Ms.Pln. Jennifer Owusu Afriyie,a planning officer at the Ghana Standard Authority and a member of Ghana Institute of Planners, has said, education empowers women to make well -informed decision.
According to her, women empowerment is not merely a buzzword or a concept; it is a movement that continues to shape the world we live in.
Historically, women have faced countless barriers and discrimination in various aspects of their lives. From limited educational opportunities to restricted career options, women have had to fight against the odds to establish their place in society. However, times are changing, and so too are the perceptions towards women and their capabilities, she told participants.
Addressing as a guest of honour during the occasion of the SHE POWER Summit on Tuesday at Pentecost University Accra, explained that women empowerment is about recognizing the inherent strength and potential within every woman. It is about providing them with equal opportunities and the necessary resources to succeed in all areas of life. Women empowerment is not a threat to the traditional gender roles; instead, it promotes a harmonious society where both men and women can thrive together.
Education, she said plays a significant role in women empowerment. When women are educated, they become more confident and are better equipped to face the challenges that come their way. Education empowers women to make informed decisions and breaks the cycle of ignorance and oppression. It opens doors to diverse career options and economic independence.
Ms. Jennifer Owusu Afriyie throwing more light on the need to resource women revealed that, nowadays, women empowerment is closely linked to economic empowerment. When women have access to economic resources, they can contribute not only to their families but also to the development of their communities and countries. When women are financially empowered, they become active participants in decision-making processes and can influence change at all levels.
However, women empowerment should not be limited to education and economic independence alone. It is a multidimensional concept that encompasses various aspects of life. Empowering women also means ensuring their safety and security, eliminating gender-based violence, promoting their health and well-being, and ensuring equal representation in positions of power and leadership.
Women are no longer confined to the walls of their homes; they are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and making a mark in diverse fields such as politics, business, science, arts, and sports. It is imperative for society to recognize and appreciate these achievements, and equally important to provide a supportive environment that encourages and nurtures the aspirations of the women.
The woman planner also was of the view that empowering women is not a one-time event or a destination that we can reach and forget about. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and active participation from all members of society. Men have an essential role to play in supporting women empowerment by becoming allies and advocates for gender equality.
Before bringing her speech to an end, to an end, Ms. Jennifer Owusu Afriyie suggested that it is a shared responsibility empowering women, and therefore, is not just beneficial for women alone, but for society as a whole. When women are empowered, the entire community thrives. Let us work together to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to fulfil her God-given potential, make her own choices, and thrive in every aspect of life. Let us empower women, for in doing so, we empower humanity.
By Martin Osei Tutu
