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Unit 10: Women's Empowerment

achieve more self-respect and confidence by their contributions to their communities. Simply Notes
including women as a part of a community can have sweeping positive effects. In a study conducted
by Bina Agarwal, women were given a place in a forest conservation group. Not only did this
drive up the efficiency of the group, but the women gained incredible self-esteem while others,
including men, viewed them with more respect. Participation, which can be seen and gained in a
variety of ways, has been argued to be the most beneficial form of gender empowerment. Political
participation, be it the ability to vote and voice opinions, or the ability to run for office with a fair
chance of being elected, plays a huge role in the empowerment of peoples. However, participation
is not limited to the realm of politics. It can include participation in the household, in schools, and
the ability to make choices for oneself. It can be said that these latter participations need to be
achieved before one can move onto broader political participation. When women have the agency
to do what she wants, a higher equality between men and women is established. It is argued that
Microcredit also offers a way to provide empowerment for women. Governments, organizations,
and individuals have caught hold of the lure of microfinance. They hope that lending money and
credit allows women to function in business and society, which in turn empowers them to do
more in their communities. One of the primary goals in the foundation of microfinance was
women empowerment. Loans with low interest rates are given to women in developing
communities in hopes that they can start a small business and provide for her family. It should be
said, however, that the success and efficiency of microcredit and microloans is controversial and
constantly debated.
Most women across the globe rely on the informal work sector for an income. If women were
empowered to do more and be more, the possibility for economic growth becomes apparent.
Eliminating a significant part of a nation’s work force on the sole basis of gender can have
detrimental effects on the economy of that nation. In addition, female participation in counsels,
groups, and businesses is seen to increase efficiency. For a general idea on how an empowered
women can impact a situation monetarily, a study found that of fortune 500 companies, “those
with more women board directors had significantly higher financial returns, including 53 percent
higher returns on equity, 24 percent higher returns on sales and 67 percent higher returns on
invested capital (OECD, 2008).” This study shows the impact women can have on the overall
economic benefits of a company. If implemented on a global scale, the inclusion of women in the
formal workforce (like a fortune 500 company) can increase the economic output of a nation.
Many of the barriers to women empowerment and equity lie ingrained into the cultures of certain
nations and societies. Many women feel these pressures, while others have become accustomed to
being treated inferior to men. Even if men, legislators, NGOs, etc. are aware of the benefits women
empowerment and participation can have, many are scared of disrupting the status quo and
continue to let societal norms get in the way of developmental.
The process which enables individuals/groups to fully access personal/collective power, authority
and influence, and to employ that strength when engaging with other people, institutions or
society. In other words, “Empowerment is not giving people power, people already have plenty
of power, in the wealth of their knowledge and motivation, to do their jobs magnificently. We
define empowerment as letting this power out (Blanchard, K).” It encourages people to gain the
skills and knowledge that will allow them to overcome obstacles in life or work environment and
ultimately, help them develop within themselves or in the society.
To empower a female “...sounds as though we are dismissing or ignoring males, but the truth is,
both genders desperately need to be equally empowered.” (Dr. Asa Don Brown) Empowerment
occurs through improvement of conditions, standards, events, and a global perspective of life.
Empowerment may also have a negative impact on individuals, corporations and productivity
depending on an individuals views and goals. It can divide the genders or the races. Strong skills

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