Introduction: Social empowerment enables individuals to make choices and access education, training, healthcare, and legal support. As women constitute nearly half the population, their empowerment is crucial for inclusive development.
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Reasons why social empowerment of women is essential for inclusive development:
- Economic Productivity: Empowering women boosts household income and reduces poverty. For instance, equal opportunities for women could add USD 770 billion to India’s GDP by 2025. E.g., SEWA in India provides women access to credit, training, and resources, improving their economic status.
- Decision-Making: Educated women participate more in decision-making. E.g., India’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign promotes girls’ education and combats gender discrimination.
- Political Empowerment: Social empowerment fosters political participation, amplifying women’s voices in policy-making. E.g., India’s reservation for women in local governance enhances women-centric laws and policies.
- Health Outcomes: Empowered women improve health for themselves and their families. E.g., WHO’s 2022 Global Health Leaders Awards recognized ASHA workers for linking communities to healthcare systems.
- Challenging Gender-Based Violence: Empowered women confront discrimination and violence. E.g., women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) advocate against dowry and alcohol shops in villages.
Conclusion: Socially empowered women drive economic growth, gender equality, better health, education, and sustainable development while reducing gender-based violence. Women’s empowerment is a matter of justice, human rights, and economic and social progress.
Legacy Editor Changed status to publish June 16, 2025