A woman can be a great leader, run a business, be an entrepreneur, a politician, or choose the career of her own choice. There is a myth that needs to be smashed that women’s work is to only look after the homes and they don’t have any role other than doing home chores and serving the family. There is another side of the world for women. They can serve at home and can also participate in politics, run a business or be an entrepreneur and take part in leadership roles.
“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” — Sheryl Sandberg
Women’s Empowerment will give them their equal rights and voice as men have. We can see many women successfully taking part in politics, businesses, and leadership roles thus by contributing to the economy and growth of the world.
Women Empowerment in Islam
Women were treated like garbage and trash before Islam. They were not given equal and fair rights. Islam gave them their equal and fair rights and they were given social, economic, and political rights.
There are references in the Quran and Hadith which narrate the equality of men and women as human beings:
“And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women. (2:226)”
The Prophet of Allah (Peace and Blessings be upon Him) emphasized the rights of women in His last Khutbah (Hajj-al-wida):
“Fear Allah regarding women. Verily you have married them with the trust of Allah and made their bodies lawful with the word of Allah. You have got (rights) over them, and they have got (rights) over you in respect of their food and clothing according to your means.”
We can empower women by making them leaders, giving them roles in society that need decision-making because it will increase their self-esteem and self-worth. Making more job opportunities available for them and helping them in running business will also help in empowering women. Women constitute a big part of the world and their empowerment means the empowerment of the world.
In some developing countries, empowerment of women is considered negative but now this concept is shifting. We as a society need to understand that women’s empowerment is necessary to prosper, thrive, and flourish economically and globally.
Contributed by:
Sadia Mirza