A famous quote from MANUSMRITI - “Where women are honored, there the gods are pleased; but where they are not, no sacred rite yields REWARDS”.

INTRODUCTION

The Commission of Women through the lens of human rights is a pivotal aspect of global development and social justice. Women Empowerment is empowering women and making them powerful and to make them capable of deciding for themselves. I intend to examine the ways in which different women of different races and times in history are developed. Historically, women have faced systemic demarcation and marginalization, limiting their access to openings and coffers. Moreover, the global perspective on women's empowerment has evolved significantly over the ones many decades, passing both remarkable progress and ongoing challenges. This essay explores the strides made in women's rights, the multifaceted challenges they face, and the necessary way to foster true empowerment.

HISTORICAL PROGRESS

The journey toward women's empowerment is rooted in the broader human rights movement, which gained momentum after World War II. The establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 marked a pivotal moment, recognizing the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals, regardless of gender. Subsequent international agreements, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1979, further solidified the commitment to gender equality.

In recent decades, there has been significant progress in various areas, including education, political representation, and economic participation. The global enrolment of girls in primary and secondary education has improved, with initiatives like UNESCO's Education for All campaign playing a vital role. Furthermore, women are increasingly participating in political processes, evidenced by the growing number of female leaders and representatives in national and local governments. Economically, women are starting to break barriers, with many entering the workforce and contributing to economic growth.

Women empowerment involves enabling women to become powerful and capable of making their own decisions. The significance of this is highlighted by various international observances: March 8 is International Women’s Day, October 11 is International Girl Child Day, and September 26 is International Daughter’s Day. These dates celebrate the unique value of women, emphasizing their right to exist, be celebrated, and receive equal respect alongside men. Every woman, born or unborn, possesses inherent dignity and an equal right to life.

SEEKING JUSTICE FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS

Women around the world face various challenges in securing their rights, often requiring multifaceted approaches to seek justice. National courts provide a foundational avenue, allowing women to file complaints based on local laws designed to protect their rights. Additionally, national human rights commissions serve as crucial platforms for reporting violations and seeking redress. On an international scale, treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) offer frameworks for accountability, compelling nations to eliminate discriminatory practices. Regional human rights bodies, such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, provide additional recourse when domestic avenues fall short. Furthermore, non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups play a pivotal role in providing legal support and raising awareness, while legal aid services help marginalized women navigate the justice system. Engaging with social media and public advocacy can amplify voices, fostering greater accountability and reform. Ultimately, the path to justice is most effective when women connect with local resources and organizations that understand their unique contexts and challenges.

CHALLENGES TO EMPOWERMENT

Despite these advancements, numerous challenges continue to hinder women's empowerment worldwide. One of the most pervasive issues is gender-based violence, which affects millions of women across all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking remain critical concerns, often exacerbated by cultural norms and insufficient legal protections.

Additionally, access to education, while improving, is still limited in many regions, particularly in developing countries where poverty and traditional gender roles prevail. Women often face barriers to education, including child marriage, lack of safe transportation, and societal expectations prioritizing boys’ education. The digital divide also poses a significant challenge, as women may lack access to technology and information necessary for education and economic advancement.

Economic disparities further illustrate the obstacles to empowerment. Women often earn less than their male counterparts for similar work, and many are concentrated in low-paying, informal jobs without job security or benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with women disproportionately affected by job losses and increased domestic responsibilities.

STRATEGIES FOR EMPOWERMENT

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, educational, and profitable strategies. Governments and associations must prioritize the enforcement of laws guarding women's rights and ensuring access to justice for victims of violence. Education should be made accessible and safe for girls, with community engagement to challenge traditional morals that discourage womanish education.

Profitable empowerment can be promoted through enterprises that support women entrepreneurs, give access to microfinance, and ensure equitable pay. Programs that encourage mentorship and skills training can help women navigate the workforce pool and advance in their careers.

Moreover, engaging men and boys as abettors in the fight for gender equivalency is essential. Educational programs that promote respect for women and challenge dangerous stereotypes can foster a culture of equality and mutual respect.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND CRIME AGAINST WOMEN

Gender equality is central to human rights and reflects the core values of the United Nations. Achieving equality between women and men, and eradicating discrimination against women, is a fundamental human right, yet millions of women and LGBTI individuals worldwide continue to face systemic violations of their rights. Many women, particularly those who are transgender, gender diverse, or intersex, experience compounded discrimination due to intersecting factors such as age, race, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic status. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of reforming discriminatory laws, transforming harmful social norms, eliminating gender-based violence, and ensuring the active participation of all genders in civil, political, economic, social, and cultural life.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979, serves as an international bill of rights for women. It mandates member states to adopt non-discriminatory laws and policies, promoting substantive equality rather than mere formal equality. Despite advancements, women still encounter pervasive discrimination in various areas, including healthcare, education, and employment, and often lack autonomy in sexual and reproductive matters. Governments must enact laws that genuinely empower women, recognizing that gender equality is essential for meaningful social and economic development.

In India, the Constitution guarantees the right to equality under Articles 14, 15, and 16, which prohibit discrimination based on sex and promote equal opportunities in public employment. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination on several grounds and allows for special provisions for women and children. Article 16 reinforces equal opportunity in public employment but also accommodates provisions for backward classes, which can include women. Special laws, such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, further aim to safeguard women's rights against abuse and discrimination. Collectively, these legal frameworks highlight the commitment to promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women in India.

INSIGHTS

To illustrate the impact of empowered women throughout history, consider notable figures such as Sarojini Naidu, the first Indian woman President of the National Congress, who played a crucial role in inspiring Indian women to step beyond traditional confines. Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, showcased remarkable political and administrative capabilities. Other influential women include P.T. Usha, India’s pioneering athlete, and Sania Mirza, a celebrated tennis player. Kalpana Chawla, who ventured into space, and Mary Kom, a five-time boxing gold medalist, further exemplify women's achievements. The contributions of Mother Teresa, badminton champion Saina Nehwal, two-time Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie, and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai underline the diverse ways women have impacted the world.

SIGNIFICANCE

Imagine a world devoid of women’s smiles—no mothers, no sisters, and no nurturing presence. Women are invaluable assets to families and society, not liabilities. Their participation in decision-making enhances responsibility and leads to greater efficiency. Women often embody compassion and empathy, traits that can be mistakenly viewed as weaknesses. Recognizing this can help dismantle harmful patriarchal structures. Women’s ability to make bold decisions and foster a supportive environment is crucial for effective leadership.

While a single woman may not change the world, her habits can influence the future. Women's contributions are vital to national development, and we must honor their ability to empower themselves for the betterment of society. Women can be catalysts for peace, security, and progress in human rights. Although there is much work ahead, collective action can pave the way for change. Women have tirelessly advocated for justice, shaped policies, and inspired generations.

As Coco Chanel once said, "A woman should be two things: who and what she wants."

CONCLUSION

Empowering women through human rights is not only a moral imperative but also a vital component of sustainable development. While progress has been made, significant challenges remain that require concerted global efforts. By addressing gender-based violence, enhancing educational access, and promoting economic equality, we can create a world where women can fully realize their rights and potential. Ultimately, the empowerment of women benefits entire societies, leading to greater social stability, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all. The path forward is clear: we must continue to champion women's rights, ensuring that empowerment becomes a reality for women everywhere.

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REFERENCES:

• The Laws of Manu, Chapter 3 (The Art History Project), available at https://www.arthistoryproject.com.
• Ananya Bhutani, Empowering Women Through Education: Pehchaan - The Street Schools Initiatives, MEDIUM (Mar. 10, 2021), available at https://medium.com.
• Women's Empowerment in India: From Ancient Period to Modern Time Period, TIMES OF INDIA (Apr. 15, 2020), available at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
• The Role of Women in Shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (Mar. 8, 2018), available at https://www.ohchr.org.
• Women, OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, available at https://www.ohchr.org.
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• Women’s empowerment in India: From ancient period to modern time period. Times of India.
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• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (n.d.). Women.