The Need For Women Empowerment In South Africa
Women still face a number of challenges in Southern Africa when it comes to empowerment. Rights, the law and other programs though existing have failed to help women. Most of these women just just carry unkept promises written in black and white. Surrounded by the stigma and negative energy from people they fail to reach their full potential and self-empowerment. The essay will discuss on how women in South Africa are facing these obstacles and how they can be improved to find empowerment. Women in South Africa face challenges related to voice and representation in society or nationally. Though frequently celebrated and are major concern in South Africa the effort of empowerment is biased. Color, class, background and tribe are sometimes a criteria that has made many women not have equal opportunities. Certain stereotypes have been tagged with these women. That is why in many cases men find favor. Economically, socially and politically women have been starved a voice and representation. It is likely that a certain class and color has overshadowed the concern of women. This why women found in 'ekasi' (high destiny) have been disempowered due to some attributes and gender norm hindering them from access to certain opportunities. The social organizations and opportunities meant for all women in South Africa should not discriminate.
These empowerment programs for women should be accessible to all. Their concerns should be heard and taken action. Like every other woman in the upper class a voice and representation should be installed. Considering that most of the women did not finish their high school, programs meant to empower their kind should be planned of. These empowerment skills should provide social empowerment and transformation, economic empowerment and participation and governance transformation,justice and security. They should be well monitored and regularly updated for the current affairs. Hence, this why programs that are women empowering should not just help them raise but they should give them identity, a voice and representation to get rid of the stereotyping they face. Empowerment of women can be improved in South Africa if society can stop stigmatizing women. Many men or families feel intimidated by women being empowered. This how many are discriminated from a young age not to peruse certain dreams because of their gender. This has lead many believing marriage is a loophole.
Even if the husband is abusive or promiscuous they tend to stay. Because many lack knowledge they contract diseases, suffer from depression or emotional starved. If women can be made aware of their rights this could protect them from the dangers they are prone to facing in society. Awareness programs should be introduced to women who are at the bottom of the triangle. By giving them knowledge of how to overcome stigmatization of society this could save many generations of children that are raised in trouble homes or families with poor parenting. Society should not starve women the same opportunities as men to empower themselves. This could help many be freed from the bondage of abusive marriages or from contracting Sexual transmitted diseases. Women should have accessibility to opportunities that do not tie them down at the bottom of the triangle but rather empower. Nomvula is pregnant and 15. She lives in a high destiny suburb with her grandmother, where it's nothing new or a disgrace to be pregnant. Yet a taboo in her culture. Nomvula can keep the baby, put it up for adoption, have a safe abortion or take it to a home that takes care of unwanted babies. Nomvula is not unaware of that. She knows that her life has come to an end. Like most girls she opts for a backyard abortion which is risky. Schools and organizations should offer free courses to be be delivered to women from a young age on sexuality. If Nomvula can be given the above options regarding the child she carries she has opportunities of escaping many risks towards her health and emotions. Women should not be outcasted or deprived opportunities because they are with child instead this should be a reason they are empowered to help sustain her and her child. If possible women should be encouraged to take night classes so that they are able to pursue their education further. South Africa should improve on their health system making it flexible for girls like Nomvula's reproduction health a priority. She should also be allowed to empower herself economically by allowing her to succeed, advance and have power to make her own decisions. The same way society does not stigmatize men with children at a young age should be done to women. Having a child should not tie her down to having accessibility to her rights and privileges. It should empower her. Child marriages should be eradicated in South Africa to empower women.
Though modernity is taking over, many South Africans still adhere to many cultural rites. Like most African culture that believes inequality of a female and superiority of males, child marriages have stolen childhood from many women. This practice is popular in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and some KwaZulu Natal provinces. Most parents are poor so they marry her off in-exchange of money and gifts. While some do not believe of a possible world of a girl child being equal to a boy. In fear of of the consequences of modernity many girls are married of at from the age of 12. There is need that society be educated on the harmful effects of child marriage. Most of these girls are women who become women with bad parenting skills, bitter and depressed. Their dreams are snatched. The rights and law should be made aware to many women who can protect their children from child marriage. Women need to be empowered regarding the harm societal norms has caused. Organizations, the government and society need to emancipate young women from the religious and cultural practices. Like every other male they are worth every opportunity coming along. Women's empowerment is possible opportunity to advocate for their rights. Women deserve their divinity. Societal norms, cultural customs and traditions breach women rights exposing them to abuse, no power to decision making, do not have any access to human or social assets,g ender attitudes, political and economic embargo. Empowering women will be a vital measure to social change. If women can obtain an individual ability to make their own decisions with no condition of a male spouse needed this could change and open doors of opportunities. If women rights are advocated for this could improve child's healthcare, control over sexuality and fertility and weaken and prevent spouse violence. A lot of South African women lack security, justice and face various challenges. Women are victims of sexual harassment in job interviews, at work or on the streets. Community doesn't respect women anymore. This why advocating for their rights will empower and protect them. If women can represent themselves in advocating their rights the country could experience development outcomes. Empowering women through small businesses can end poverty in South Africa. For so long women have faced discrimination and inequalities in the workforce or in developing business ideas.
Equality will not get rid of poverty and having same opportunities with the males and appreciate the gender differences will do. The government and other organizations should not just acknowledge the presence of women but they should allow them opportunities without asking for sexual relations in exchange. Small businesses can go a long way. This can empower women and give other women job opportunities. The community especially men needs to stop intimidating or stealing ideas from women. Many areas that can thrive need women if they can get as little as a course certificate. They do not belong in the kitchen or taking of children. Many men have failed to provide its time women be given the stirring wheel to support their needs and their children. Sponsors should encourage women in starting projects that are usually sponsored to men and fail. If women can be given this grand opportunity it can make them stronger, independent, confident and this could change many lives in South Africa. Empowering women can inspire young girls into having a drive in their lives and reclaiming their rights. This could improve the discrimination and challenges faced by women. In conclusion empowerment of women can improve if barriers are removed. Women lack opportunity to show their full potential.
