Women Empowerment and Protection

International woman’s day is celebrated to acknowledge achievements by women despite all the struggles. This year’s theme “Equality for women is progress for all” emphasizes how gender equality, empowerment of women, women’s full enjoyment of human rights and the eradication of poverty are essential to economic and social development.

Gender equality is the first and foremost a human right. It refers to the equal rights, responsibilities, treatment and valuation of women and men. Gender equality can be achieved through partnership between women and men.

Violence against girls and women remains the most widespread and serious protection problem. It not only endangers their safety but also leads to many health effects like fractures, internal injuries, headaches, miscarriages, etc in them. Not to mention that it may cause low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, shame, and even suicidal tendencies in them. Children from violent homes experience tremendous emotional and behavioral problems. Leaving an abusive relationship can be very difficult and potentially dangerous. It is a growing public health and social concern. Woman abuse affects the whole community and should be dealt with as a criminal offence by all communities.

Thus local agencies need to take steps to ensure empowerment of women at all stages of life. Empowerment allows all individuals to take control over their lives by gaining skills, setting their own agendas, and building self-confidence and self-reliance. It can be done by improving their skills, capacities, resources, opportunities, and decision making powers so that they can attain a level of control over their own environment and livelihood. Let us join hands to work against violence and towards empowerment of women.