Category: Empowerment

Introduction

The prevalent thought of a lady’s place in Islam is that ladies are destitute of opportunity and reasonable play. This is the result of either numbness about Islam or the partiality data of hostile to Islamic belief system and a preferential organization or media. The truth of the matter is the contradictory.

It isn’t strange here to analyze the place given to ladies in a portion of the supposed radiant civic establishments before Islam. For example, in Greek folklore a lady, Pandora, was viewed as the wellspring of all insidious. For the sake of craftsmanship, the Greeks delineated ladies so that advanced unbridled sex. In the second human advancement, the Roman one, their savant, Seneca, decried Romans about the declining family framework. A game named ‘Floralia’ advanced indecent air.

When it came to Christianity, Chrysostom says: ‘Lady is an unavoidable malevolence, a tasty catastrophe and an alluring inconvenience.’ Aristotle proclaimed: ‘The female state is a deformation.’ A Roman Catholic, Aquinas, trusted: ‘A female is an illegitimate male.’ Nietzsche, the German logician, opines: ‘Lady is the wellspring of indiscretion, delirium.’ In current Europe, ladies were not given equivalent rights and the circumstance prompted women’s activist developments that have been continually battling for equivalent rights for ladies.

Prior to the approach of Islam in Arabia, the situation of the reasonable sex was horrifying. Young ladies were in some cases murdered when they were conceived. The newborn child young ladies were covered alive. A man could wed and relinquish or separate from a lady any number of times. The quantity of spouses was boundless. Islam liberated lady in all regards. Arrangements for strengthening of ladies in the Islamic arrangement of life.

FREEDOM

Young ladies are as allowed to get training as young men may be. ‘It is compulsory for each man and lady to get instruction.’ Education and preparing in manners is the best endowment of guardians to kids. A young lady can’t be offered to anyone without her assent. As man has freedom to separate; a lady is additionally permitted to take ‘khula’ (separate) in the event that she despises her better half who is unfeeling, out of line or barren. A widow or a divorced person is permitted to re-wed on the off chance that she wishes. In Islam it is favored that ladies stay at home to care for the family and train kids. Still if no male watchman lives with her or in the event that he is sick or his pay is lacking, she may go out to win yet in hijab. Amid the season of Prophet Muhammad (harmony arrive), there were ladies merchants and there were cases when ladies taken an interest in wars to supply water or to nurture the injured. At present a great many Muslim ladies in hijab work in healing centers, banks, schools, universities and numerous other amiable working spots.

EQUALITY

There is no sexual orientation dissimilarity in “And whoever does righteous good deeds — male or female — and is a true believer in the Oneness of Allah, such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date-stone), will be done to them.” (Qur’an, 4:124). Man is the leader of the family. Pundits of Islam quote this outside of any relevant connection to the subject at hand. This situation of man is to defend and fortify the establishment of the family. It is the duty of man to give nourishment, shield and different needs to all relatives. Ladies are equivalent to men in all affable and criminal demonstrations of legal.

SECURITY

The security of lady in Islam is essential. She isn’t mediocre compared to a male. “The person to whom a daughter is born, and he does not … mete out preferential treatment to boys, Allah will reward him with heaven.” (Hadith i.e. saying of the Prophet). Guardians are propelled to support young ladies. The duty to give bread and meat to young ladies and ladies lies with the male watchman. “You should feed her when you eat, and clothe her when you yourself put on clothes. And in case of temporary boycott due to strained relations, it should be limited to the four walls of your house.” (Hadith). When she voyages a long separation, a male watchman must go with her to encourage her adventure. Islam confined the quantity of spouses to four. Separation, however allowable, isn’t supported.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

Ladies get cash as lady of the hour cost (mehr). She gets bread and meat from either father or spouse. She has a legitimate offer in property. “For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much — a legal share.” (Qur’an, 4:7)

DIGNITY

As opposed to the Christian thought that lady is the wellspring of wickedness and she opened the way to Satan, Islam trusts that Satan all the while enticed both Adam and Eve. The mother’s place is higher than the father’s. Paradise lies under the mother’s feet. Lady is the ruler/ruler of her significant other’s foundation. The cloak is just a defensive gadget to shield her from devilish gazing eyes. At the point when ladies are requested to wear shroud, men are requested not to gaze at ladies. “And tell the believing women to reduce (some) of their vision.” (The Qur’an: 24:31). In this manner Islam gives poise, regard, security, and a fitting spot to ladies.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan is an Islamic country and his norms and rules is base on the Islamic norms but unfortunately in Pakistan the status of women is bit low. We can’t follow the Islamic norms properly. We can’t empowered women by the Islamic norms. We want gender equality that man and woman is equal. We make gender equality by following the norms and rules of Islam and make the life of women easier and safer.

Empowerment

Empowerment is a basic unit if developing countries. If any country wants to become a developed country then they should empower their nation. First,they should give their people education.

Education is basic need of any individual. If we do not give education to individual that they are unable to live like developed people. We should give education to a woman because she is a basic unit of our house. There is common example around us that if we educate a woman,we will have educate a whole family. We also educate the man because he is a unit of family on which whole family depends. If the man is well educated he has ability to work in a good institute and also have a ability of good earning.

Empowerment in Pakistan

Pakistan is developing country and it’s also need to empower their people. In the rural areas of Pakistan, there was a big problem is the lack of education about 90% (Ninety) percent of his rural areas population is unable to get proper education. Pakistan is an agricultural country which 75%(seventy five) percent earning dependent OK agricultural portion but unfortunately, our 90%(ninety) percent of rural areas people was not getting a proper education. If the government give them a proper education they have ability to use proper fertilizer to increase its agricultural activity.

The second major issue in our rural areas is feudal system. They give a people loan on high amount of interest. If the poor people is unable to give money back to landlords. They will hire them for their work in exchange of loans. Poor people spend their whole life for paying loans of landlord’s but they are unable to pay.

This too is major reason in Pakistan. Government of Pakistan should make proper decision on it and empower his rural areas people. So,they shall love their life like urban areas people.

Conclusion

Islam is a big supporter of women empowerment. Islam Empowered women in every stage of life. Islam equalize women status with men. Islam give them rights to live like a men. Islam give them rights of buy and sell a property and also given rights of marry on theirs choice. Islam given the right to women to divorce when its needed. Pakistan is an Islamic country 98% (ninety eight ) of his population is Muslim. Pakistan is facing a problem in many sections. One of the most is women empowerment in rural areas. Women of Pakistan rural areas is living a very difficult life they are unable marry their own choice and they are also, unable to divorce. They can’t even get a education. They also facing problem in buying a property. Pakistan needs to empower their woman if they want to develop his nation because woman is basic block of society there is a common example is famous between us is that if we educate one people we educate the whole family. Pakistan government should empower their women and give them a proper education, give them a equal rights like man and also, work on his education system in rural areas.

Introduction

Women has always played a key role in human development. In few cultures, until relatively recently, have women been acknowledged as having an equal role with men, and having equal rights to participate in all social spheres. The Arabic language, which is the language of the Holy Quran and the sayings and practices of the Holy Prophet (SAW),differs from English and other languages in that it has two grammatical genders :masculine and feminine, which addresses both males and females at the same time, unless a special qualification excepts women from inclusion.

In other words, unless clearly specified, all form so masculine feminine gender apply to both males and females. i.e: when Allah addresses the believers on the issue of managing the affairs of community: and who conduct their matters through consultation and mutual consent among themselves. He is explicitly including both males and females in the voting and election process. Even the Arabic word “Raju” which means “man”is used in Arabic like “man” in English or“homme” in French or “Uomo” in Italian etc. to mean a human being and not necessarily a masculine

subject. Other terms that are used frequently in the Divine and prophetic texts and also mean “a human being” are the terms “Muslim” and “believer”. When welcome across the mina Quranic verse or saying of the Holy

Prophet (SAW) speaking of the, they don’t exclude non– Muslims who are citizens in an Islamics tateor society, as they are expected to be treated exactly on the same footing as Muslims. This is clearly specified in the Islamic Constitution of every Islamic state.

Women empowerment and Islam

Islam set complete equality between man and woman. This is a fact readily acknowledged by everyone who knows Islam well and understands Islamic law as outline in Allah’s book, the Holy Quran, the sayings and the practices of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Islam asserts the equality of men and women in their creation. The Quran states that Allah has created all mankind from singles out and from it HE created its mate, and from the two of them HE spread abroads a many men and women.

He also says: “Mankind, we have created you all out of a male and female.” Islam gives both men and women with equal human responsibility. Both men and women are equal in the reward they receive from Allah Almighty. Islam set equal political to both men and women with regard to maintaining proper order in society. According to Islam, men and women are equal in marital status.

In Islam both man and woman are equal in their financial and economic freedom. Both man and woman have, under Islam, equal rights to take up any profession. During the life of Holy Prophet, some women worked in agriculture, some tended animals, or worked in cloth making and weaving, or in some trade work. Some women were nurses caring forth sew ill or tending injuries.

Islam tell us that that men and women should be paid equal wages for the same work. So, Islam gives both men and women equal rights.

Equality among men and women and Islam

In short, Islam set up true and complete equality between man and woman, summed up in the Prophet’s saying:

“Women are full sisters of men” It is to be noted from this rule that Islam sets the relation between men and women in a form of fraternity and not in the form of strive or struggle as it was set in some of the feminist movements of today.

In the rules and regulations of Islam it is cleared that women and men have equal right and status in society. All women either they are Muslims or no Muslims are sisters of men .And women have given right to stand for their rights. They have equal human responsibility, asset by Islam. Islam give equal political and social status to both men and women. In Islam both men and women are equal in their economic and financial Independence. Both men and women under Islam have equal rights to take up their profession. Islam requires that men and women should be paid equal wages for the same work. In safeguarding affair their reputation and social status, Islam treats both men and women as equal, prohibits backbiting, and slander. In Islam, both husband and wife are equally responsible for their house hold works.

The prophet describes both husband and wife as shepherd standing their family. He himself, as his wife Hazrat Ayesha mentioned, used to “mend his shoes, patch up his robs and see,” he attended to his family’s needs, he was an ordinary man: he looked after his clothes, milked his sheep and served himself.”

From this beautiful example of the life of our holy prophet we can see that our Holy Prophet was too much conscious regarding the rights of women.

Role of Muslim man and woman in social life

The first statement we quote here is the Quranic verse which states: The believers, women and men are close allies to one another: They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. The first main point which draws our attention in this verse is the closer relationship between believing man and woman. This is explained by the prophet in his statement:“ In their mutual love, sympathy and compassion, the

Believers are like one body: when any of its organs has a complaint, the rest of the body responds with sleeplessness and fever.” Such a social infrastructure that matches one body cannot discard a single cell, female or males, let alone a single member. The Prophet P.B.U.H has amplified the nature of this bond in a number of statements that bring it before us in absolute clarity. He says: “The best of people is the one who brings them more benefit. He also says:“ Let anyone of you who can be of benefit to his or her , or sister do so.”

This means that every Muslim, via man or woman, should do his or her utmost to help their brothers and sisters. Islam doesn’t allow any of its followers, male or female, to adopt a passive or careless attitude. Moreover on, acts of worship are duties one very Muslim, male or female, while bringing benefits and preventing harm are duties upon all Muslims, males and females simultaneously. These duties must be fulfilled. If they remain unperformed, everybody in the Muslim community is at fault and incurs a sin. Hence, every Muslim, women or man, considers such a collective duty to be incumbent on him or her. In fact Muslims should all struggle to outdo each other in good deeds, in response to Allah’s order.

Sadqah is a good word which Islam uses to refer to what explain today as civilized behavior. Sadqah gives true proof of one’s belonging to the civilized Muslim community. The Holy prophet says: ‘Sadqah is a true proof’.

It is manifested in some types of behavior, each of which indicates that person concerned has a sense of belonging to community. He or she is further find to make stronger bonds of close relationship. The holy prophet said Muslims to follow the rules and regulations of Allah.

Women’s lack of access to equality

Allah commands us in these words: ‘Do what is good.” So we should always try to do good with others. Always do what is right not what is Allah Almighty says: ‘Mankind! We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into Nations and tribes, you might come to know one another’ Just like Muslim men, Muslim women have to do all community duties. Half of the Muslim women are not allowed to set things right among people. Most of the Muslim women are not allowed to do work among

society. Besides all the things it is very clearly said that whoever do good deeds either man or woman, shall enter heaven and shall not suffer the least Justice..

Involving women in human development

Women played a key role in human development. But modern ways are required to play their roles in bringing about what enhances society and saves harm from it, and to combine the bond of close relationship between believing women and men, empower women to enjoin and do what is correct, and perform different kinds of sadqah that prove their belonging to the Muslim community.

WHO has taken some measures in this regard in Egypt, Alexander, which hosted the regional office for half a century. In many cities of eastern Mediterranean region many shanty towns come out, a feature of which is poor health and surrounding circumstances. WHO entered in to a contract with the university of Alexandria for the training of twelve women, who had done mid level education, in each of three shanty towns.

A number of workshops were arranged on different subjects, including preparation of healthy food, environmental inspection of schools, stay away from traditional practices and first aid etc..

Means of transport were supplied for these women who have also taken some financial help. They were also provided the tittle’ environmental guides.” The non gov institutions also supplied some equipments for street cleaning and waste collection etc. and they also provided four thousand trees for plantation with the aim of spreading greenery.

The project achieved success, with good results. It has also encouraged them to widen range and scope of such projects. These types of institutions and projects may help to improve health standards, promote a safe environment and incline in come in local communities.

Conclusion

The only course of activity that guarantees advancement and prosperity for the Muslim community is to follow in the foot steps of its first era, to hold fast, with all our struggle and strive, to Allah’s book and Holy prophet’s sayings and his usual procedures. It will take courage to scale the ascent that may obstruct our way regarding the activation of the role of Muslim women as it was performed during the time of Holy prophet and the caliphs. It is to such a goal that is the struggle of the Islamic community should be dedicated.

Summary

Pakistan is a multilingual state with numerous ethnic gatherings. The official language of the state is English. Urdu is the national language in spite of the fact that it is the primary language of the Mohajirs, who structure just 7.6 percent of the populace. The Mohajirs are the Muslims who had emigrated from India when Pakistan appeared in 1947. The utilization of different dialects would have offered capacity to different up-and-comers. The world class gatherings and the ethnic minorities have utilized language to characterize their personalities and further their ideological points.

There have been various language-based ethnic developments in Pakistan’s short history [Rahman 1996]. The Bengali Language Development of 1948-52 in East Pakistan fuelled the rise of Bengali ethno-patriotism, which prompted the making of Bangladesh and the separation of Pakistan in 1971. There were revolts between the Urdu-speaking Mohajirs and the Sindhi speakers in Sindh area between January 1971 and July 1972. The ethnic strain between the Mohajirs and the Sindhis has developed since the mid-1980s, when the Mohajir Qaumi Development (MQM) turned into an activist power to be dealt with.

At the point when the Bengali language development started to challenge the West Pakistani mastery of the previous East Pakistan, the individuals and the press in West Pakistan believed this was crafted by the Hindus

The West Pakistani intellectuals accepted that the Sindhi, Pashtun, Bengali and Baloch ethno-patriotism during the Ayub Khan time (1958-1969) was because of the way that these ethnic individuals were brought into the world with fixed characters. This was the motivation behind why the Punjabis, Pathans, Sindhis and Balochis couldn’t get present day enough to relate to Pakistan all in all.

One of the primary endeavors was Tahir Amin’s investigation of the ethnonational developments of Pakistan. Amin utilized present-day hypotheses of ethnicity to clarify that ethnonational developments are the master pipes of the interest for a simple share in products and enterprises in a modem state [Amin 1988]. Nonetheless, Amin’s reference to language was deficient and fragmented. Afterward, Feroz Ahmed, a Sindhi left-wing scholarly, composed a few articles on the Mohajir, Pashtun and Sindhi patriotism, which were later distributed as a book [Ahmed 1998]. He composed on the language revolts in Sindh however would not acknowledge the Mohajirs as an ethnic group. He was unable to give a target record of the ethnic character development in the light of the most recent hypotheses regarding the matter [for which see Hutchinan and Smith 1996]. M S Korejo’s ongoing investigation of G M Syed, the main Sindhi patriot pioneer, likewise neglects to go past talk where the Mohajir personality is concerned and welcomes no crisp proof on the job of the Sindhi language towards Sindhi ethnic character development or attestation [Korejo 2000]

The job of language in ethnic developments has barely been studied. Anwar and Afia Dil, a couple group, distributed their history of the Bengali Language Development just in 2000 [Dil and Dil 2000]. this book gives recorded subtleties and draws on Bengali writing

The last evaluation in Pakistan was held in Walk 1998 however its outcomes are yet to be distributed. The accessible registration figures are of 1981. An inquiry posed in that evaluation was: which is the language that was ‘normally spoken in the house-hold’? It was discovered that Punjabi was spoken by 48.17 percent of the individuals, Pashto by 13.14 percent, Sindhi by 11.77 percent, Siraiki by 9.83 percent, Urdu by 7.60 percent, Balochi by 3.02.per penny, Hindko by 2.43 percent and Brahvi by 1.21 percent. Different dialects were spoken by 2.81 percent. The ‘other’ incorporates more than 50 dialects or vernaculars, a large portion of them un-composed, which are given in Annexure.

Yet, English is the way to power and work in the state and private segments. There are no solid figures for the number of individuals who utilize English. The 1961 Statistics gave the figure as 2.7 percent of the populace [Censu 1961: IV, 30-32]. On the off chance that the individuals who have finished their registration assessment, wherein English is an obligatory subject, are considered to be proficient in English, at that point the figure comes to 19.56 percent in the 1981 [Census 1981: Table 4.6, p 31]. This rate would have gone up at this point because the white-collar class or, rather the ‘salariat’ as characterized by HamzaAlavi (1987) – has extended. English could barely be more than 3 to 4 percent of the populace. Urdu is significantly more generally utilized. Not exclusively are 20 percent of the registers very capable in it, yet additionally the understudies of strict theological colleges, fighters and uneducated regular workers individuals in urban communities get it and use it very well. Urdu has additionally spread broadly because it is utilized in between common communication, amusement, media (newspapers, radio and television) and, most importantly, lower white-collar class occupations all over Pakistan with the exception of provincial Sindh.

just a bunch of individuals in the strict theological colleges and a couple of researchers of Islam and Arabic get Arabic. Even though, Muslims figure out how to peruse the Quran (the 1981 Enumeration detailed that 18.37 percent of the individuals read it [Census 1981:Table 4.7, p 33], their insight is generally restricted to the acknowledgment of Arabic letters. They are not shown the implications of words.

However, the individuals do get familiar with these dialects all alone because books on them, called the chapbooks, are accessible in all the significant urban areas of Pakistan. William Hanaway, an American researcher, and Mumtaz Nasir have recorded 940 chapbooks in Punjabi, Siraiki, Hindko, Khowar, Pashto, Sindhi, Persian and Urdu [Hanaway and Nasir 1996]. Movies and melodies in these dialects, particularly in Punjabi and Pashto, are very mainstream as well

No information on the number of schools and their vehicle of guidance is accessible. The accompanying the table depends on the halfway data about certain territories and the presumption that all customary state schools in Punjab, Azad Kashmir, Balochistan and the North-West Outskirts Region use Urdu as the mode of guidance. There is an indeterminable number of madrasas. The press puts the figure at 6,761 (Nawa-I-Waqt, October 1999) while the administration sources despite everything quote the figure of 3,906 from 1995 [Directory 1995:282]. As referenced before, the madrasas pre-serve Arabic more as an image of Islamic personality than a living language. The majority of their alumni can’t work in Arabic [Rahman1999] and use Urdu. Indeed, Urdu has spread.

The Sindhi language development in re-activity to the apparent mastery by the Urdu-supporting decision first-class caused the Urdu-Sindhi revolts in Sindh between January 1971 and July 1972 [Rahman 1996: Section 7]. Just the Pashto language development diminished in power because the Pashtuns expanded their exchange and transportation organizes all over Pakistan and entered the salariat, particularly the military, in genuinely huge numbers. However the Awami National Gathering shows its hatred of the Punjabi control by keeping up its different Pashtun character of which Pashto is a section. It keeps alive the interest in showing Pashto and giving it more importance [Rahman 1996: Chapter 8]. The Siraiki language development, prob-capably a reaction to being worked on in southern Punjab, isn’t ground-breaking and limited to the intellectuals of this district. Nonetheless, as the state has depicted Siraiki as the language of the district, the individuals in the territory likewise relate to it now. Prior, they used to relate to their neighborhood dialects, as ‘Multani’, ‘Derewali’ and ‘Riasati’, and so on. The Siraiki development ace vides bits of knowledge into the marvel of personality arrangement, when neighborhood characters, for example, Multani or Riasati, get converged into the bigger ethnic personality, Siraiki [see Shackle 1977; Rahman 1996: Part 10].

The other language developments, albeit little, are additionally reactions to the state belief system of utilizing Urdu as an image of Pakistani character. For example, in Balochistan, the Balochi and Brahvi languages and the obstruction writing written in them are viewed as a reaction to the predominance of Urdu, the Punjabi administering tip-top, and the Urdu-based Mughlai culture of north India [Rahman 1996:Chapter 9]. The development is confined to a little savvy hover of Lahore and a couple of other Punjabi urban communities. A portion of these educated people contend that the state, however, ruled by the Punjabis, utilizes the dialects of the world-class, English and Urdu, to get power through utilize ment. Urdu is likewise belittled to combine the first-class’ command over the government units of the nation. They feel this is a substantial cost to pay for keeping up ing Punjabi authority [Mirza 1994].

If one can’t write in Urdu and English, one can’t land even administrative positions in Pakistan, except in Sindh.

If one can write in Urdu yet not in English, one can get lower jobs in all the areas of Pakistan. Higher occupations, be that as it may, are held for the individuals who conversant in English. For the military and state work aries, the state has made a parallel arrangement of training in which the mode of guidance is English for all subjects and, at times, all science subjects. The military-run schools through their government assistance associations, for example, the Fauji Establishment (Armed force), the Bahria Foundation (Naval force) and the Shaheen Establishment (Flying corps). Some state organizations, for example, the railroads, the traditions, the phone and transmit just as the police, likewise run their schools. There are chains of private costly English-medium schools like the Froebel’s, the Beaconhouse and the City Educational System. Here the education costs run between Rs 1,500 to 3,500 every month. The more affluent individuals send their youngsters to the Worldwide American school, which charges over US $ 10,000 for every scholarly year. The individuals experience incredible hardships to give English medium training to their kids. There are schools everywhere throughout the nation that guarantee to instruct in English. They charge between Rs 50 to Rs 1,000 every month and instruct so factor a quality that it resists classification. Various strict associations too now run such schools. They guarantee to join Islamic investigations with abilities in modem subjects and English.

As indicated by certain investigators, the exercises on militarism laud war, especially those among Pakistan and India in 1948, 1965 and 1971. The saints of these wars are praised. The motivation behind this teaching is to make support for the state’s battle-ready enemies of India strategies [Saigol 1995]. It has likewise been called attention to that the course readings support the male-commanded, various leveled and force situated society in Pakistan (in the same place). Various individuals, strikingly K Aziz (1993), have taken a gander at the ideological messages in history and social examinations course books. During his examination in 1998, this author found that there is additionally a high ideological part in the language-showing reading material for classes one to 10. The ideological substance in the Arabic language books is 71 percent; in Urdu, 40 percent; in Pashto, 43 percent; in Persian, 31 percent; in Sindhi, 29 percent and English, 8 percent.

Language has been intimately related to ideology and power in Pakistan. The state has looked upon Urdu as a symbol of the Pakistani identity and national integration. Most ethnic groups have countered this version of internal colonialism. The ethnic elites have used their indigenous languages to assert their identities and mobilise people. The nationalists, led by the Punjabis, maintain that this is against the ideology of Pakistan. Language also defines the socio- economic class divide in Pakistan. English is associated with the upper and upper middle classes, Urdu with the middle and lower middle classes and the local, indig- enous languages with the peasantry, un- skilled labourers and the working classes. However, in Sindh, there are areas where Sindhi is used formally. In Sindh and parts of the Pashto-speaking belt, the local pride is strong enough to counter Urdu. In Pakistan, English is seen as the carrier of western, liberal values and Urdu as an Islamic and Pakistani-nationalist language. The indigenous languages are associated with ethnic nationalism and identity. However, English is being appropriated by the Islamic revivalists and the under- privileged Pakistani groups, who recog- nise it as a language of employment and empowerment

Review

Ever wish you could be proficient in a second, or third or even fourth language? It won’t be easy, but it is possible and extremely rewarding to know and be fluent in many languages. There are several aspects to learning a language: listening skills, speaking skills, writing skills and reading skills. All are equally important, so try not to lag behind in any one category. You can join a class, hire a private tutor, or try to learn at home. The more work you put in, the more you will improve. Empowering others not only gets things done, but it sends out positivity in a group atmosphere. When everyone feels in control and like they have a piece of the pie, more work gets done, and results improve. Whether you’re looking to empower your employees, children, or a general group of people, positivity, confidence, and opportunities go a long, long way.

Since ancient times, people often discuss the topic of equality between men and women. In the past, women were in a passive position in society, no matter whether in childhood, adult to old age, their thoughts were constrained by the traditional ideas of the whole society. As a result, there was a gap between the social status of women and that of men. However, many changes have taken place in the current social concept, women’s status is getting higher and higher, and equality between men and women is gradually becoming a reality. The change in gender equality and women’s empowerment can be explained in three aspects: employment, education, and rights.

First, it is evident in employment. Although we now often emphasize the equality between men and women in employment, in the past discrimination against women was evident in many positions, women were less likely to be employed than men, and some companies even screened female applicants directly. Theboyd and Doering pointed out: “Research and media stories abound with examples of how gender stereotypes disadvantage women leaders. A woman manager is less likely to be taken seriously by the people who work for her… When men direct others, they’re often assumed to Be assertive and competent. But when women direct others, they’re often disliked and labeled abrasive or bossy”. In addition, traditional ideas also have a strong influence on people, many people believe that women should not work, they should take care of the family, do laundry, cook, and take care of children, and men should work outside. Now people’s concept has gradually changed, and gender equality has greatly changed in employment. Women are also becoming more employable and more likely to be employed. Women have the freedom to choose their careers and their opportunities for advancement are increasing. In some jobs, women have more opportunities for advancement than men. In terms of employment, this confirms that gender equality and women’s empowerment have gradually become a reality.

An old Chinese is saying: “A woman without talent is virtuous”. As a country with a long history and an ancient civilization, Chinese tradition is to highlight the value of men, and women often rely on men to survive. Such traditional ideas have been sacred in people’s hearts for a long time. In the past, it was precise because of these old-fashioned traditional ideas that women’s access to education was almost obliterated. Even if women had the opportunity to receive an education, their chances of receiving higher education were far less than men. Karam mentioned: “Girls accounted for 53% of the 61 million children of primary school age who were out of school in 2010. Girls accounted for 49% of the 57 million children out of school in 2013. In surveys of 30 countries with more than 100,000 out-of-school children, 28% of girls were out of school on average compared to 25% of boys. Surveys in 55 developing countries reveal that girls are more likely to be out of school at a lower secondary age than boys, regardless of the wealth or location of the household. Almost two-thirds of the world’s 775 million illiterate adults are women”. Now people are aware of the importance of gender equality in education, it can be seen that women’s access to education is increasing and the dropout rate is decreasing. In terms of education, people have gained a clearer understanding of the concept of equality between men and women.

The last point is in terms of rights. Since ancient times, the status of women in society was generally lower than that of men, so many women’s rights, such as the right to vote, political participation, property, and education, were not guaranteed. Without these rights, women have fewer opportunities to speak, fewer voices to be heard, and their rights are less protected. The Peace Corps has an opinion on this and says: “Though women comprise more than 50% of the world’s population, they only own 1% of the world’s wealth. Throughout the world, women and girls perform long hours of unpaid domestic work. In some places, women still lack the right to own land or to inherit property, obtain access to credit, earn income, or move up in their workplace, free from job discrimination. At all levels, including at home and in the public arena, women are widely underrepresented as decision-makers. In legislatures around the world, women are outnumbered 4 to 1, yet women’s political participation is crucial for achieving gender equality and genuine democracy”. Increasing attention is being paid to women’s rights around the world, and efforts are being made to achieve gender equality and enhance women’s rights. Efforts are being made to make gender equality and women’s empowerment a reality in terms of rights.

In today’s society, the gap in inequality between men and women is gradually narrowing. Equality between men and women and the empowerment of women is a world goal. This is a principle, an ideal, and a sign of progress. However, all of this requires people’s attention and action. Among them, everyone in the world is a participant in this goal, and everyone should start from themselves and truly recognize the importance of equality between men and women and women’s empowerment. In this way, people can achieve this goal.

Abstract

Higher Education refers the education at the degree level and above. Education is one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence. For empowering the women, higher education will play a vital role. India holds the second position in the world of having highest population. There are approximately 49% female in total population of it. . Indian women generally faced all types of barriers to success like illiteracy, domestic violence, lack of motivation and support and many more. ‘Empowerment’ is ‘to make (someone) stronger and more confident in controlling their life and claiming their rights.’ It is very essential for the harmonious development of the country that women should go hand by hand and shoulder to shoulder with men. And for empowering the women, higher education will play a vital role. Education of women is the most powerful tool to change the position in society. Women education in India has been a need of the hour, as education is a foundation stone for the empowerment of woman. . Education also brings a reduction in inequalities and functions as a means of improving their status within the family and develops the concept of participation.

Introduction

Education is the right of all the citizens of a Nation. Education primary, secondary or higher must be provided to all categories of citizens by breaking down constraints and barriers. Literacy is the basic building block of education. Education is the most powerful instrument to enhance capabilities of an individual and to achieve the desired objectives for the social and economic development of a country. Education enables individuals to broaden their horizons and provide opportunities to raise voice in decision making. Unfortunately, since independence, women in India remained marginal beneficiaries of the Education system. The first Open University was established in 1969 in United Kingdom in which first students enrolled in 1971. The idea behind was to bring high quality in learning to the people who had not got the opportunities to study in formally set up universities. Open universities provides diplomas & degrees in education through their open enrolment, distance and internet based education programmes. Dr.B.R. Ambedkar University was the first Distance Education University established in 1982 in Hyderabad,India.In the present times, open universities have become an invaluable component of National Educational programmes and policies in both developed and developing countries. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) plays an important role in empowering women in the developing countries of the world. In present times, Distance education has come out as an advantage to women to furnish them through acquisition of knowledge, leading towards new ways of thinking and to be autonomous and liberated.

“If you educate the man, you educate the person but if you educate the woman, you educate the nation.’ Mahatma Gandhi

“If you educate a man you educate an individual, however, if you educate a woman you educate a whole family. Women empowered means mother India empowered”. (PT. Jawahar Lal Nehru).

Higher Education is one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence. It brings a reduction in inequalities and helps in improving their status within the family. Universities and colleges have to offer add-on courses together with degree courses. Presently the target of Higher Education is to provide women’s access to vocational, technical and professional education. There are many policies and programmes for the betterment of women.

For this purpose there is need for identification of skills and occupations suitable for women. Moreover there should be proper implementations of Govt. policies and different programmes of government of India regarding women empowerment and higher education. It helps to analyse the relevance of higher education in empowering the women. Literacy alone cannot help women in self dependence but higher education helps women to become more capable. It is only higher education that makes them aware of their rights and duties and use their rights as per need.

“The higher education is that which does not merely give us information, but makes life in harmony with all existence” (Ravindranath Tagore)

Empowerment for woman means she becomes independent and able to take decisions about every aspect of life herself and ensuring equal participation in developmental processes. In this way women develop ability for critical thinking and enhancing self-esteem and self confidence in themselves. Higher education represents itself as a milestone for women to empower by facing many challenges to come out of their traditional role of woman.

There are various schemes taken under Higher education for women Higher education for women through Open and distance Learning (ODL) Mode imparts distance learning system where teachers and learners can be flexible with respect to place and time.

• Post School Diploma provides skill development strategies
• UGCs and AICTEs-initiatives for women education
• Post Graduate Indira Gandhi scholarship for single girl child for pursuing higher and technical education
• Construction of women’s hostels for colleges, etc
• Introduction of women’s studies in universities and colleges
• Post-Doctoral fellowships for women
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

Higher education represents itself as a milestone for women to empower by facing many challenges to come out of their traditional role of woman.

Higher education leads a woman to ‘Complete living’ with:

1. Self-confidence:- Higher Education helps the women not only in gaining knowledge but also enables her to earn a living.
2. Necessity of life: – Money is necessity in maintaining life and education helps in preserving Life.
3. Family welfare:-An educated women plays an important role in a family, dealing with both health care and financial support to the family.
4. Involvement in Social and political activities :- Higher education helps women to have a better understanding of social and political processes beyond the home in far reaching social structure and makes her a wise citizen with effective social and political action.
5. Complete Living:- Complete living includes being physically strong , earning a living , being a responsible parent and an earned citizen.

Relationship Between Higher Education and Women Empowerment

Higher education definitely raises women’s status whether she contribute in the income of the family or not.

• Enhancing their confidence
• Raising their status in the family and society
• Bring awareness about their rights
• Boosting their self-esteem
• Increasing their self-efficacy
• Reducing their dependency
• Better upbringing of their children
• Enhancing their mobility
• Opening career opportunities

Hindrance of Women Empowerment & in Higher Education

There are many hindrances in the path of women empowerment and in higher education. Some of them are as follows-

• Lack of education
• Financial constraints
• Family responsibility
• Low mobility
• Low ability to bear risk
• Low need for Achievement
• Absence of Ambitions for the Achievement
• Social status

CONCLUSION

Women play an imperative role in making a nation progressive and guide it towards development. The education of women is the most powerful tool to change the position of society. Education also brings a reduction in inequalities and functions as a means of improving their status within the family. To encourage the education of women at all levels. The education develops the idea of participation in government, panchayats, public matters etc. for elimination of gender discrimination.

References

1. Suguna M. (2011). Education and Women Empowerment in India. International journal of Multidisciplinary Research: VOL. 1. Issue 8.
2. http://www.abhinavjournal.com/images/Arts_&_Education/Nov12/1.pdf
3. Chahal, Mukesh. 2015. “Higher Education in India: Emerging Issues, challenges and suggestions”, International Journal of Business Quantitative Economics and Applied Management Research, 1(11).
4. Dhanuraj, D. and Rahul V. Kumar, 2015. Understanding the Status of Higher Education in India: Challenges and Scepticism towards serious investments in the Sector”, Centre for Public Policy
5. Mamoon, D. (2006). Women’s Empowerment through Education. [online].SDPI Research and News Bulletin. Vol. 13, No.2 & 3 ( March-June 2006).

Woman empowerment is a tricky subject to write on. Balancing views from both sides of the spectrum are needed. Unfortunately, every discussion on it becomes a gender issue and the respective genders begin to defend their arguments taking rationality for a toss. My aim is to be neutral and aid you to understand what woman empowerment really is.

First things first. What is empowerment? Granting someone the right or authority to do something. So you might be thinking were women not given the right to take decisions? Sadly, in many spheres of life and since millennia, women were subdued, forced to take secondary roles and were not allowed autonomy to even decide for themselves.

In the last few decades, women have realized their worth and a movement has born out of the desire to assert womankind. This has led to drastic changes in the thinking and mind set of people. From not getting the right to vote till the turn of the last century to the times when they head governments and humongous corporations, we have come a long way.

But every coin has two sides. To protect women from sexual harassment, rapes, dowry and other crimes, strict laws were made. Laws which unduly favour women and have the capacity to put men behind bars without a proper enquiry. Divorce laws are made such that a man is considered a criminal. He has to pay alimony even if his wife is capable of earning for herself. He has to pay for child support and has virtually no chance of the custody of his child. Until a few months ago according to Indian laws, a woman was not capable of adultery, and a man was liable to be criminally prosecuted. Such an irony!

Woman empowerment has led women defend their rights, get full education and to be financially independent. This has led to an unusual problem of increasing divorce rights in India. Men are not able to accept the new reality that women are equal partners in marriage and not just a person who will readily accept every decision of theirs.

I look forward to a word where woman empowerment is not a hot topic to be discussed. It should be a part of our daily lives. Women also have a responsibility to have not only equal rights, but also perform equal duties. Why teach a man not to hit a woman? Instead teach a human being not to hit another human being. Something to have a thought on, isn’t it?

Abstract

This paper tries to research the requirement of women Empowerment in India and highlights the strategies and schemes of women Empowerment. Empowermen is the method of social development which might modify women to participate, within the economic, political and social property development of the agricultural communities. These days the Empowerment {of Women|of Women|} has become one in all the foremost necessary issues of twenty first century however much women Empowerment continues to be AN illusion of reality. Empowerment of Women is actually the method of uplifting of economic, social and political standing of women, the historically poor ones within the society. we have a tendency to observe in our day to day life however women become used by numerous social evils. Women Empowerment authorization is the way to expand women ability to own resources and to create strategic life selections. It’s the method of guarding them against all styles of violence. The study relies on strictly from secondary sources. women of India are comparatively not empowered and that they get pleasure from somewhat lower rank than that of men in spite of the many efforts undertaken by Government. It is found that acceptance of unequal gender norms by Women are still prevailing within the society. The study concludes by an observation that providing basic facilities and implementing numerous schemes are sanctioning factors to Women Empowerment.

Introduction

Women Empowerment refers to increasing the non secular, political, social, instructional, gender or economic strength and communities of women. Development and harmonious growth of a nation would be doable only if Women have equal rights in society. Women’s Empowerment in Asian nation is heavily obsessed on many alternative variables that embrace geographical location (urban / rural) instructional standing rank (caste and class) and age. Policies on Women’s authorization exist at the national, state and native (Panchayat) levels in several sectors, as well as health, education, economic opportunities, gender based areas. Women Empowerment allows autonomy and management over their lives. The empowered women become representative of their own development, able to exercise selections to line their own agenda and be sturdy enough to challenge their subordinate position within the society. Woman significantly in rural areas have proportionately least possessions, skills, education, status, leadership qualities and capabilities for mobilization, that determines the degree of deciding and power, and as a result, their dependence on men will increase. they need been confined to the four walls of the menage, over burdened with domestic works and controlled of their quality and private freedoms by the boys of the menage since yore. in order that they have lagged behind within the fields of education, talent development, employment and as a result, their work is greatly undervalued in economic terms .Empowerment of Women is basically the method of upliftment of economic, social and political standing of Women, the historically underprivileged ones, within the society. it’s the method of guarding them against all sorts of violence.

The authorization of Women embracing making awareness and consciousness concerning things of Women, discrimination of Women, rights of Women, opportunities to the woman and importance of gender equality , organizing a bunch together, cluster identity and cluster pressure; capability building and talent development, ability to arrange, to decide, to prepare, ability to manage, ability to hold out activities, ability to agitate folks and establishments within the world around them; participation in deciding reception, within the community and within the society, and access and management over resources, over suggests that of productivity and over distribution . authorization is that the method of adjusting power relations in favour of these at the lower levels of a hierarchy. authorization of Women implies method by that women’s power of fulfilment is promoted and bolstered. They develop the capability for self-direction out crossing the connection subordination on account of gender, social and economic standing and therefore the role within the family and society. It encompasses the flexibility to form selections, management resources and luxuriate in democratic relationship among family and community. to attain these objectives, authorization of woman additionally implies their ability to participate in it and additionally lead social movements to get rid of obstacles in their progress towards their goal.

Women authorization involves the build up of a society, a political surroundings, whereby Women will breathe while not the concern of oppression, exploitation, apprehension, discrimination and therefore the general feeling of maltreatment which fits with being a girl in an exceedingly historically male dominated structure. Women represent nearly five hundredth of the world’s population however Republic of India has shown disproportionate sex magnitude relation whereby female’s population has been relatively less than males. Woman ought to be place within the country’s development agenda to attain its desired goal. they ought to even be created partners in development and development ultimately becomes a method of authorization. This ensures their full participation in each side of social and national development. This participation is important to extend the productivity level of Women. Thus, Women Empowerment would enlarge the alternatives and productivity levels of individual women and therefore the collective contribution of Women teams. As so much as their status worries, they’re not treated as capable men all told the places. within the Western societies, the Women have gotten equal right and standing with men all told walks of life. however gender disabilities and discriminations area unfounded in Republic of India even nowadays. The inexplicable scenario has specified she was typically involved as deity and at alternative times simply as slave.

Research Methodology

This paper is largely synchronic and analytical in nature. during this paper a trial has been taken to investigate the Empowerment of woman in Asian country. The information utilized in it’s strictly from secondary sources in step with the requirement of this study. gift scenario of Women in Asian country, being adequate to their male counterparts remains a way take Indian Women. Not solely area unit they marginal as public figures average Indian woman will hardly take selections reception or outside. within the last census 2011 sex quantitative relation of Asian country is 940 and acquisition rate among Women area unit sixty five.46% as compared to the male eightieth .The acquisition rate and sex quantitative relation in Asian country has forever been matter of concern as a result of in each the cases our Women population is behind the race with relevancy male population.

Government Schemes for Women Empowerment

Government of India enforced various poverty comfort and rural development announcement. These programme have particular components for women empowerment. At present, the Government of India has over Thirty Seven strategy for women operated by various department and ministries. The implementation of these programmes/schemes is monitored specifically with reference to coverage of women. Some of these are as follows:-

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
• Mahila Samakhya being implemented in about 9000 villages.
• Aajeevika) and the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY).
• Scheme for Gender Budgeting (XI Plan).
• SIDBI’s Mahila Udyam Nidhi Mahila Vikas Nidhi.
• NGO’s Credit Schemes.
• Crèches/ Day care centre for the children of working and ailing mother.
• National Mission for Empowerment of Women.
• Rastria Mahila Kosh (RMK) 1992-1993
• Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescence Women (RGSEAG) (2010).
• Swalamban.
• Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women(STEP).
• Integrated Child Protection scheme (ICPS) (2009-2010).
• Swadhar.
• Swayasjdha.
• National Banks for Agriculture and Rural Development’s Schemes
• Khadi and Village Industries Commission.
• Hostels for working women.
• Ujjawala (2007).
• Working Women’s Forum
• Mahila Samridhi Yojana (MSY) October,1993.
• Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).
• Swa Shakti Group.
• Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme for Children of Working Mothers.
• Short Stay Homes.
• Women’s Development Corporation Scheme (WDCS).
• Indira Mahila Yojana (IMY) 199517.
• Dhanalakahmi (2008).
• Women Entrepreneur Development programme given top priority in 1997-98.
• Mahila Samiti Yojana.
• SBI’s Sree Shaki Scheme.
• Indira Mahila Yojana (IMY) 199517.
• Indira Mahila Kendra.
• Training of Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM).
• Indira Priyadarahini Yojana.
• Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY).
• Beti padao beti bacho yojana.

Conclusion

From the study we concluded that in the existing scenario the status of the Indian women is not as good as it should be and there is a need to execute such steps which will help to fit the rights and the basic needs of women population. Thus, the accomplishment in the field of income, employ and in learning front, the scenario of women empowerment appear to be comparatively pathetic and needs to be check. Because with the empowerment of women, the evacuation of gender discrimination and the creation of a equality of power between men and women will not only be beneficial to women,but society as an entire shall profit politically, economically and culturally. the best would like of associate degree hour is modification of social perspective to Women. “When Women move forward the family moves, the village moves and therefore the nation moves”. it’s essential as their thought and their price systems lead the event of a decent family, sensible society and ultimately a decent nation.

The direction of Women has become one in every of the foremost vital considerations of twenty first century not solely at national level however conjointly at the international level. Society should give civil right to each of the sexes for the upliftment of society and for the well being of society as an entire. Women represent the world’s population and gender difference exists in each nation on the earth. till Women square measure given an equivalent opportunities that men square measure, entire societies are destined to perform below their true potentials. the most effective manner of direction is maybe through inducting Women within the thought of development. Government initiatives alone wouldn’t be comfortable to realize this goal as a result of direction are real and effective only they’re endued with financial gain and property in order that they will stand on their feet and build up their identity within the society. Society should take initiative to form a climate during which they will get the right get pleasure from the schemes created by Government for the Women development. There ought to be no gender discrimination and Women have full opportunities of self higher cognitive process and collaborating in social, political and economic lifetime of the country with a way of equality.

Haseena (2015), in his study on women empowerment in sports notes of the low participation of women in sports globally, including India. He urges the utilization of already existent tools to empower women teams. Hassena, however, singles out Kerala state, which has good female participation across various sectors such as social, political, and sports. His focus on women in sports makes his state of the great global attention that the state has achieved due to the role of its women in sports over the last three decades. He notes of the vast pool of sportswomen that the state has produced over the years in games and physical activities. He states that women athletes have inspired multiple girls in the state. Haseena notes of the critical role that women participation in sports can help to eliminate gender discrimination in India and break patriarchal norms that have for long-isolated women’s position to the secondary status both at the workplace and at the household level. This discrimination has negatively affected women in different sectors, such as in education, financially, health, and political involvement. Further, Haseena notes of the various ways that sports benefit girls and women. These include enhancing health and wellbeing, increasing self-esteem and empowerment, encouraging social inclusion and integrating, challenging gender norms, and offering women opportunities for leadership.

Puri’s (2016) address in one of the UN’s events highlights some of the crucial areas that sports help in women empowerment. She states that sports are essential in achieving gender equity. Sports help bring down gender barriers and discrimination. She says that sports give women a voice and enable them to break the social construct that they are weak and incapacitated. Sports activities such as ball kicking show physical strength, leadership qualities, and prudent thinking. These skills are essential towards achieving gender equality, she states. Engaging in sports also helps girls to demystify societal myths, boost their self-esteem, and help them acquire leadership traits. She, however, notes of some of the downsides associated with sports events. She cites violence against women, e.g., increase in domestic abuse in the UK during world cups and home team game loss and the increase in women and child trafficking for sexual exploitation during Olympics and World Cups as some of the incidences depicting the dark sides associated with sporting activities. She advocates for the use of sports events to sensitize against gender-based violence and advocacy for the leveling of playing fields for all girls and women.

Mlambo-Ngcuka (2019) echoes Puri’s sentiments on sports programs in women’s empowerment and attainment of gender equality. She states that sports programs help to impact girls and women the values of teamwork, resilience, and self-reliance, which are all essential tools towards the achievement of gender equality. Sports programs help create avenues where girls and women can network and develop connections useful for their social, economic, and career lives(Eschenbacher, 2011). Sports programs also create safe havens where girls and women can find refuge against violence afflicted on them back home and in communities.

Sporting activities give girls a better understanding of their bodies and help them become confident. Girls in sports are more likely to speak up against traditional societal female stereotypes. Sports greatly help adolescent girls to comprehend the changes associated with it and help them surmount challenges such as peer influence and pressure. The integration of sports activities with life skills helps empower girls in various sectors (UNICEF, 2019). One Win Leads to Another Program that integrates sports activities into life skills training for girls from vulnerable and violent communities have recorded great success. Girls become empowered on how to become a leader, reporting abuse, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections prevention, and how to be more ambitious in life (Mlambo-Ngcuka,2019).

Sports programs help produce women athletes who become role models to girls and women. Their success on the fields and Olympic podiums help inspire girls and instill in them the need to believe in their capabilities and dreams. Their excellence is an embodiment that girls can tear down social norms, stereotypes, and attitudes on gender roles. Female champions not only inspire girls that they can excel in the field, but they also gain celebrity status that they can use to advocate for gender equality and respect for women’s rights (Mlambo-Ngcuka,2019).

Popal (2013) states that sports help girls to challenge societal norms. They help girls become courageous and self-efficient. Sports programs accord girls with opportunities to lead and enable them to believe in their capabilities (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2012). Qualities gained in sporting activities are translated into everyday life as girls can engage in activities they previously deemed challenging. They are also more likely to take the initiative into different life aspects. Some of the crucial elements used in sports are useful in life skills, such as leadership. The need to prepare, practice, and play are vital in life. Girls in sports get to learn of the need to prepare in life in areas such as developing their skills and talents, setting challenging goals, and endeavoring to live by one’s values. The practice is essential in life as it helps girls learn of the essence of interacting with others, teaming up, and growing her leadership skills. Playing in everyday life allows girls to learn of the need to take action in various aspects, such as in their own lives and at the community or international level.

Hess (2016) notes that sports help girls realize their strengths and attain their potential. Through a girls’ sporting event organized by Ejaz, an alumnus of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan, in a girls’ high school in Pakistan, Hess notes that the program helped the girls gain interest in sports and continued playing even in college. Some of the girls pointed out that the event helped them become more confident in decision making, increased their self-confidence, and helped them become leaders. Sports help increase community engagement for girls and present to them a method to manage stresses. It helps them gain physical, emotional, and social strength.

Sports improve physical fitness, helps in weight management, and decrease stress and anxiety for girls (Hancock et al.,2013). They also create avenues for peer-to-peer interaction enabling social interactions that are more than their family networks and thus help the girls lead better social lives (Dagkas and Armour, 2012; Zipp, 2016). The girls’ body image and confidence are also improved. Sports help to decrease depression rates in girls. Overall, girls can lead more healthy lives. This enables them to have better concentration in other sectors of their lives, such as in education, thus enhancing women empowerment.

Hancock et al. (2013) study on the assessment of sports for development programs for girls and women found out that sports programs provide a social inclusion tool for girls. These programs create a safe zone where women can freely socialize, and through movements and physical activities, express themselves (Musangeya and Muchechetere, 2012). The programs were especially important in communities that had restrictive and stringent cultural and religious norms such as in Asian, African, and Eastern European counties. The social inclusion helped address issues of ethnicity, racism, gender inequalities, thus enhancing women empowerment.

Sports programs help attract participants for various educative programs useful in women empowerment (Hancock et al., 2013). The programs include HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, reproductive health, mental health, skill empowerment, and self-efficiency (Nauright, 2015). The sports programs were attractive to women already knowledgeable and with access to sporting activities. As women engaged in sporting activities, they would also be trained on the various educative programs that helped to empower them. Sports programs attractive to women include soccer, dance, fitness, and basketball. Soccer is attractive because of its global popularity, space availability, and cost-effectiveness. Fitness includes activities such as cultural games, calisthenics, and running. Dance and fitness are also cost-effective, require less space and equipment. Dances were also attractive because of the cultural significance that they bear in most communities.

Zipp (2016), in a study conducted on sport for development for ‘at-risk’ adolescent girls in St. Lucia, Eastern Caribbean, found out that the sports helped in capability development. The girls engaged in football, dances, swimming, and netball, running, skipping rope, and gymnastics. Female only sports helped achieve self-efficiency and encouraged peer and mentor relationships. Self-efficacy helps build healthy personal development (Coalter and Taylor,2010). Self-efficient individuals believe in their ability to achieve their goals, and they can influence the events in their lives. Sports help attain self-efficacy due to the much focus given to practice, skill mastery, and development and learning from losses. Self-efficacy individuals are more motivated to take challenges and get through difficulties. Co-educational football helped empower the girls and defy gender stereotypes. Their belief that girls were equally good in sports as boys depict their defiance of gender norms and being empowered. The girls at St. Lucia were considered at risk due to their vulnerability as the island has high unemployment and poverty levels. Children were exposed to different detrimental behaviors such as criminal activities, domestic abuse, child neglect, and parent absenteeism.

Empowerment involves the ability and freedom of a person to make choices. Opportunities for girls to engage in sports present the ability to make a choice and depicts a social change (Zipp, 2016). Since sports have been considered to be male-dominated, the participation of women in sports breaks that gender barrier. Women’s engagement in sports also helps to challenge other gender stereotypes and existent social norms. It helps in the achievement of gender equality (British Council, 2017).

Anderson (2012) conducted a study on how education and sports were empowering girls in Hatcliffe Extension, Zimbabwe. Anderson describes Hatcliffe Extension as being an impoverished place and where girls go through difficult situations, discrimination, no formal schooling, early marriages, lack of access to quality healthcare, and decent housing. These situations lead to desperation and hopelessness for the girls. Anderson notes of the various ways that sports programs offered by different practitioners in Zimbabwe were impacting the girls’ lives. Firstly, he states that sports programs give an avenue for healing, strengthening, and feeling empowered for girls who have gone through loss and trauma. Participation in various sports such as soccer gives the girls hope, a space to build self-worth and release stress, and the ability to heal. The sense of accomplishment in sports helps them to become stronger, self-confident, empowered, and develop high self-esteem. Secondly, participation in sports helped the girls acquire skills that were transferrable to everyday life. The skills included teamwork, discipline, respect, coordination, time management, self-control, etc. The skills were transferrable to individual lives, family, and to the community, for example, in being respectful and helpful in their families. Thirdly, the sports programs helped entrench social inclusion by overcoming gender stereotypes, norms, cultural violence, and marginalization. Fourthly, sports programs helped the girls become role models in their communities. Girls participating in sports were less likely to engage in drug abuse, get into abusive relationships, or get pregnant. They also displayed good attitudes and behavior, such as self-confidence, discipline, and respect. The girls were also likely to take up leadership roles, were ambitious, and envisioned themselves becoming impactful in their communities and break the existent poverty cycle.

Kidd and Donnelly’s (2007) review cite examples of different sports programs that are impacting women empowerment. They cite two sports programs in Kenya that have been impactful in women empowerment. One group, Mathare Youth Sports Association in the slums of Nairobi, runs a football program for girls and boys. Their girl sensitive program in areas such as training hours and gender roles has helped increased gender equality, and access to peer networks by offering the girls avenues for cooperation, negotiation, and communication. The other program, Moving the Goal Posts Kilifi, also offers football programs but exclusively for girls. The program addresses issues of gender disparity that empower girls and women on leadership, education, and reproductive health (Zipp,2016). The program also addresses issues of gender barriers. It has helped participants manage stress, shyness, and fatigue, enabling members to become confident and experience a sense of togetherness and wellbeing (Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, n.d.).

References

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Abstract

Women have a number of roles that they play throughout life. Work-life conflict occurs when time and energy demands imposed by the diverse roles cannot be efficiently met, as participation in one role is made increasingly difficult by participation in another. During the past decade, in India the environment for multinational corporations has been quite volatile, with numerous challenges for the firms operating in this arena. However, throughout this period there have emerged a number of corporate women who have been recognized for their contributions to organizational excellence and leadership despite the environmental fluctuations. But invariably even few years back women power were not so welcome to hold and glorify the top positions of different corporate houses. Due to the Indian social structure, prejudices and myths women employees used to face barriers while climbing up the corporate ladder. But time and again women power has been proved and they succeeded in overcoming those barriers and made major contribution towards organizational excellence. paper is aimed to study various factors which could lead to Work Family Conflict and Fa. Present mily Work Conflict among married women employees. In today’s fast-paced business world, where employers expect more from their staff, it’s almost impossible for women to achieve work-life balance.Because of such pressure imposed on female employees many women have to choose between the two most important components of their life: family or career. . paper is aimed to study various factors which could lead to Work Family Conflict and primarilyWork Conflict among married women employees.

Introduction

Work/Life Balance: Why Women Really Leave

Today, women constitute nearly half of the workforce. There have never been so many women in leadership positions around the world. And there has never been so much talk about being a woman in business. In fact, there has never been a better time in history to be a woman.

Yet, many working women must still think about their other reality — managing their family’s life at home, And whether we like it or not, most women still manage the bulk of the work associated with raising kids and managing a home. So whether they’re working, caring for aging or sick loved ones, or furthering their education while they work, establishing the appropriate work/life balance has become a significant challenge and a reality for most women across the country and around the globe. An increasing number of articles have promoted the importance of work–life balance. This highlights the current concern within society and organizations about the impact of multiple roles on the health and well-being of professional women and its implications regarding work and family performance, and women’s role in society. The following variables influencing the experience of work–life balance were identified while reviewing the international literature.

• a. The multiple roles performed by women
• b. Role strain experienced because of multiple roles, i.e., role conflict and role overload
• c. Organization culture and work dynamics: Organizational values supporting work–life balance have positive work and personal well-being consequences
• d. Personal resources and social support: Several studies confirmed the positive relationship between personalities, emotional support and well-being
• e. Career orientation and career stage in which women careers need to be viewed in the context of their life course and time lines
• f. Coping and coping strategies: Women use both emotional and problem-focused coping strategies to deal with role conflict.

Promoting women to C-Suite positions and nominating them to sit on boards are goals that are still, for the most part, a long way from being realized. The advancement of women has been a focus of corporations for over 25 years, yet the ratio of women in top jobs has remained virtually unchanged in the past 10 years. In fact, in some major organizations, early progress has given way to a stall or decline. This persistent absence of gender balance and other manifestations of diversity at senior levels in Canadian corporations is not a “women’s issue.” Rather, it is a competitive disadvantage. Moreover, it is one that should be of concern to all Canadians, whether they are aware of this imbalance or not.

If high-potential women are leaving their careers to care for their families, they’re not doing it on purpose. That’s the conclusion Hunter College professor Pamela Stone drew from a study of 54 female high achievers, recruited mostly from alumnae of four selective colleges and universities. The women pursued their careers an average of 11 years; 60% worked well past the birth of their second child. None was pushed out. Fully 90% left not to care for their families but because of workplace problems, chiefly frustration and long hours. Two-thirds of those who left tried part-time work but found it problematic; since they’d been putting in long weeks, part-time tended to mean 40 hours of work for 20 hours’ worth of pay. Factoring even more into decisions to opt out entirely, though, was the inability to work part-time without being marginalized. The great strides made by women in Latin America and around the world are undeniable but there is still much to be done. Given the progress today, it’s exciting to think about the potential advancements and successes of women, and the resulting impact on economic growth.

• Women influence more than 65 percent of global spending 2012 World Bank Report
• Women have played a critical role in achieving the poverty declines of the last decade, with their labor market participation rates growing 15 percent from 2000 to 2010. • Growth in female income accounted for 30 percent of extreme poverty reduction

Methodology

For studying the Work life balance among women employees, an attempt is made to obtain the primary data from 50 female employees at all levels belonging to different corporate houses ranging from small sized to MNCs .Secondary data was collected from various web sites, existing research on the related topic, books and journals. Secondary data has been the base to obtain the primary contents in the form of views of working women.

Research Findings

Men are nearly five times more likely than women to reach a senior executive position in the MNCs research has shown.

A survey of more than 500 men and women in 13 blue-chip companies showed that male executives were more likely to be seen as decisive and rational, while women were rated as well-organised and ethical – to the detriment of their promotion chances.

‘Women are seen as being very values-led … and very good about being able to direct people to ‘do the right thing’,’ said Rachel Short, director of YSC business psychologists. ‘Men were seen as being very good at rational and analytical decision making.’

The research is published by the 30% Club, a group of companies including Diageo, RBS and John Lewis, which has pledged to get more talented women into their boardrooms. A separate strand of the research found that men were four and half times more likely to progress to the executive suite.

Although the researchers found no difference in how male and female bosses were rated, the disparity in how their strengths were perceived was in line with the classic ‘think manager, think male’

According to the Pew Research Center, 20% of mothers with children in 2007 said their ideal life situation involved full-time work; but by 2012, that figure was 32%, likely the result of the economic recession. Some academic research continues to focus on structural barriers, while other scholarship has shifted to examining possible solutions. One possible way to address the pay gap is empowering more women to bargain for higher salaries. It’s an issue that has received substantial attention in the academic world, but the empirical findings suggest that gender itself is not always a consistent predictor of negotiating behavior. As Harvard Kennedy School scholars Hannah Riley Bowles and Iris Bohnet write in a special issue of Negotiation Journal, “what recent research has shown is that gender effects on negotiation are contingent on situational factors that make gender more or less relevant, salient, and influential.”

It was unclear whether real differences existed: ‘They may be contexability differences – women working in different roles, functional rather than commercial – [they may be] actual differences, stereotypes or a combination of the three.’

Speaking to the Guardian recently, Vicki Saward, strategic pursuit director at BAE Systems Detica, said she had encountered stereotypes about her maths abilities since her student days – although it had never held her back. ‘There is still a perception that because you are women you can’t do maths. Recently, somebody made a comment to me ‘oh you can’t do maths’ [and] my team cracked up’, says Saward, who holds a PhD in mathematics from Oxford University.’People assume that I must have a comms or HR background.’

Women were climbing up company ladders, but warned that too many were assimilating to ‘a system that rewards presenteeism and availability over time efficiency’. While this might boost the number of women executives in the short term, it could hamper progress in the long-run by preventing ‘a mass systemic overhaul’ of UK corporate life.

Survey in West showed that young women are expected to combine a career with motherhood. In Indian context, a lot of women, especially those from the lower middle class, are seeking the job market today because they have to augment the family income. They have to provide a better life for their families, pay their children’s tuition fees and plan a better future for them. In the present study, it is seen that the women working due to financial needs reported higher WFC when compared to those working for other reasons. It was found that the financial need is the chief reported reason for women taking up employment. It is argued that many women take up job on compulsion, but it is the career which is extremely gratifying. In the present study, it is noted that only a few women had taken up employment for career. It is reported that problems can arise if woman works for money. In that case, woman needs to be careful not to bring home her frustration and unhappiness, which can affect family relationships.

The current generation of mid-ranking women ‘are not militating, they are not agitating, they are really conforming to what they believe the routes of success is’ Short said. ‘They are over-assimilating to a culture that some men are now saying they don’t want.’

Helena Morrissey, the high-flying fund manager and founder of the 30% Club, said: ‘Men and women are different – equally intelligent but we behave differently and are motivated by different things. This new research gives more depth to the intuitive argument that balanced teams perform better, and gives companies specific actionable ideas to improve their management of all talent – regardless of gender’.

According to estimates from the World Bank, more than 70 million women have joined the workforce in Latin America over the past 20 years. They have played a critical role in achieving the poverty declines of the last decade. In fact, the same report notes the growth in women’s income in Latin America accounted for 30 percent of extreme poverty reduction in the region (2012 World Bank Report – The Effect of Women’s Economic Power in Latin America and the Caribbean). I have seen, first-hand, the economic power of women in action as a board member of The Committee of 200 .C200 is an organization comprised of the world’s most successful female entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, with the mission of empowering women to achieve success at the highest echelons of business.

In preparation for our 2013 C200 Annual Conference, I had a discussion with Ambassador Melanne Verveer (Former United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues). Although there is a large volume of research that shows women’s economic participation is a driver of growth, we have yet to tap the full potential of women in the formal workforce in Latin America or elsewhere in the world. Ambassador Verveer emphasized that governments and the private sector, through their policies and priorities, need to recognize that women’s economic participation translates into greater economic competitiveness and prosperity. And she’s right. For example, when Pfizer began operations in Colombia 60 years ago, 40 percent of the workforce were women. Today, on a workforce in Colombia that is 60 percent women, predominantly in executive and managerial positions, including the country’s general manager. The cultural legacy of business is, in part, one of male leadership. In another time, perhaps this made sense. At one time, raising children and running a house without electricity or plumbing was a daunting and time consuming task. Women just didn’t have time to be JP Morgan or Nelson Rockefeller. In those days, very few women were either educated or even in the work force. Today, where two-income families are often a necessity in order to meet daily needs, there are 7 million Canadian women and 72 million American women in their respective workforces. Yet a mere 735 women are Fortune 100 senior executives.

Conclusion

Women Employees needs to:

Establishing and maintaining internal congruence

Human frustrations and stress are the result of conflict between our emotions, expressions, and actions. So, realign what you say and do with what you feel. It may sound difficult at first, but you can begin at home and extend this to your social relationships and work. This doesn’t mean being confrontational or abrupt, it simply means recognising your ‘self’, individual needs and emotions and expressing them in a gentle non-offensive manner.

Working on goals and objectives

Aiming for the impossible is not an act of courage; it simply sets you up for failure and frustration. So re-examine your goals and restate them so they are compatible with your personality and individual needs and preferences as well as your circumstances and resources.

Inculcating positivity

Good and bad mood are contagious and self-reinforcing so you can influence your environment and your workgroup. Therefore, establish positive patterns of behaviour to generate positive emotions. You can easily develop many simple habits to surround yourself with positivity and to lighten up your day/mood. For instance, take 2 minutes a day to send an email to share a positive thought or to praise a colleague or someone in your team/organisation, and make it a habit to smile, it is contagious.

Practicing mindfulness and meditate

In the rush of everyday life, we often juggle multiple demands and have to adapt and multitask. However, research suggests that a multitasking brain has a harder time falling asleep, and has less energy, and experiences more stress. So take time to relax your mind as often as you can, by refocusing on a single thing. For instance, take 2 minutes to practice deep breathing and focus on your breathing as you inhale and exhale. This slows your heartbeat, relaxes your brain, and reduces anxiety.

Expanding social capital and healthy relationships

Social capital and healthy relationships are a source of happiness and longevity. Therefore, strengthen your social network and build positive relationships.

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Education is considered the most important tool for empowering women in society. It is not only limited to developing the personality of an individual but also plays an important role in economic, social, and cultural development. UNESCO put its effort to achieve equal opportunity in education regardless of age, gender, race, or any other difference in social and economic status. Education is one of the ways to spread the message of women’s empowerment. As per a UN report, education for women is the single most effective way to improve the lives and health of a family and society at large. A woman with education is a powerful person, she has the power to educate the children in her family, guide them in taking decisions, contribute economically, and offer valuable inputs for improvement on the home and social front.

Education not only educates a person, but it also helps her realize that she is a pivotal part of society. Education will help women to empower through the knowledge of science and technology to face the challenges of today’s technological age. Education helps a woman to understand her rights to equal treatment like a man in the society of this nation. Education is the key factor for women’s empowerment, prosperity, development, and welfare. Discrimination of women from womb to tomb is well known. There is continued inequality and vulnerability of women in all sectors and women are oppressed in all spheres of life, so they need to be empowered in all walks of life.

Women’s empowerment is the most crucial point for the overall development of a country. Women’s empowerment refers to strengthening the social, economic, and educational powers of women. It refers to an environment where there is no gender bias and there are equal rights in the community, society, and workplaces. Women’s empowerment is a global issue and discussion on women. Political rights are at the forefront of many formal and informal campaigns worldwide. Nations, businesses, communities, and groups may benefit from the implementation of programs and policies that adopt the notion of female empowerment. Empowerment of women enhances the quality and the quantity of human resources available for development. With the increasing change in women’s education, the empowerment of women has been recognized as the central issue in determining the status of women.

Education of women enhances women’s empowerment in the following ways. Firstly, women’s education can bring change in the attribute of family members and society. It also helps in removing mal-traditions like sati paratha, early marriage, dowry, etc. Education plays an important role in removing economic poverty by opening various job avenues for a woman so that she can work hand in hand with her husband and give support to the family. Education promotes teamwork rather than making a woman individualistic. Education makes her an opportunity to choose a career that is best suited for her. Every woman has got her own aspiration, which may be high or low, but education helps to maintain a balanced aspiration knowing her interest, ability, and potential, which further helps her to choose the correct field of her work. Moreover, education helps in balanced personality development by giving due weight to various aspects of personality. Women’s education also plays an important role in teaching them how to express their feelings or through effective communication that can solve disputes and adjustment problems of any level. An educated woman is a guiding light for the children, family members, society, and nation, she knows how to have a happy family and balanced and healthy relations with others. Education gives power to a woman to become strong physically by giving her knowledge about sports, exercise, health-related aspects, and good physical health; this will definitely benefit her mental health. And finally, education helps to improve the sex ratio and in controlling the population.

Awareness is essential to promote women’s education. We as a society should spread the message that the education of women is to build strong women to create an incredible country. Awareness needs to know that women are effectively a good contribution to the socio-economic development of the nation. Education plays an important role in improving the quality and increasing the quantity of knowledge that women can use in various fields where they live. So, we should motivate all girls and women to study and train their creativity. Women’s respect is important in all fields and necessary. Every woman should have the liberty to live her life according to her choice. Every woman needs to be able to select areas according to her choices like education, employment, health, etc. There is a need to change the mentality of people, especially those living in developing countries, who still neglect women. The state and central governments of such countries should implement various schemes and programs to promote women’s education. The word empowerment is only used in books and newspapers as a flowery language, but somewhere in society it is still not used practically and truly. We have to change this thinking ability in society.

Women play an imperative role in making a nation progressive and guiding it toward development. They are essential possessions of lively humanity required for national improvement, so if we have to see a bright future for women, giving education to them must be a preoccupation. Empowerment means moving from a weak position to executing a power. The education of women is the most powerful tool to change the position of society. Women’s empowerment has become one of the most important concerns of the 21st century at the international level. Governments are making efforts to achieve gender equality, but these initiatives alone are not enough to achieve this goal. Society must take the initiative to create a climate in which there will be no discrimination on the basis of gender, and women will have full opportunities to make their own decisions and participate in the social, political, and economic life of the country with a sense of equality.