Normalizing Equality

On a Sunday morning, I remember sitting in the garden outside my house and readings Mary Wollstonecraft. Being one of the earliest advocates of gender equality, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the progressive ideology she kept with respect to her age and contemporaries. Many of her arguments find relevance even in today’s world, drenched in an intangible yet present, air of prejudices against women. It’s hard to tell if we truly understand the idea of empowering women, who’ve been degraded in ideology and skill of a patriarchal society. 

If you don’t agree with this history of gender politics then you’re either very privileged or you’re simply ignorant. ‘To empower’ means to give power or authority; women empowerment, on the other hand means facilitating and equipping women to make life-determining decisions throughout the different stages of life. More than this it’s about facilitating the rise through a verbal and behavioral revolution. 

We still have a long way ahead of us, however there is a lot of power in collective action, women are more connected and ushering to each other than before. Women are supporting each other on a daily basis in every single aspect of their lives, ranging from motherhood to work to emotional well-being and beyond.

Here are 15 rules for you to reflect, adopt and exercise upon

 1. Endorse a women’s self-expression: We see celebrities getting trolled online for their looks, opinions and work. One needs to understand that they also stand a chance at being vulnerable and it’s okay to hear them out and not judge them for once. If you see a woman sharing her story on social media – appreciate her struggles, honor her truth. Shut down the trolls!

 2. Appreciate her mind: We always compliment on the physical appearance, tell them that they are brilliant, kind, dedicated and strong. This goes a long way.

 3. Recognize unconscious biases: We all assume things and base our decisions on that. Unconscious biases often lead to discrimination. How do we know if our own beliefs are biased? Just check the inclusivity and diversity of the decisions and initiatives – the more homogenous they are, the more likely are they to be influenced by bias.

 4. Contribute to be the foundation for her empowerment: Talking about mental health is the most important aspect of the foundation. A woman may seem strong and sorted despite facing issues like depression, anxiety or OCD. Don’t make assumptions. Don’t just ask ‘how are you’? Rather ask ‘how is your emotional and mental health’?

 5. Validating and encouraging alone time: We all need to decompress some point in time. Allowing and giving yourself to have some ‘me-time’ is the best thing to unplug and separate and take out time to reflect on what’s happening in life. ‘Me-time’ is not only good for well-being but it also helps maintain the quality of relationships with other women as well. Encourage other woman to schedule alone time and give the opportunity to rejuvenate mind and body.

 6. Pave the way for other women: As a woman, if you're granted access to spaces and platforms, see how you can lend a hand to other women who also deserve a spot on the stage.

 7. Talk about your periods: People severely lack information about their bodies because of prudish fear of female sexuality and desire. The best way to crush this stigma is to be open about our bodies. "As Michelle Obama said, 'I think it's the worst thing that we do to each other as women, not share the truth about our bodies and how they work.'”

 8. Invest in businesses run by women: Many female entrepreneurs lack adequate support in the form of funding or sweat equity, invest your time and/or money in competent, capable women who are making an impact.

 9. Make sure she knows she doesn’t need a reason: It is okay to do something as you please; without a justification or reason. Making sure that your women friend understands that they’re allowed to do things for no reason other than I want this. She has the right to choose what she wants without justification. Giving yourself permission is very empowering and emphasizes the ability to act in the best of your interest and treating yourself with love and compassion.

 10. This is no race: Stop competing with each other. We are in the same team. A woman will be empowered only if a woman wants it to happen.

 11. Initiate gender diversity: Voice your opinion on gender diversity. Offer to support initiatives for women, this small act can be a vital gateway to many of the women’s career including your own.

 12. Pick a movement to support who are suffering: In a country like India there’s almost always some subsection of women who probably have it worse. If there is an inequality for woman anywhere, it affects us all - think of it as your own suffering. Initiate a movement or get involved – whether its’ distributing products or volunteering.

 13. Say the F-word: Say you are feminist, even if it's uncomfortable. A feminist is just someone who believes in equal rights for all.

 14. Passing the baton: Stepping back and allowing someone else into the spotlight can be empowering. Give that chance and make that change.

 15. Finally! Make sure you’re giving back to the women who give to you. A great way to empower is to encourage, assist and build confidence in one another. It’s pivotal to reciprocate and make sure that all are benefitted out of it. Turn up, get going and mean it. That’s empowering!