Ladies of Hive Community Contest #171 / Women Empowerment

Good day Ladies of Hive!
I wish to join in the #community #contest round #171.
This week's judge @trucklife-family chose good questions for us to ponder and make comments on.
I wish to expound my opinion on question number 1.

What does women empowerment mean to you and what are some of your personal experiences that motivated you to think/care about women's empowerment?

Women Empowerment: A Personal Perspective
Women empowerment, to me, is not merely a catchphrase but a profound commitment to fostering equality, uplifting voices, and creating opportunities that transcend societal norms. It's about recognizing the inherent strength, resilience, and potential within every woman and dismantling barriers that impede her journey towards self-determination.

Women are often compared to trees for we give profound love to our families, friends, people on our community and our society. Regardless the circumstances we face we women strive to do our best to nurture, to protect, to shelter, to provide for all the people around us.
But what if you are undervalued, unseen, not heard, misjudged, no capacity to voice out who you really are?

Empowering Undervalued Women to Rise
In the fabric of communities, there exists a silent narrative woven by the struggles of undervalued women—those whose voices are stifled, potentials untapped, and dreams constrained. These women, devoid of formal education and the accolades that often define success, navigate a world where their strength remains unseen and their aspirations often overlooked.

Silenced Voices at Home
Within the confines of their homes, undervalued women grapple with the weight of unspoken expectations. Their voices are often drowned out, relegated to the background as they navigate through a sea of responsibilities without receiving the recognition they deserve. The lack of formal education becomes a barrier, closing doors to opportunities and perpetuating a cycle of disempowerment.

Invisible in the Community
Beyond their households, these women face the harsh reality of being sidelined in their communities. The absence of a diploma is seen not as a missed opportunity for growth but as a justification for dismissal. Their potential contributions are undervalued, leading to a perpetuation of economic disparity and a cycle of poverty that often defines their existence.

I was driving yesterday going to the city and passed by these women. Begging for money just outside a bank where people would get money from an ATM machine.
As a woman and as a mother, It pains me seeing their children with them. They will grow up having these examples thinking that this is the norm creating the same cycle in the near future.

Struggling Against Belittlement
The absence of formal education should never equate to the absence of capability, yet undervalued women find themselves trapped in a narrative that belittles their potential. The lack of recognition leads to self-doubt, and the societal lens that diminishes their worth further entrenches a mindset that accepts being stomped upon.

Changing the Narrative
Empowerment is not a privilege reserved for those with diplomas; it is a birthright that should be extended to every woman, irrespective of her educational background. It's about recognizing the innate strength within these women, acknowledging their skills, and creating avenues for growth that go beyond traditional educational markers.

Education Beyond Degrees
Empowering undervalued women involves a shift in perception—a recognition that education is not confined to formal degrees. It encompasses life experiences, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges with grace. By valuing these attributes, we can rewrite the narrative that shackles these women to a cycle of poverty and low self-esteem.

Growing up, I encountered societal expectations that sought to confine women to predefined roles. The desire to challenge these stereotypes fueled my determination to pursue education, professional growth, and personal development beyond the limitations imposed by traditional gender norms.

Nurturing Resilience
Experiencing setbacks and overcoming adversity underscored the importance of resilience. I observed countless women in my life who turned obstacles into stepping stones, proving that empowerment is not just about breaking barriers but also about bouncing back stronger in the face of adversity.

Mentorship and Guidance
Guidance from empowering women who paved the way before me played a pivotal role. Their mentorship not only provided valuable insights but also instilled a sense of responsibility to pay it forward, creating a cycle of support and encouragement for the generations to come.

I am currently the stake welfare and self reliance specialist in our church. Under the welfare program I assist our fellow self reliance specialists in the seven wards that are under me. Together we held self reliance courses that teaches the following:
Personal Finance, Starting and Growing My Business, Education for Better Work, Finding a Better Job, Emotional Resilience, English connect courses.
Each of these courses are done within twelve weeks. We recently had our commencement exercises and it was really a very heartwarming experience seeing our members learn and grow to be empowered, to be resilient.

Conclusion: A Continuous Journey
Women empowerment, for me, is an ongoing journey that intertwines personal growth with a commitment to creating positive change. It's about acknowledging the diversity of women's experiences, amplifying their voices, and actively participating in the collective movement towards a more inclusive and equitable world. As I continue on this path, I am driven by the belief that true empowerment lies not just in individual success but in the upliftment of the entire community of women, creating a tapestry of strength, resilience, and boundless potential.

I wish to express my gratitude to say thank you for reading this far.

Remember, look for the good in everything and always count your blessings, you have loads of them.

You are loved,
@aideleijoie♥️

All photos are original and mine snapped using my Oppo Reno8 phone.