Ir al contenido

Women's empowerment as a path to equality

The empowerment of women, a guarantee of sustainability

Why is women's empowerment importan​t for development?

Vision 2030 and women’s empowerment...what was a dream has become a reality

In the 1970s, the term “empowerment” was used by some international women’s organizations to set a framework for the struggle to achieve equality and social justice for women. In short, it means: women’s ability to control the course of their lives, in general, and their awareness of their rights and their practice, in particular. Thus, it stems from the idea of ​​possibility, that is, enabling women to obtain services and resources, and to participate in comprehensive development.


Empowerment in its general sense means: removing all stereotypical behavioral processes and trends in society and institutions, which classify women in lower ranks. It is a complex process that includes adopting policies and procedures to overcome forms of inequality and ensure equal opportunities for individuals to use community resources and political participation as well.


Therefore, it was necessary for the International Human Rights Organization  to integrate into this approach and plan for it since its inception in 2009 until the concept of women’s empowerment became one of the most basic goals that the organization takes full care of in all fields and without limitation to advance by strengthening its position on the internal and global levels through partners. It is present in more than 45 countries. This term has even become one of our greatest concerns and care for what we deem worthy of women. We have also allocated a higher committee to this trend that takes care of it locally, regionally, and even globally. Below is our integrated monitoring with all the organization’s teams, internally and internationally, on the nature and how to empower women.

Why is women's empowerment important for development?1. Promotes equality between women2. You have complimented every time you feel necessary3. Be part of initiatives to support women4. Support women-led businesses5. Share your knowledge with othersTo end

Why is women's empowerment important for development?

It is essential that women have a voice and vote in all areas so that they can participate on equal terms in dialogue and decision-making, to be able to influence the decisions that will determine the future of their families and their country.

When we talk about empowerment we refer to greater autonomy for women, their recognition and the visibility of their contributions. Empowering women involves their full participation in all sectors and at all levels of economic activity to build strong economies, establish more stable and just societies, achieve development, sustainability and human rights goals, and improve the quality of life of women. the families.


Women's access to and control over economic and financial resources is decisive for achieving gender equality, women's empowerment, and economic growth in the world.


The United Nations organization has noted that empirical data from various countries shows that increasing the proportion of household income controlled by women, whether from what they earn themselves or from money transfers, changes spending patterns in ways that They benefit daughters and sons, and entire communities.


Additionally, UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact published the Women's Empowerment Principles that offer the private sector some practices and policies on how to empower women in the workplace.


These principles consist of the following:

  1. Promote gender equality at the highest management level;
  2. Treat men and women equally at work;
  3. Respect and defend human rights and non-discrimination;
  4. Ensure the health, safety and well-being of workers;
  5. Promote the education, training and professional development of women;
  6. Carry out business development, supply chain and marketing practices in favor of women's empowerment; and
  7. Evaluate and disseminate the progress made in favor of gender equality.

Women's empowerment is something that we must practice daily and as I said before, it is not achieved overnight. However, the first step is to want to become an empowered woman to be able to begin female empowerment by taking small daily actions that take us on that path. Next, I will leave you 5 things you can do in your daily life to practice women's empowerment and achieve gender equality worldwide.

Here we bring you 5 ways to practice women's empowerment in your daily life:

1. Promotes equality between women

Help your friends or acquaintances set personal development goals by knowing that they are as capable as anyone else of doing what they set their minds to, regardless of their age, race, sexual preferences or social status. This is one of the best practices of female empowerment, so let's remember that we all have the same value and have the ability to achieve everything we are capable of dreaming of, including great professional development. Let's not discriminate against each other, this goes against the concept of empowerment, because it is about supporting and supporting each other. Don't do what you don't want done to you, so before discriminating against someone, think about how you would feel if they treated you the same way, it's all a matter of empathy and the agreed objectives to achieve a just society.

2. You have complimented every time you feel necessary

Sometimes we don't realize it, but a kind word to our friend, neighbor or a total stranger can make their day. It is important to remind each other how valuable and beautiful we are in our respective skins and in our peculiar way of seeing life so as not to fall into gender stereotypes. Each one of us is special and sometimes we forget it due to the stress of life. That is why it is essential from time to time to take five minutes to remind those women around us how wonderful they are, it costs us nothing. It is a good way to lift the spirits of our sisters and bring gender balance within our community.

3. Be part of initiatives to support women

Support those projects that are aimed at supporting women and gender equality. That we can achieve the gender equality that we have sought for so many years and that little by little we will mark the path to achieve it. If we don't support each other, how do you expect others to? That project that your best friend starts or that movement that you see on social networks is one of the best practices of female empowerment, therefore, help spread it and thus our voices will be heard more and more.

4. Support women-led businesses

There are millions of companies in the world and it sounds complicated to know which of them are run by a woman, so we can start with something simpler: support that venture that your friend, neighbor or acquaintance started that is not so close.

Instead of going to Starbucks, go to the coffee shop that your neighbor opened with a lot of effort and at the same time help those small local businesses that can create strong economies. Buy your agendas and organizers from that entrepreneurial girl that Instagram recommended to you, even if you don't even know her. Support your friends in their ambitions to start their own business and be independent, this will achieve economic empowerment for women and even management positions in labor markets.

Support is the key to success in any gender equality fight. And if we are determined on our path to female empowerment, these small actions of support can make a big difference and even provide more leadership opportunities for other women and their business goals. In addition, small businesses tend to be friendlier for our pockets in our personal lives.

5. Share your knowledge with others

No one is born with knowledge and surely that activity that you master and it took you your effort to master it can be useful to someone else in their personal projects. Let's not be selfish with what we know, because remember that once it was you and you had to find your way to discover how to do things.

Don't let that knowledge you have go with you for fear of not being good at teaching or for fear that someone will surpass you. Remember that we can all shine and at the top there is room for everyone, let's not be selfish and help those who want to learn and get ahead, share your action plan. Let's leave social norms and that old saying that says "a woman's worst enemy is another woman" in the past, let's prove them wrong.

To end

One thing that I left for last, but that doesn't make it any less important, is sisterhood, which is solidarity between women, especially in situations of sexual harassment or discrimination. Being a woman is complicated in a world where gender equality at a global level and at professional levels does not yet exist and patriarchy still has a very strong voice. So the support between us will make us strong, because strength is born from unity and only with daily actions will we achieve the change that millions of women fight so hard for, which we remember is gender barriers.

Don't forget to raise your voice in situations of injustice and assert your fundamental rights. Do not let them belittle your effort or female participation for any reason and seek support among your friends, who are your greatest support network. The actions I mentioned above are some of the small steps we can take to achieve women's empowerment, but they can make a big difference on the path to gender equality for millions of women.

Valuing Women’s Work: Bridging the Gap Between Productive and Reproductive Labor

Table of Contents


  1. The dichotomy of productive and reproductive work
  2. The economic value of reproductive work
  3. Gender-based discrimination in labor division
  4. Advocating for equitable sharing of domestic responsibilities

When we consider the fabric of society, the division of labor is a thread that weaves through the very core of our daily lives. It’s this division that categorizes work into two distinct types: ‘productive’ work, which is paid, and ‘reproductive’ work, which goes unpaid. In a world that often measures worth by a paycheck, what happens to the value of work that doesn’t yield a traditional financial reward? This is a question that echoes through households and policy debates alike as we grapple with gender-based discrimination rooted in the undervaluation of reproductive labor, primarily shouldered by women.

At first glance, the distinction between productive and reproductive work might seem straightforward. Productive work typically includes tasks that contribute to the economy in a measurable way—jobs that pay wages and salaries. Reproductive work, on the other hand, encompasses the labor that supports the daily maintenance of households and the care of family members—tasks that, despite being essential, do not come with a financial compensation.


  • Understanding productive work

Productive work is what often dominates discussions of economic development and employment statistics. It’s the work that fuels industries, generates GDP, and is recognized in the public sphere. People engaged in productive work benefit from tangible rewards, social recognition, and often, legal protections.


  • Defining reproductive work

Reproductive work, while less visible in economic analyses, includes cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, elder care, and other forms of domestic labor. It’s the work that ensures the well-being of the family unit and supports those who participate in the productive workforce. Despite its crucial role in sustaining society, reproductive work is rarely acknowledged in economic terms.

It’s a common misconception that if work doesn’t produce income, it lacks value. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Reproductive labor is indispensable, and its economic value is substantial, even if not directly reflected in economic systems.


  • Quantifying the unquantifiable

Estimates suggest that if unpaid domestic work were assigned monetary value, it would constitute a significant percentage of the national GDP. This realization challenges the notion that only paid work contributes to economic prosperity.

  • The cost of neglect
  • Ignoring the economic impact of reproductive work leads to a skewed understanding of labor contributions and perpetuates gender inequality. It also translates into real costs when the labor force is depleted due to lack of support for reproductive work responsibilities.

Historically, reproductive work has been gendered, with women disproportionately carrying the burden. This imbalance is not just a matter of personal choice or cultural tradition; it’s a form of systemic discrimination that has far-reaching consequences.


  • Impact on women’s careers

The expectation for women to perform the bulk of reproductive work without pay can limit their opportunities and advancement in the productive workforce. This leads to gaps in employment, lower lifetime earnings, and reduced retirement savings.


  • Policy implications

The undervaluation of reproductive labor has policy implications, too. Without recognition of its importance, there’s little incentive for the development of supportive measures such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and elder care services.

Historically, reproductive work has been gendered, with women disproportionately carrying the burden. This imbalance is not just a matter of personal choice or cultural tradition; it’s a form of systemic discrimination that has far-reaching consequences.


  • Impact on women’s careers

The expectation for women to perform the bulk of reproductive work without pay can limit their opportunities and advancement in the productive workforce. This leads to gaps in employment, lower lifetime earnings, and reduced retirement savings.


  • Policy implications

The undervaluation of reproductive labor has policy implications, too. Without recognition of its importance, there’s little incentive for the development of supportive measures such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and elder care services.

The Gender Gap in Technology and Science: How to Close It Through Activism

In our website, "The Gender Gap in Technology and Science: How to Close It Through Activism," we explore the issue of gender inequality in technology and science in depth. Prepare to dive into a comprehensive analysis that will challenge your perspectives and motivate you to contribute to building a more equitable world. Are you ready for a journey of discovery and empowerment? Go ahead, the adventure begins here!

Continue reading ​

Female empowerment and its importance for the construction of society

Female empowerment has emerged as a central issue on the social, political and economic agendas of our time. From the fight for suffrage to contemporary movements for gender equality; The role of women in society has been the subject of debate and demand. This article will explore and reflect on the importance of female empowerment, highlighting its implications at an individual and collective level. From access to education to participation in decision-making, women's empowerment is essential to building a more just, equitable and prosperous world.

Continue reading ​

Women's empowerment as a path to equality

The main objective of this cause (the empowerment of women as a path to equality) is none other than to achieve a fully autonomous life in which women feel free and participate in the environment that surrounds them, facilitating access to social resources those available, contribute to the recognition of their achievements and work, and to decision-making; and do it not only at work but also in the community.

Continue reading ​

SDG 5: Gender equality and empowerment of women and girls

Goal 5 seeks to eliminate discrimination against women and girls in all parts of the world, in order to move towards sustainable development by 2030 and achieve more just societies.

Continue reading ​