Dr. Kanika Gupta
Despite progress in gender equality, millions of women and girls worldwide still face discrimination, violence, and limited opportunities. Achieving a just and inclusive society requires ensuring their fundamental rights, equal opportunities, and true empowerment.
The Right to Live with Dignity: Every woman and girl has the right to a life free from discrimination, violence, and inequality. Yet, gender-based violence, wage gaps, and restricted access to education and healthcare continue to hinder their progress. Addressing these challenges is not just a matter of justice-it is essential for building a fair and progressive society.
Equality: A Shared Responsibility: Gender equality is not about favoring one group over another but ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. When women are given equal access to education, leadership roles, and financial independence, entire societies benefit. Economies grow, social well-being improves, and governance becomes more effective.
Empowerment: Enabling Women to Lead: Empowerment means equipping women and girls with the skills, resources, and confidence to shape their own destinies. This includes access to education, fair wages, political representation, and financial independence. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to eliminate the barriers that limit women’s potential.
Achieving gender equality requires a sustained effort from all sectors of society. Legal reforms must be enforced, cultural biases must be challenged, and women must have a voice in policymaking. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial to shifting mindsets and ensuring long-term change.
When women rise, societies rise with them. Ensuring the rights, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls is not just a moral duty- it is the foundation of a stronger, more just world.
(The author is a Ph.D. in Human Development from University of Jammu)