Introduction
When we hear the term “empowerment” our mind races think of women and how women must have each other’s back in this unequal progression that takes place in our society. But the real question is why aren’t men involved on a larger scale when it comes to women empowerment?
There is a dearth of material available on how vital a role men themselves play in empowering women and hence, what is needed is a more detailed involvement of men in women empowerment as they can contribute to a more positive change. Thus, while not sidelining any gender, men empowerment is also required for a cumulative result.
As a society, we have subjected women to deep rooted discrimination. India as a country possesses great income disparity and as a result we are divided into separate sections based on our income, social and economic status.
Men coming from low income sections have always faced severe discrimination based on their age, caste, disability, race, etc. but they do not face the same primitive and deep rooted discrimination as women have always faced.
The aim is to equally empower both genders without alienating either or. Gender equality has witnessed a huge drive and this article aims to shed light on why women believe that men and boys play an imperative role in the same and hence the significance of men empowerment.
How To Take Action
First and foremost, the significance of empowering men lies in understanding the shift in the social dynamics when men and boys are encouraged and empowered to actively participate in normalizing a shift in the present social norms. This in turn would greatly reflect in breaking gender stereotypes that previously portrayed a big obstacle for women to exercise their rights and be able to achieve their full potential.
Unfortunately, more than often we hear of how common violence is towards women. That doesn’t imply that men are not subjected to violence. However, women in our society, especially, have been more susceptible and prone to violence and power inequalities.
Therefore, it would cause a revolutionary change if men were empowered to cut through this societal impression and address the kind of masculinity which identifies not only at the household level but also in the community.
Men need to acknowledge the consequences their oppressive actions toward women could carry. Any violence at home carries through a generation and any violence in the community is carried through the society. Hence, today’s actions need to be empowered for a better tomorrow.
As has been the forefront debate of about women not being given equal access and opportunity in the workspace to be able to put their best foot forward, similarly, in terms of men empowerment, we need a shift in the power dynamics.
In this sense, men need to recognize that their role is not only in the community as professionals but also extends to their personal lives and beyond that. There has to be a major shift in the redistribution of the power dynamics which presently seems to be normal for men to be working at the office and women to be staying at home. This needs to be achieved by motivating men to be more involved and thus, creating a path for gender equality.
As we are striving toward a more gender-equitable society, we realize that as important as women’s empowerment is given the present facts and situation, it is equally crucial to also empower men. Empowering men is the non-conventional sense of encouraging them to challenge the existing norms that are a direct cause of the gender imbalance in our society.
By this, we give men the space and the opportunity to adapt to new roles in society by changing their perspectives and behaviour towards women. However, what we are asking for is not a simple task because, at the end of the day, we are here aiming to challenge rigid norms which have been prevalent for centuries and therefore, this is a big challenge for men to not only participate actively in such empowerment but also in harbouring results.
When men get involved as caregivers and take equal responsibility in a household, their children, especially sons are witnessed to normalize such gender equality from a young age and thus we are building the youth for a better future which involves a better scenario for equality and progress.
Men should be given the luxury to express themselves freely and be emotional and vulnerable and not be mocked for the same, the way society has portrayed that men need to be strong all the time. Therefore, gender stereotyping while expressing one’s emotions is not a healthy way for encouraging equality amongst both genders.
Conclusion
A big shift in dynamics will take place only when we as a society, realize the interdependence of both men and women and how both genders must be empowered together for a better future.
As women themselves advocate for men’s empowerment for more effective results in gender equality, it is high time that men also are treated in the same fashion. Men must also receive the same benefits as women during the journey of parenthood.
Recently, a picture went viral from the city of Bengaluru wherein it showed a separate section in the men’s washroom for diaper changes for their kids. This is a huge step in equal inclusion where men take up the same responsibilities as women and vice versa. Therefore, in the future, we look forward to such acceptance in a society where gender stereotypes are broken and gender equality is largely practised.
