Emancipation of Women (Essay Sample)

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN TOWARDS LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
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June 7, 2015
Women need empowerment like their male counterparts so that they too can enjoy equal rights within the society. Discrimination against women is an age-old practice that some cultures across the world have internalized, making it difficult to eradicate at once. Nonetheless, G. Barani and Dheepa T. claim that various revolutionists have put concerted efforts in a bid to bring gender equality, particularly when it comes to leadership. Gender-based oppression is particularly pronounced in developing nations like India and South Africa. Emancipation of women is the way to go, especially in the 21st century when opportunities abound for both sexes. According to Thelma Makoro, women dominate the population in South Africa yet they have taken fewer roles in the political, religious, and economic spheres. This article explores critically, the emancipation of women, with specific examples of its advancement and successes.[T Dheepa and Barani G, "Emancipation of Women through Empowerment," SIES Journal of Management 6, no. 2 (September 2009): 93. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed June 7, 2015).] [Ibid, 96.] [Thelma Makoro, "The Political Emancipation of Women in South Africa and the Challenge to Leadership in the Churches," Studies in World Christianity 13, no. 1 (May 2007): 53. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed June 7, 2015).]
Liberation of women goes a long way in ensuring that the social and economic status of a community or family goes up. Thelma Makoro explains the challenges that the South African women go through in their bid to achieve political emancipation and equality in churches. She agrees that leadership is an integral part of the community and the nation although inequality reigns in this aspect. Primarily, "leadership requires land ownership and family caring" although "the situation of women in other Southern African countries is grave." Women comprise of 86% of the total church population in South Africa yet the society gives leadership priorities to men. This practice is wrong and against democracy whereby the majority ought to have their way, if not their say. Therefore, the religious leaders ought to liberate women and place them in active leadership roles so that they can also serve the community.[Ibid.] [Ibid, 54.] [Thelma Makoro, "The Political Emancipation of Women in South Africa and the Challenge to Leadership in the Churches," Studies in World Christianity 13, no. 1 (May 2007): 55. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed June 7, 2015).]
Barani and Dheepa argue that political and economic empowerment is a perfect method of achieving emancipation of women. It is because "9.2% of the household in India were female-headed, of which 35% lie below the poverty line." The empowerment of women ought to be multi-dimensional and not in only one perspective since leadership is diverse. Certainly, the Indian society has neglected the ‘fairer sex’ for an extended time, and India is a good example of male domination. The formation of self-help groups (SHGs) is a practical approach towards the liberalization of women both socially and economically. The Indian women first joined SHGs amid strong opposition from their male counterparts. However, the move has since borne fruits, which is evident in the increased number of independent women in India. Economic independence and social freedom will enable Indian women to have full participation in various leadership roles.[T Dheepa and Barani G, "Emancipation of Women through Empowerment," SIES Journal of Management 6, no. 2 (September 2009): 92. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed June 7, 2015).] [Ibid, 95.] [Ibid, 99.]
Concerning political leadership, Barani and Dheepa note that the current level of women’s participation is low, especially in India where gender-based discrimination is still prevalent. It could be because people are adjusting slowly to accept democracy and fairness although cultural beliefs are still a major hindrance in this respect. Indeed, more liberalization is still necessary in the political, economic, religious, and social realms in order to give women a fair chance i...