Women’s empowerment is the process by which women acquire equal influence and opportunities in the personal, social, political and economic spheres. It enables them to participate fully in all spheres of society, on an equal footing with men. This issue concerns every country in the world, although the challenges and progress vary between developed and developing nations. Women’s economic empowerment is a crucial element in achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, particularly those aimed at combating poverty, promoting education and advancing gender equality. It also has wider social benefits that can promote productivity, economic growth and social stability (Sudha & Reshi, 2023).
Women are at the heart of family, cultural, health and social balance. They play a central role in health, development and education. As such, their empowerment is an indispensable factor in peace and political, social, economic and environmental progress. Furthermore, as summarized by Golla et al. (2011), economic empowerment represents a powerful means for women to realize their full potential and assert their rights and duties. Women’s economic empowerment has a direct impact on their families, society and the national economy. Studies show that women invest more than men in the education and well-being of their children. Although significant advances have been made in the West, notably in terms of rights to education, training and health, challenges persist, particularly in the political and professional spheres. Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveal a persistent gender disparity in labour market participation. In 2022, among people aged 25 to 54 worldwide, the gap between men and women was a staggering 29.2 percentage points. Specifically, women’s participation rate was 61.4%, well below that of men (90.6%). This gap highlights a significant imbalance between men and women in the mobilization of the workforce worldwide.
Women are paid less than men, and there are few women in management and political positions. In 2022, women earned an average of $0.89 for every dollar earned by men, according to Statistics Canada data (Statistics Canada, 2023). Although this gap has narrowed compared with previous decades, it remains a worrying reality for many working women across the country. In politics, women represented 30.6% of parliamentarians and 31.6% of ministers in Canada in 2023. No woman has yet acceded to the presidency in North America in the centuries since these countries gained independence. The most recent case is that of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race in the United States. In the world, there are only 17 women out of 151 elected heads of state and 19 heads of government out of 193 in 2023, according to the United Nations (UN). Despite legislative progress, femicide remains an alarming problem. In Canada in 2024, 187 women were victims of femicide.
The case of Africa: In Africa, women suffer many forms of injustice and violence as a result of deeply rooted patriarchal norms. These include early marriage, genital mutilation, physical and emotional abuse, and femicide.
Economic exploitation and unequal opportunities in terms of financing and land ownership are also prevalent. Poverty and the social norm that favors boys over girls limit women’s access to education in sub-Saharan Africa. While women represent over 50% of the African population, their contribution to GDP was just 33% in 2018. Income inequality between men and women remains a major brake on their empowerment. Socio-cultural barriers, including traditional, religious, social and cultural mentalities, hinder the promotion of women’s rights and the expansion of their entrepreneurial activities. Gender inequalities in employment in Africa are alarming. According to the World Bank, the activity rate for women is 36%, the lowest in the world, compared with 57% for men. On average, African women earn 30% less than men for similar work. Over 70% of working women are employed in the informal sector, where working conditions are precarious and social protection non-existent. Only 24% of formal businesses are owned or run by women. These disparities, caused by unequal access to education, restrictive social norms and lack of support, hamper economic development. In the political sphere, only two women are heads of state in Africa (Ethiopia and Tanzania) out of 54 states. The representation of women in the lower houses of parliament is 26% in 2023.
In conclusion, women’s empowerment is a key driver for building more equitable and prosperous societies. While significant progress has been made around the world, major challenges remain, particularly in terms of education, access to the job market and political representation. To accelerate progress, it is crucial to adopt inclusive policies, guarantee equitable access to resources and transform social norms limiting women’s opportunities. By enabling women to realize their full potential, we promote more sustainable development that benefits society as a whole.
