An urgent call to build a world that empowers women and girls – Something for the Nation – ✍️ Mr. Salah Ghariba
The issue of women’s empowerment requires more than just words, but rather concrete actions on the ground. The picture painted by current events in Sudan and other conflict zones, where women and girls are exposed to the worst types of violence and violations, is a wake-up call for urgent and decisive action from all of us.
Women’s suffering is not limited to armed conflicts, but is rooted in the structure of societies themselves. Stereotypes, gender-based violence, poverty and lack of educational and employment opportunities all contribute to the marginalization of women and their confinement to specific roles.
The marginalization of women not only affects them, but also has a negative impact on society as a whole. When women enjoy their rights and opportunities, they help build more prosperous and sustainable societies. When these rights are denied, society loses significant creative potential and poverty and crime rates increase.
There are many reasons why women are marginalized, but they overlap and interact with each other. Traditions and customs, government policies and religious views all contribute to shaping women’s realities.
Addressing the issue of women’s marginalization requires an integrated approach that includes cultural change. Efforts must be made to change societal views of women and challenge prevailing stereotypes. Governments must also enact laws that protect women’s rights and criminalize all forms of discrimination and violence against them. Equal educational opportunities must be provided to all and girls must be encouraged to enroll in schools and universities, while supporting women’s projects and providing them with decent employment opportunities. Civil society must be involved, so that non-governmental organizations can play an effective role in raising awareness of women’s rights and supporting women activists. The international community must redouble its efforts to support developing countries in the area of women’s empowerment.
Young people are a driving force for change and can use social media and other tools to raise awareness of women’s issues and mobilize support for their causes. Gender equality cannot be achieved without the participation of men. Men must play an active role in supporting women’s rights and working to change the traditional societal view of women.
The private sector can contribute to women's empowerment by providing more employment opportunities and implementing empowerment policies in the workplace, supporting women-led small and medium-sized enterprises, and investing in the education and training of women and girls.
In general, Arab women face particular challenges, including traditions and customs that impose restrictions on women's freedom and rights, the lack of political representation of women in parliaments and governments, and the increase in domestic violence, which is a major problem in many Arab countries.
The media can play a decisive role in changing societal perceptions of women by presenting positive role models for women in various fields, addressing women's issues in an objective and professional manner, and combating stereotypes against women.
Women’s empowerment is an ongoing process that requires continued efforts from all parties. We must all work together to build a more just and equal world, where all women and girls fully enjoy their rights and live in dignity.
The call for women’s empowerment is a call to build a better world for all. When women enjoy their rights and opportunities, they help build more prosperous and sustainable societies.
The questions to ponder are: How can we change the societal view of women? What are the government policies that can support women’s empowerment? How can civil society contribute to strengthening the role of women? What are the roles that youth can play in this area? Can we ensure the sustainability of efforts to empower women?
It is not enough to read articles about this problem, but we must act and participate in its solution. Each of us can contribute, however small, to building a fairer and more equal world.
