By Aneeqah Hidayat
Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH), once said, “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” Similarly, Hazrat Imam Ali (RA) wisely remarked, “Be respectful to women, for they are the mothers of mankind.” These words reflect the significance of women’s empowerment as a sign of social freedom. Women are the beautiful and glorious creations of Almighty Allah.
Defining their strength and voice fosters the identity of an entire nation. Women’s voices declare, “I know my worth, I embrace my power.” Women empowerment means enabling them to make their own decisions for personal development. It entails elevating women’s status through education, respect, awareness, and training.
Developing leadership, providing equal opportunities, eradicating violence, and offering education and training are the principles that empower women. They are not just women; they are mothers, daughters, and devoted wives. They nurture, and they are the building blocks of a nation. Being mothers, women play an essential role. As American journalist Gloria Steinem put it, “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”
Women share responsibilities in society. Their names define them, and their voices give them strength. Let’s put a smile on their faces and encourage their growth and rise.
In Islam, figures like Hazrat Aisha (RA), the zealous wife of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Maryam (AS), the icon of modesty, and Hazrat Khadijah (RA), a woman full of honesty, have taught us invaluable lessons about the status of women and leading a happy life.
Hazrat Fatima-al-Zahra, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), taught the lessons of modesty. During a time when people in Makkah buried their daughters alive, the birth of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA) firmly established the value of women in Islamic society. Women empowerment symbolizes females. Women are obedient wives and mothers. They have the perfect right to freedom and the liberty to choose their husbands. They are entitled to achieve the position of a mother. Give them respect, love, and empathy, for they are the ones who nurture you. They are the ones who exhibit strength through their sorrows. Never underestimate women, as they are the ones who shine with golden grace. They never let anyone cry. Women are the true architects of society; let them soar. They are the women of today, women of strength and love. Women empowerment is their vision, a vision of confidence and communication. It is their ultimate story and right of inspiration that defines their name as women.
Gender equality is a human right for both males and females. It is necessary for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.
Government Policies to Promote Women’s Empowerment
The government of India has taken various steps to empower women in every field, encompassing social, cultural, educational, and economic aspects, such as the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme and the “Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)” to ensure women’s social security.
While the government provides training institutions for women, there is room for improvement to help women identify their potential. They are the pride of the nation.
To empower women, the following laws should be upheld:
Dowry Prohibition Act
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act
Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act
Let’s spread fragrance and empower women. Avoid gender-based violence. Provide women with peace and security, information, education, and communication because they stand beside you in your shadow. Supporting women’s rights is the responsibility of every individual. Let them define their potential, spread positivity, and empower women.
The writer is a student and a budding calligraphy artist and can be reached at shahaneeqah@gmail.com.
