BSahil Manzoor Bhatti
Educating a woman is synonymous with educating an entire society. Women play a crucial role in shaping families, communities, and nations, making their empowerment not just a necessity but a responsibility. Financial independence and monthly support schemes can go a long way in uplifting women and enabling them to contribute effectively to various sectors.
For long, misconceptions have hindered women’s progress, with many believing they cannot manage business, administration, or medical fields. However, the reality tells a different story. Women are excelling as deputy commissioners, senior police officers, doctors, engineers, and civil servants, proving their mettle in national-level exams like IAS and IPS. Their achievements are a testament to their capabilities and potential.
Islam grants women dignity, respect, and security, allowing them to live without fear or coercion. Other religions, too, recognize and safeguard women’s rights. The need of the hour is to ensure that these rights are upheld in society, translating into real opportunities and equality.
Empowering women is a game-changer for economic development. From agriculture and handicrafts to fashion designing and teaching, women’s contributions can revolutionize numerous sectors. Government schemes should focus on harnessing their potential, providing skill development opportunities, and ensuring financial security.
Women spend more time within their communities, giving them a deep understanding of societal issues. As mothers, they play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s future, preventing them from falling prey to drug abuse and other social evils. An educated mother, often the first teacher of her child, instills values and knowledge that can transform entire generations.
Education remains the cornerstone of women’s empowerment. It is not just about literacy but about skill development and professional expertise. Society must move beyond the outdated belief that only basic education is sufficient for women. Instead, there should be a strong push for higher education and vocational training, creating a workforce of skilled, professional women ready to contribute in all fields.
Thousands of young women discontinue their education due to financial constraints and social pressures. Special government initiatives should support such women, offering skill-based training in tailoring, handicrafts, and other trades. Monthly financial assistance and subsidized training programs can help them regain their independence and achieve their aspirations.
Women in remote areas often face financial hardships and lack access to education. The government must ensure that schools, vocational centers, and transport facilities are within reach. Establishing tailoring centers within a 5-7 km range and providing necessary equipment can significantly improve their livelihood opportunities.
Women have brought laurels to the nation in sports like cricket, badminton, and kho kho. Icons like Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, and Anjum Chopra serve as inspirations. Encouraging women’s participation in sports can foster confidence, discipline, and national pride.
Women can play a crucial role in eradicating drug abuse. By educating their children and spreading awareness through media, they can combat this menace effectively. However, outdated mindsets still prevail, with some parents prioritizing domestic responsibilities over education for their daughters.
The government must make higher education and skill training mandatory for girls, ensuring no one is left behind. Educated girls can, in turn, educate others, fostering a cycle of empowerment that reshapes society. Investing in women’s education and empowerment is not just about gender equality; it is about national progress.
An empowered woman uplifts an entire community. It is time to shatter the barriers, support women in every sphere, and create a society where they can thrive without limitations. The future of the nation depends on the education and empowerment of its women.
