1.What is your definition of women empowerment?

Women empowerment to me means enhancing the strength of women and girls socially, economically and emotionally with the primary objective of closing the gender gap and overall improving their well-being.

2.What motivated you to get involved in being inspirational for change?

As a woman I analysed the various challenges that my fellow women face in trying to improve their well-being, economic and social status. The playing field is not level and women have had to struggle to attain even the slightest recognition. This passion to break the cycle and make female voices heard in society has been my greatest motivation and inspiration to be a change driver and re-align the socio-economic landscape to accommodate the unique value that women can bring. I have not regretted being part of this movement so far and will continue to advocate for women and girl child empowerment. What also inspires me is the need to make a difference in the future of the girl child so that they do not have to face the same challenges we faced in scaling up the ladder and the fact that girls are prone to several aspects of abuse, the onus is on us to ensure that they do not fall victim to negative situations e.g. sexual abuse, rape, human trafficking , prostitution, early marriages etc. therefore I am inspired to advocate against these and ensure that our young women do not fall victim to such and are aware of the risks and how to mitigate them.

3.What are some key characteristics of an empowered person?

There are so many traits that define an empowered person but I will summarize how I define an empowered woman. She is one who knows and understands her rights and strives to be fiercely independent. She invests in insights and experiences that expand her mind and embraces her body and honours it. She is able to multi-task and embraces the dualities of her role as a leader and a home-maker. She challenges the oppressive norms, lives with integrity and is unflinchingly determined to achieve the goals and desires she sets her mind to. She is authentic and understands her worth and rises above being a victim of her circumstances. Lastly, a truly empowered woman coaches, inspires and mentors others with a view of also empowering them to create a ripple effect of an empowered gender or populace.

4.What can leaders or individuals interested in advocacy do to facilitate empowerment?

leaders interested in advocacy for women empowerment should lobby critical stakeholders who have the mandate to implement or effect changes in issues affecting women for example:
a. They can lobby governments to work towards certain policy amendments that align with the needs of women

b. They can also work with NGOs to facilitate social needs of women at grass-root level

c. They can lobby financial institutions to develop special dispensation of lending policies when funding for women’s projects such as lower interest rates, reduced collateral etc.

d. They should also advocate with labour organisations to ensure that there is gender parity for women in the workplace i.e. closing the gender pay gap, improving working conditions to improve the wellbeing of women, guard against sexual harassment, amend maternity laws to support women, have set representation of women in the top echelons of power

e. Lobby procurement boards to set aside a quota that should be supplied by women owned businesses

5.What advice would you give to those who want to give up due to a lack of empowered feeling, thinking and action? (e.g. What is an important first step)

My advice to my fellow women is that the struggle is real, the challenges we face are real and will never go away on their own without us making a deliberate effort to shift the paradigm and defy the norms to improve our wellbeing. ’In every struggle, there may be moments of pain and weakness where we may feel defeated because our goals are not moving fast enough or the results of our actions are not that apparent. What is key is to remain steadfast on the goal, never give up and believe that the best way to scale a mountain is by taking one step at a time. Let’s keep our eyes on the mark and stay on track because together we will achieve what we are all striving towards and reach our desired destination. As women we have what it takes to overcome anything life throws at us and should never underestimate the strength we possess. Let’s keep the spirit of empowerment ignited and keep the movement alive.