Women Empowerment: An Illusion of Reality

Author(s): Riajee Sultana Islam

Abstract:

Gender equality, a universally recognized human right, has been a long-fought battle throughout history. Although significant strides have been made in empowering women, particularly in education, leadership, and the workforce, disparities continue to persist. This evolution, while commendable, is far from complete, particularly in developing nations where patriarchal structures and societal expectations still hinder progress. Women are expected to juggle professional responsibilities with traditional roles of care giving, often at the cost of their personal and professional aspirations. Despite advancements in gender-sensitive policies and global awareness, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and experience wage gaps, workplace discrimination, and psychological stress. These challenges are compounded by issues like insufficient maternity leave, pregnancy discrimination, and the undervaluation of care giving roles. Recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, further exposed the vulnerabilities of women in both domestic and professional spaces, leading to heightened instances of economic instability, domestic violence, and increased care giving burdens. This paper explores the multidimensional challenges faced by women today, including occupational stress, mental and physical harassment, economic inequality, and systemic discrimination. It emphasizes the need for inclusive approaches that address intersectionality, allowing women to overcome barriers shaped by their social, economic, and cultural identities. The discussion calls for integrating women into decision-making processes, promoting gender-sensitive education, and fostering workplace inclusivity. Achieving true gender equality requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, and society at large. This study underscores that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but also essential for achieving sustainable global development.

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Pages: 22-24     |    4 View     |    1 Download