Women Empowerment for Socio-Economic Progress

Every day, practically in all corners of the world, discrimination, bullying and inequality poses a constant risk. Race, colour, religion, gender and sexual orientation headline the countless cases of threat that sometimes surpass even the complexities of war, famine and political unrest.

For ages past, women encountered discrimination in every level of society; whether at home, work, school or social gatherings. But that was before women empowerment came into fold. Society must learn to accept that even though sometimes physique and physical differences would give undue advantage to a man when it comes to construction or hard labour, women found ways to adapt to situations given the chance.

Gone are the days when only men are allowed to lead nations. There are many instances in times past that women came forth and changed the course of history. They mustered strength, courage and determination that has broken barriers over time. Some fought against inequality and discrimination; while others championed compassion and influence to instigate change. These qualities were made focal points of inspiration, touched countless lives, and perhaps started a “woman” revolution that shouts: “We can make a difference”.

                 Getty 

Such may be the case when Sally Yates hugged the headlines last January 2017. In case you may ask, Sally Yates was formerly the Acting Attorney General of the United States prior to being “fired” by current US President-Elect Donald Trump. She was accused of “betraying” the Justice Department for refusing to implement an executive order (which was said) whose aim is to protect the citizens of the United States. On her part as the top law enforcer of the country (USA), she pointed out in her view (of the executive order signed by the US President) that it does not bode well with reference to existing laws. Yates remained adamant and stood for what she believed is right (as according to the laws that govern her country), which eventually led to her removal from office.

Yates’ act of defiance has inspired others to rally behind her stead. Women (and other concerned citizens) turned to the streets to fight for equal rights and what they perceived to be acts of discrimination. She is but one of many women who made a stand. Time Magazine has listed some of the most Powerful Women of the Past Century; who, in one way or the other, became an inspiration and a beacon of hope for humanity.

Corazon C. Aquino: First woman President of the Philippines who became the unifying force that overturned the Marcos Regime via a peaceful but meaningful show of courage and compassion of the EDSA People Power Revolution. 

Mother Teresa: Canonised by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016 at St. Peter’s Square (Vatican City), and received recognitions like the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize (for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitutes a threat to peace), as well as the 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding (for efforts done in South and/or East Asia). She has been a constant reminder that humanitarian work transcends boundaries.

Margaret Thatcher: Her unwavering approach to and style of leadership (and short temper) earned her the nickname “The Iron Lady”. She is the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom which lasted for three consecutive terms (totalling 11 years). 

Marie Curie: A woman whose contributions created major developments in the science and medical fields. She is the only person who won a Nobel Prize in two separate sciences; in Physics (1903) which she shared with husband Pierre and fellow Physicist Henri Becquerel, and in Chemistry (1911). She introduced and developed the Theory of Radioactivity, discovered the two elements Radium and Polonium, and presented techniques on the isolation of radioactive isotopes (which were used to treat neoplasm). 

                                                 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coco_Chanel

Coco Chanel: A woman of good taste and high quality who carved her niche in the world of fashion by introducing the looser and more comfortable garments that veered away from the regular frills and corsets that dominated clothing during her era. Her revolutionary designs instigated the changes that coursed the fashion industry in the years to come.

Jane Addams: The first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1931) and was eventually known as the Mother of Social Work in the United States. She became the champion of middle-class women who served the communities to instigate change. Addams was also one of the more prominent reformers in what is then called the Progressive Era, and focused on different issues dealing with public health, plight of the children and world peace. 

These are but a few of the women whose efforts were so remarkable that it changed people’s perception of the modern woman. In their own fields, they became glowing symbols of hope for both men and women alike, as we all strive to make this world a better place to live in.

Sources:

• https://www.reference.com/world-view/did-mother-teresa-8c36e60782c6c4a6
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Addams
• http://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/news/a42550/president-trump-fires-acting-attorney-general-sally-yates/?src=socialflowFB