Despite a multitude of laws having been put in place to ensure gender equality, in reality, women still don’t receive the same rights as their male counterparts. There is a substantial movement currently underway amongst women, whose mission is to empower one another, fight for equal rights, challenge stereotypes and secure a brighter future for the next generation. This movement is spreading across the globe, inspiring women to raise their expectations and highlights the importance of helping the women around you. To empower another woman is to give them the freedom of choice; to offer them opportunities, independence and confidence.

Changing societies narrative is integral to creating a brighter, more inclusive future. We need to uplift and celebrate other women, rather than bring them down. Here are a few ways you can empower women both in your life and around the world…

BOOST THEIR SELF ESTEEM

Empowered women go on to empower other women, so encourage and uplift the women around you to make them feel appreciated. You should encourage others to use their voice and speak up to make sure they know the value of their opinions and celebrate other women’s self-expression; we should all reiterate the message that there is no ‘correct way’ for women to dress in order to be respected or taken seriously, so encourage them to be true to their authentic selves.

Women are constantly faced with negative comments being made within the media, scrutinising their appearance, body shape and the way they dress, which has led to an unrealistic standard of beauty. Uplift women by taking a stance against negative comments made about their appearances, by promoting body positivity, intelligence and authenticity over materialistic ideals.

EDUCATE AND DONATE

Knowledge and resources are the most powerful tools when trying to make a change. Although many of us have access to basic amenities such as shelter, water and education, there are still an astonishing number of women who are denied these. Subsequently, this has a negative impact on their health and economic opportunities; organisations like CARE help provide clean water resources and better sanitation facilities to communities and involve women in the decision-making process. Donating to charities like these improve the health and quality of life for women around the world and help set them up for a brighter future.

Education is also crucial for empowering women, but there are still around 31 million girls at primary school age uneducated. Therefore, one of the most impactful things we can do is to support the education of young girls and raise awareness. When we have knowledge, we can make a change, so consider contributing to an organisation that helps keep girls in education or find out what supplies a local school near you needs and make a donation.

USE YOUR VOICE

Standing up for women’s rights with confidence and conviction is integral to encouraging others to use their voice too. Share your knowledge and opinions to encourage other women to join the movement for women’s rights. Know your own worth and make sure the women around you and in your workplace know theirs too; be brave and ask for what you deserve. Future generations of women will thank you. 

Young women are deeply influenced by their role models, so make sure you are a positive one by celebrating all types of beauty, empowering women and encouraging women to make their aspirations a reality. Empowering women starts with you, so show your support for the women around you with kindness, strength and compassion.