever the best possible way to achieve women’s empowerment and advancement. Women must realize that playing a gender card does not work in any way. Instead, they must participate and work hard and smart in the developmental activities. They must chart their paths to prove themselves identifying their inner talents and understanding their limitations.
Women must take initiative to move forward as nobody invites them to lead from the front. They must express their ambitions in the early stage of their careers and build connections with others to accomplish their goals and objectives.
When Women Rise, We all Rise
Gender equality is no more a male or female issue. It is more of a human issue to achieve the overall development of both genders. Therefore, treat gender equality as a fundamental human right.
Empowering women is essential to achieve human progress and gender equality globally. When you want to achieve growth and prosperity it is imperative to encourage women participation in developmental activities. A bird cannot fly with one wing because it needs two wings to fly. Similarly, when you want society to progress, you must advocate women empowerment and encourage the participation of women who constitute half of the global population. When both men and women participate, imagine the type of society we will pass on to the next generation. Hence, men must support women wholeheartedly to allow the latter to unlock their potential and contribute to the global society. Remember, when women rise, we all rise.
Women empowerment must not be misunderstood as an initiative against men, but it is to ensure equal opportunities for women to excel in their lives. Hence, view it positively to bring a positive change in a global society. To conclude, both men and women must come forward to advocate gender equality globally to build a peaceful, prosperous and honorable world.
Note: This article is an adapted excerpt from my award-winning book, “Strategies to Build Women Leaders Globally: Think Managers, Think Men; Think Leaders, Think Women.” https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949003108
View Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXJD0uzJSVI&feature=youtu.be
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
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Strategies to Build Women Leaders Globally: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949003108