By: Nonkcubeko Mkwalo
Just because National Women’s Day has passed, it doesn’t mean we should stop celebrating and uplifting our women.
Below are some different ways to help empower and support women all over the world:
1. PRIORITISE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
We live in a world where many leadership opportunities are withheld from women, and usually awarded to men. Even with the progress our society has made with equality, women still remain underrepresented and unrecognized in business leadership positions. The issue of gender parity in many businesses still remains an issue, and women are constantly discouraged to try out for higher positions. Female leadership should be imperative in businesses, because women also deserve recognition for their hard work.
2. HELP AMPLIFY THE END OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) AGAINST WOMEN
Gender-based violence against women is the most combatted, yet still ongoing issue in our society. It has violated and prevented women from reaching their full potential, and left them living in fear. Taking a stand against gender-based violence can be done through educating people about the issue; using your social media to voice out awareness about GBV; and donate to a GBV cause in your area for instance POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) or the Durban Hospice for Women.
3. SUPPORT WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
Since women are less valued when it comes to the business world, creating their own businesses is hard due to lack of support. Female owned businesses are a chance to increase the economy’s stability, as they encourage young girls to become more independent and strong-willed. Women owned businesses give the world hope for a better, and gender diverse society.
4. KEEP GIRLS IN SCHOOL
Educated girls mean that they grow up to become empowered, motivated, hard-working women who are capable of working and providing for themselves without the dependency on men. Women with higher levels of education help increase economic growth, as they are likely to have smaller and sustainable families. Girls who remain in school become more self-reliant, resilient, and role models which is something society needs.
5. SHOW THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU CARE AND GIVE THEM CREDIT
Supporting women begins at home, community, and the workplace. Writing letters of appreciation to the women in your life can help empower them. Giving women credit is the best form of upliftment and care, because a women’s success is only measured by luck or hard work and not by skills and qualities such as the men.
Women are survivors; carers; givers ; and 8mothers. They deserve to be celebrated. Happy Women’s Month!
