Empowering Women Through Education and Cultural Shift: A Visionary Approach by Dr. Abdul Manaff, Chairman of WEDO, VWC, SHEFINANCE.
Dr. Abdul Manaff
Chairman @ FIRST HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL I Forbes Council I Speaker I Mentor I Investor I Fundraising I Board Leadership
In response to a powerful message shared by Charu Jain , Executive Director of COER University.
Long ago, Swami Vivekananda observed that, “It is not possible for a bird to fly on one wing.” This quote captures the essence of gender equality—a concept as necessary now as it was then. In 2024, despite significant advancements, India’s journey toward true gender equality remains incomplete. The barriers women face today may appear subtle compared to those of the past, but they are no less potent, especially in realms like education and workforce participation. Charu Jain’s recent reflections on this subject underscore the ongoing challenges and the critical need for change, resonating deeply with our mission at WEDO, VWC, and SheFinance.
In recent years, India has witnessed a series of societal shifts, but a recent World Bank report reveals a troubling pattern: approximately 13% of employed women in India leave the workforce after marriage, a statistic that highlights a sobering reality. Yet, there is hope. The data also shows that women with access to higher education are significantly less likely to drop out, cutting this percentage nearly in half. These findings present a stark reminder that while education is an immensely powerful tool, it must be paired with cultural change to address the root of the problem.
The Power of Education: Beyond Skill-Building to Independence and Confidence
Higher education is more than a pathway to career opportunities—it is an equalizer, equipping women with the skills, confidence, and independence needed to overcome societal constraints. Education is a powerful vehicle for social mobility and personal growth, offering women a means to redefine their roles within traditional frameworks. Yet, as we have observed, education is only one part of the journey.
Our work at WEDO, VWC, and SheFinance aims to not only provide educational opportunities but to transform these opportunities into lasting empowerment. Our EXPERIENCE and EXCELLENCE centres, going to be strategically established across major Indian cities, would offer women entrepreneurs a holistic environment where they can thrive, away from traditional pressures and expectations. At these centers, women are supported with resources to scale their businesses, connect with international markets, and, most importantly, foster a sense of community and shared purpose.
Our approach is not merely to place women in business roles but to create leaders who can challenge norms, drive innovation, and impact society on a broader scale. SheFinance, our dedicated financial platform, focuses on financial independence, ensuring that women are not only educated but empowered with the resources to make autonomous choices. Financial independence is critical to challenging the societal norms that often confine women, enabling them to pursue lives of their choosing.
Beyond Education: The Need for a Cultural Shift
As Charu Jain poignantly expressed, education alone cannot bridge the gender gap—it must be accompanied by a cultural shift. Traditional norms often define and confine a woman’s role, particularly after marriage, resulting in an unspoken expectation for women to abandon their professional dreams. This shift, however, must begin at home. Families, especially spouses and in-laws, need to offer unwavering support, viewing a woman’s ambition as a strength rather than a threat to familial expectations. Charu’s own journey reflects the power of such support; encouraged by her family, she was able to continue her career post-marriage, fully utilizing her skills and education.
This shift requires dismantling longstanding norms and fostering an environment where both men and women are encouraged to pursue their aspirations equally. It’s essential to cultivate respect for the choices women make and acknowledge that gender equality benefits not only women but society as a whole. The message we share at WEDO, VWC, and SheFinance is clear: gender equality must be a priority, one that society embraces at every level—from the individual family unit to corporate and government structures.
Transforming Societal Mindsets: Fostering True Equality
Real change happens when we challenge societal mindsets. Our commitment at WEDO, VWC, and SheFinance is to lead this charge by creating inclusive spaces for women. We believe in offering resources that go beyond traditional education to include mentorship, financial guidance, and strategic networks. Women entrepreneurs who enter our centers are not just taught to build businesses; they are prepared to become influential voices in their industries.
Education is a foundational element, but societal support must follow. We work with policymakers, corporate stakeholders, and communities to build awareness about the importance of women’s active participation in every sector. This is why we’re dedicated to creating spaces where women can network, learn, and even celebrate without societal judgments. Our incubation centers reflect a safe haven where women can focus entirely on their aspirations, redefining what it means to be both a professional and a woman in India.
Creating a Future Where Women Thrive
At the heart of our mission lies a belief in building a future where no woman is limited by traditional norms or societal expectations. A future where every woman, regardless of her background, is empowered to pursue her passions without compromise. Charu Jain’s message is a timely reminder that our work is far from complete. The journey toward gender equality will require continuous effort, resilience, and collaboration.
We are driven by the vision that one day, a woman’s choices and aspirations will not be constrained by the boundaries of tradition but will instead be celebrated as pathways to progress and success. Our organizations stand as a testament to this vision, dedicated to creating a world where equality is not a distant ideal but a lived reality. Education is merely the beginning; it is through community, support, and relentless determination that we will truly empower women and create an India that soars with the strength of both wings.
Conclusion
The role of education in women’s empowerment is undeniable, yet it is just one piece of a broader vision. True empowerment will be achieved only when society wholeheartedly embraces gender equality. To every family, organization, and individual: support the women in your lives. Encourage their ambitions, respect their choices, and understand that gender equality is not a gift bestowed upon women but a right.
The future we envision at WEDO, VWC, and SheFinance is one where every woman can rise to her full potential, not because she was “allowed” but because she was always capable. Let us strive for a society where the next generation will look back and marvel at the strides we made together—toward a world where every bird flies strong on both wings.
Dr. Abdul Manaff Chairman of WEDO - Women Entrepreneurship Development Organisation , Visionary Women Circle , and SheFinance
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Assistant Professor of International Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflict | Legal Culture in Lawfare, Indo-Pacific, Maritime Security
1 个月This work of yours, Sir, is enormous! Thank you for your pivotal role in promoting women leaders, both in India but also globally. I am grateful our paths have crossed now. Stay safe and healthy! Namaste ??