Women Empowerment: A Multifaceted Approach

Women empowerment is a critical concept that has gained significant traction in recent discourse. According to the United Nations, it comprises five key components:

These components aim to ensure that women have the autonomy and resources necessary to thrive. However, the impact of women empowerment on moral values and societal order is not without controversy.

Challenging Moral Values and Societal Expectations

One of the primary challenges women empowerment faces is the existing moral values and societal expectations. If moral values are shaped by non-egalitarian systems, where gender roles and rights are not viewed as equal, women empowerment may conflict with these values.

For instance, if a society believes that an unborn foetus's rights are more significant than a living woman's rights over her own body, or that a woman's worth is based on her virginity, an empowered woman might not align with these views. Similarly, entering the workforce, choosing her career path, or making personal choices about childbearing can disrupt traditional gender roles.

Impact on Societal Order

Women empowerment is not inherently insensitive or irresponsible. It is an essential aspect of creating a more equitable society where individuals have the autonomy to make choices that align with their values. However, it can certainly disrupt a societal order that is built on skewed gender roles.

When women begin to assert their rights and make choices that challenge traditional norms, it may lead to societal conflicts. The introduction of jeans into a culture where skirts are deemed as a symbol of modesty, for example, can be seen as subversive. However, these changes are necessary steps towards gender equality.

Necessity of Feminism

The critic's question around morality highlights the ongoing need for feminism. Feminism seeks to establish equality between sexes and ensure that women are treated with the same rights, responsibilities, and respect as men. This is crucial because, as mentioned, moral values are often used to subjugate women, both in terms of their behavior and social status.

While moral values are subjectively defined, they are often used to control women, from what they wear to what they study. Instead of teaching boys not to rape, many societies focus on teaching women how not to get raped, reinforcing the idea that women must adapt to societal norms to avoid being victimized.

The Call for Empathy and Responsibility

It is essential to promote a moral society that values humanity and humane behavior. This needs to be a shared responsibility, not just the burden of one sex. National laws, as in many Islamic countries, may need to evolve to accommodate women's empowerment. Similarly, when social and moral values violate the principles of basic human rights, women's empowerment becomes a necessary challenge.

The core principle here is that, when gender parity is achieved in moral definitions, people, regardless of gender, will be more likely to respect and adhere to the system. An empowered woman is an ordinary citizen with all the rights and responsibilities, and it is crucial to foster a society that supports these values.

Conclusion

Understanding and embracing women empowerment is essential for achieving a more equitable society. This involves challenging existing moral values and societal orders that are not in line with equality and human rights. By fostering a moral society that values all genders equally, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a just social and economic order.

Finally, it is paramount to cultivate a society where all individuals - women, men, and transgender individuals - have a moral and social responsibility to maintain gender equality and promote a humane and equitable world.