Empowerment of women in education and its part in society-building
For achievement of social progress and sustainable development, women empowerment is essential. education is the prime source which will help in promotion of women empowerment in the society. it has the potential to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and opportunities which is required for personal as well as professional growth.
Due to prevailing gender discrepancies in society, educational opportunities are limited to girls especially in rural areas. There are various barriers such as poverty, early marriage, socio cultural norms, lack of awareness, patriarchal notion and violence against women. Education is the bulb which can light up the decision-making ability, self confidence and self-esteem in women.
Education not only promotes literacy among women but it also provides them job opportunity which make them financially independent. It helps in providing a stature to women in the society promoting there are social and political empowerment and enable them to participate actively in the decision-making process in the society.
Education is recognised as a medium to promote gender equality and women empowerment. It is the fundamental right which has the potential to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge and tools in order to challenge the societal norms and advocate for their rights and participate actively in, social, political and economic spheres.
Education breaks the intergenerational cycle of gender equality bye empowering girls and women to make choices for themselves and future generations. Due to gender discrepancies, various hurdles come to the path of girl child.
Factors contributing to gender inequalities in terms of access of education
- Socio-cultural norms and practices
- Poverty and economic constraints
- Geographic and infrastructure challenges
- Early marriage and pregnancy
- Safety concerns
- Gender based violence
- Inadequate gender responsive policies and support mechanism
Education and Women Empowerment
Education plays a crucial role in women empowerment. It prepares a woman to challenge the deeply established social norms and make them aware about their rights.
Here are some key ways in which education contribute to women empowerment:
- Education equips a girl with knowledge and skills which are equally essential for their personal growth and empowerment. Education enables them to think critically, enhances their problem-solving abilities and decision-making capabilities. It makes the women aware with all the information about their rights, health and well-being.
- Education gives women their voice in the society. It makes them feel confident, assertive, enhanced self-esteem, expression of opinions,stand for their rights and speak for them, actively participating in social and political activities enhancing their leadership potential.
- Education expands the employment opportunities. Thus, education reduces their vulnerability to poverty and enhances earning potential. An educated woman has a secures formal employment. They can even access to higher-paying jobs and become financially independent. They can also make contribution to their family’swell-being and fulfil their needs.
- Education plays a key role in determining health and well-being of a woman as well as their families. An educated woman is likely to have knowledge aboutnutrition, disease prevention and reproductive health. They can make choices as per their health, adopt healthy behaviour and seek appropriate healthcare services. Education improves child health outcomes and contributes to lower maternal mortality rates.
- Education is a powerful weapon which can challenge gender inequalities and promote social change for betterment of position of women in the society. It breaks the gender-based discrimination and challenges the traditional gender-based roles and stereotypes associated in the society. Educated women questions the discriminatory practices in the society and advocate for gender equality and contribute to changing societal norms. By educating girls, future generations can benefit from a more inclusive society where equality is entertained.
- Education promotes peace, social cohesion and sustainable development. An educated woman is better equippedto contribute to conflict resolution, peace-making efforts and community development.Education can pave the ways for a sustainable future which can addressthe root cause of inequalities such as gender-based discriminations.
Outcomes of education for women’s empowerment
- Education enhances the decision-making abilities in women by empowering them. Has the potential to equip women with critical thinking skills, knowledge and confidence to make the choices they want in the field of education, career, health and relationship. when a woman is educated then de can take family decision and participate in decision making process at the community and society level.
- Education enhances economic opportunities for women. it enhances the employment opportunities for them, expanses their earning potential and open up the door to higher paying jobs and entrepreneurship. an educated women is financially independent which encourages them to invest in their families and communities and improves their overall well-being.
- Education plays a key role in improving the health and well-being for women. an educated women have a proper knowledge about nutrition, disease prevention hygiene practices and reproductive health. they can inform decisions about family planning, seek healthcare services and have healthier pregnancies. education contributes to a lower infant mortality rate and lower maternal mortality rate.
- Education brings in self-confidence and assertiveness in women. It provides them with does skills and knowledge to express their opinions, assert their rights and challenge discriminatory practices happening in the society. educated women are better equipped to navigate social and professional settings and negotiate for better opportunities which ultimate result in gender equality.
- Education promotes leadership quality and political participation among women. it gives them the required skills, knowledge and networks to engage in social and political activities. An educated women is more likely to take leadership roles and actively participate in decision making processes. Being the representative of a society, they can advocate for policies which promote gender equalities and social justice.
- Education has a huge impact on the coming generation. when women are educated, they will educate their children which results in improved educational outcomes for the next generation. it will also break the cycle of poverty and inequality because an educated women have a better health, nutrition and educational opportunities and they will provide the same to their children as well.
- Education has the potential to transform society by challenging the discrimination prevailing in it such as gender stereotypes. it promotes social and cultural transformation by promoting gender equality and fostering inclusive societies. Women are the agents who can change the prevailing discriminatory practices and raise their voice for social justice, which will contribute to the development of more equitable and inclusive communities.
Challenges in educational setting:
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- Even in 2024, girls face challenges to access education in many parts of the societies. these barriers include early marriage, child bearing, lack of safety and accessible school infrastructure, long distance to schools, cultural norms and practices that prioritise boys education over girls and economic constraints. all these factors contribute to lower enrolment rates and higher dropout rates among girl as compared to boys and adversely affect girls education.
- Due to gender discrimination in educational settings, many women and girl child face discrepancies which discourage them from pursuing certain subjects or goals which is considered masculine. the societal expectation of gender roles can limit the educational opportunities among women and undermine their aspirations and confidence.
- unsafe learning environment such as gender-based violence or sexual harassment or assault can limit the access of education to them. it may cause psychological trauma and negatively impact their educational performance.
- Funding and resources should be provided to women’s educational institution and programs. quality teachers, teaching materials, technology and infrastructure should be provided to them.
- There is a need of more representation of women in educational leadership position. it could be a teacher, principal an administrator which will enhance a girl child aspiration and limit their belief and potential and abilities.
- There can be some socio-economic factors which is now a days challenge in educational setting. poverty and rural isolation can restrict a family resource to afford school related expenses including uniform, textbooks and transportation.
