The number one question I received in my messages is “How to empower women?”
I realized that the word “empower” has been used to advertise, sell and often times do the opposite of what it means. Marketers have used the phrase to make huge profits and make women feel like they NEED the product in order to feel empowered.
Let’s remember what empower really means.
Empower; verb
make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life, sharing a resource and claiming their rights.
So when you hear someone say they empower – think back to the REAL definition of
Here are the ways you can empower women on an every day basis:
Use your buying power. Yes, we make less than men but that doesn’t mean we aren’t the ones who drive the economy. In fact – women influence 83% of spending in the US annually. That is 7 TRILLION dollars a year.
We literally have the power to decide what fortune 500 company stays on or off the list. We have the power to support businesses who have women CEOs. We have the power to help women secure their financial future. We have the power to change the fact that women are paid less than men by choosing to buy from them, by choosing to support businesses that support women.
Before making a purchase online I google who owns the company and who they employ. It does take some time but I find it worth it. When I’m at a store I look for products featuring the “
Need new clothes, shoes, or accessories? Shop at ABLE -a lifestyle brand focused on ending generational poverty through providing economic opportunity for women. I love them for so many reasons. They even publish the wages they pay
Time – Make time to grab coffee with your girlfriends. Check on their mental health. Listen to them and if they ask for it – share your advice. There is something truly powerful when women form strong friendships.
Take it a step further and offer to mentor someone. It is easier than it seems. I signed up at the college I graduated from and have had a student shadow me at work. I give her career advice and stay in touch with her.
Donate – Find a charity you love, you’ll never regret being kind. For the past 5
Use your network – There are times when I am at the right place at the right time and hear of an opportunity that I know will benefit a woman in my life. It can a small project or a job opportunity. Due to being mindful of my surroundings and remembering that I shouldn’t only be looking out for myself, I have been able to get my friends careers, projects, and gigs. You can empower by simply introducing them to someone in your network. You never know if that relationship will lead to a bigger opportunity.
When your intentions are pure you are able to empower women with the things you do every day. Whether it is shopping, sharing a resource like your time, knowledge or network.
Empowering women is not hard – however, it does require you to be mindful.
What are some of the ways you empower women? Let me know in the comment down below.
Selene,
Another fabulous post. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jen!
So, basically:
Women earn about 40% of all money in wages… but…
Women spend 83% of all money…
Whose money do women spend?
Women empowerment is one way to get women realize their self worth and potentials. These potentials need to be developed socially, economically, morally and psychologically. This process has to include men and boys.
Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch strive to empower women by building their economic potentials through business development skills, apiculture for conservation and livelihood, personal development of teenage girls to ensure a good transition into adulthood and psychological support through counseling. We believe in driving change by empowering women and girls. This dream can be realised when there is integration and inclusion.