Women Empowerment: Why Do We Still See Discrimination Despite Protective Laws?

Is there a need for more women empowerment? If yes, then why? If no, then why are women still discriminated against in society? We have enough laws to protect the interests of women in society.

There are enough laws to protect the interests of women in society, but still, we are not able to protect the interests of women in society. I find a lack of awareness among women. We need to make women aware of their rights. There are enough laws to protect their interests, but these laws will prove fruitful when women are aware of their rights and when they come forward before the authorities. Women should be empowered to become courageous and assert their rights. Women should not be scared of anyone; we have made the laws for women—thus they need not be afraid and should come forward. The need of the hour is not to empower more women but to raise awareness and encourage women about their rights, and they should not hesitate to assert their rights.

Hi,

I really do not know what exactly you are trying to ask or ascertain. However, sticking to the first line of your question, I would try to put forth my views.

a) What is empowerment?: Empowerment is the process or activity through which you authorize somebody to do certain acts independently. You give them some authority and power to exercise and experience that which was not earlier given to the person or the person was not allowed to access.

b) Why Empowerment: Empowerment is required even when people are aware of their rights and power but still are not able to use them. Due to various reasons in the system, they may be deprived of using their rights. In that case, just awareness is not enough. You require a supporting system to enable them to use their rights.

A significant example is that of political reservations. Though they are aware of their rights and get elected, the ladies are still controlled by their husbands or fathers. Many of the elected representatives become figureheads, and their husbands or fathers control their activities. However, with the right empowerment, they can use their awareness, rights, and power in the best way as intended.

Despite the critics, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and Margaret Thatcher are considered some of the best world leaders. They had awareness and access to their empowered status freely.

Another example is that of self-help groups of women which have opened up new opportunities in the economy for women in finance. Previously, it was typically the male members who played the provider role and often undermined women. Now, with the changed scenario, at least in a part of rural society, this is no longer the case.

I hope this clarifies the concept of empowerment.

Kind regards,

Dayanand L. Guddin
HR Advisor
Bobst India
Pune.

Hello,

Laws are useless when police, lawyers, judges, politicians, and other officials are corrupt. The corrupt system makes a wealthy man more powerful than an educated and well-informed woman.

Regards,
Anupama