Women have come a long way, but have further to go

International Women’s Day is a global event celebrated since 1911 in countries all over the world, to commemorate women’s political, social, and economic accomplishments. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on Feb 28th, 1909, in the United States, and since then, the event has been celebrated annually in many countries.

The day has had a significant impact on the advancement of women’s rights and the promotion of gender equality in education. International Women’s Day has acted as a platform to support and raise awareness of the various issues that women face in their daily lives, such as unequal pay and limited access to education. It has also played an essential role in inspiring and empowering girls around the world by highlighting successful women in various fields and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
In recent years, the observance of International Women’s Day has also come to include a broader focus on women’s rights, including the promotion of gender equality in all facets of life, from education and work to politics and the environment. In addition to encouraging the participation of women at all levels of society, it has focused on ending gender-based violence and discrimination, thereby advocating for the inclusion of women in decision-making processes. It calls attention to the fact that while much progress has been made in advancing women’s rights and gender equality in education, there is still a lot to be done. It can be seen as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the progress that has been achieved and to continue the fight for a world in which all women have equal access to education and equal rights to make choices and lead fulfilling lives.

Unfortunately, women around the globe still face significant barriers to accessing and completing education, which can prevent them from realizing their full potential and achieving their goals. The challenges to women’s education are numerous from cultural norms to financial constraints. Despite the increased global focus on women’s education, many countries still lack gender parity in educational attainment. This is especially true in developing countries, where gender disparities can be especially pronounced.

In many countries, cultural norms dictate that women should focus on domestic duties and marry young. This limits their access to education, as they are seen as having little need for it. Traditional views on the role of women may also lead to gender-specific discrimination, such as barring girls from attending school or having separate curricula for boys and girls. In addition, poverty often keeps girls from attending school, as resources must be allocated for food, shelter, and other necessities. Other challenges to women’s education include limited access to technology, a lack of role models, and gender-based violence. Women in rural areas often have poor access to the internet and other educational resources. A lack of female teachers and administrators in schools can also affect girls’ educational attainment, as they may not have a suitable role model to emulate. Also, gender-based violence, such as sexual harassment and abuse is a significant barrier to women’s educational success.

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However, despite these challenges, many women are pushing past the barriers to access education and becoming architects of their futures. Organizations like the UN are working to address the gender disparities in education and resource gaps by creating initiatives for girls’ education, supporting girls and women in the classroom, and investing in technology for rural areas.

It is essential to look at education’s role in empowering women and promoting gender equality. Education has always been a powerful tool to enable us to shape our lives, and for women, it serves as the primary means of liberation and self-improvement. It is a human right and is essential to break the cycle of gender discrimination and inequality. It helps to open doors to economic opportunities and provides a platform for women to acquire knowledge, think critically, and gain the skills to pursue their goals and ambitions. With access to education, women are more likely to break through traditional gender roles and gain new skills, such as in technology, which can result in higher salaries, better job opportunities, and improved economic stability.

Education also helps to raise awareness regarding fundamental human rights and gives women the ability to stand up for themselves in terms of labor laws, health care, and other socio-economic rights. The knowledge acquired through education can give women the confidence they need to take action and be heard, thus enabling them to make meaningful contributions to society. Therefore, its role should not be underestimated when it comes to empowering and liberating women. The knowledge acquired through education can help to level the playing field, allowing women to make decisions that benefit them, their families, and their communities. It is essential that we continue to support and promote the education of women and girls to continue the progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has had an immense impact on women’s access to education, both in terms of educational opportunities and resources. This has had a detrimental effect on the development of girls and young women, who have been unable to access the education they need to reach their full potential. The closure of schools and universities due to the pandemic has had a particularly negative impact on women. In many parts of the world, women are at a disadvantage when it comes to educational opportunities, and these closures have only served to widen the gap further. For example, in countries with higher levels of gender inequality, girls are most likely to be kept at home to perform domestic duties and look after the family. This, in turn, has resulted in significantly lower enrolment levels and completion of secondary education for girls compared to boys.

It is important to understand the wide-ranging benefits of investing in girls’ education which is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic growth. Educated girls are more likely to be healthy, participate in the formal labor force, and have fewer, healthier children. They are also more likely to educate their children, creating a virtuous cycle of increased prosperity and improved health for generations to come. In addition to these individual benefits, educating girls also has a positive impact on their families, communities, and societies as a whole. Educated girls marry later and have fewer children, which helps to reduce population growth and strain on resources. They also have higher earning potential and are more likely to invest their income in their families and communities, boosting local economies. Moreover, educating girls has been shown to increase gender equality and reduce discrimination, violence, and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. They are more likely to be aware of their rights and to participate in decision-making processes at the household and community levels. They also serve as role models and advocates for other girls in their communities, promoting a culture of education and empowerment.
In other words, educating girls is not just a moral imperative but also a smart and effective way to promote sustainable development. It is an investment in the future, yielding high returns for individuals, communities, and societies.

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Creating inclusive education environments that cater to the needs of women is crucial for promoting gender equality and empowering women. Women have historically faced barriers to accessing and completing education, and to overcome these barriers, education environments must be inclusive, supportive, and free from discrimination. Inclusive education environments must address the specific needs and challenges faced by women, including those related to their gender and socio-economic status. This may involve providing flexible scheduling, distance learning options, and secure and safe transportation and facilities. It also involves addressing gender-based violence, which can be a significant barrier to women’s education and must be prevented and managed through policies, procedures, and support services.

Furthermore, inclusive education environments must also address gender biases and stereotypes in curricula, teaching materials, and assessment practices. This requires ensuring that curricula are gender-sensitive and reflect the experiences and perspectives of women, as well as promoting teaching practices that are inclusive and empowering for all students. Creating inclusive education environments that cater to the needs of women is essential for promoting gender equality and empowering women. It requires addressing the specific challenges faced by women, promoting gender-sensitive curricula and teaching practices, and creating safe and secure environments that are free from discrimination and violence.

Technology has revolutionized education by providing learning opportunities for women in remote and underserved areas. Online and distance learning programs, virtual classrooms, and mobile educational applications allow women to access education from anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace. This has increased access to high-quality education and reduced time, distance, and cost barriers. Virtual classrooms bring together women from different parts of the world and provide access to education tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Mobile educational tools, accessible from mobile devices, give women access to educational resources and opportunities in areas with limited access to traditional institutions. It has significantly impacted women’s education in remote and underserved areas and has broken down barriers to education and provided access to new learning opportunities, contributing to increased gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Raising awareness about the benefits of education, providing scholarships and financial assistance, addressing cultural barriers, and promoting gender-sensitive education are critical steps toward supporting women’s education. Quality education that addresses women’s needs and aspirations is also essential. In developing countries, policies and programs should be implemented to ensure equal access to education and address the cultural attitudes and practices that limit women’s education.
Education is crucial for the economic empowerment of women and for breaking the cycle of poverty. Educated women have better employment opportunities, higher earnings, and greater economic security. It equips women with skills, knowledge, and confidence to participate in the workforce and make informed financial decisions and also furnishes them with the skills to start and run businesses, create jobs, and participate in the economy. When women have the means to earn an income, they can provide for themselves and their families and make investments that contribute to economic growth and development.

Additionally, education improves health and well-being, leading to reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity. By empowering women through education, we can break the cycle of poverty and promote economic growth and development.

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Author – Mukesh Sharma, Chairperson and Director, Prometheus School, NCR.