“THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHAT WE, AS WOMEN, CAN ACCOMPLISH.”

– MICHELLE OBAMA

Every individual on this planet bears a voice that directly or indirectly affects the perspectives and the furtherance of society. The opinion and the voice of the people matter the most in the process of transforming the world without limiting it to traditional beliefs.

Considering women and girl children in society as a whole, their rights are often discriminated against under the nuances of patriarchism. Only a handful gets the opportunity to speak about their community and own their rights. The majority remain in silence because of the social and cultural pressures incurred on them.

However, as society is drastically changing, widening doors for countless opportunities, women, in no time should grab these without letting them vanish into thin air. It is at this point the need for more aspiring voices is crucial for they would lead women as well as adolescent girls to overcome the barriers ahead of them.  

“A WOMAN WITH A VOICE IS, BY DEFINITION, IS A STRONG WOMAN.”
-MELINDA GATES

Accordingly, empowerment or to be empowered in the eye of a woman is not a simple task. However, a person can be empowered upon being disempowered after facing a certain phase in their life. They will understand the necessity to rise from the ashes in order to discover an oasis, once they get attracted to the term ‘independence’. Upon saying ‘independence’, you may think that empowerment is about feminism and gaining equal rights.

The term independence should be identified in different lenses as it discusses quality relationships among individuals despite their gender, under the three categories- economy, culture, and politics; along with the beliefs of independence. 

Women empowerment refers to the freedom of taking decisions without a third party involvement. Thus, a woman herself is a war. Once triggered, she will reach greater heights and possess the power to speak on behalf of the unvoiced.

The world will not know until they risk her capacity to bear everything around her. She is similar to a teabag; for when you put a teabag into hot water, you will not know how strong the taste and colour would be, depending on the time it is dipped in the water. She will come out strong, knowing the taste of bitterness and hardships. 

Hence, the voice of a strong woman has the power to thrust the young girls to be educated especially in the area of digital realities, and also to be financially independent and stand up against girls’ harassment.

Regardless of race, gender, language, ability, economic status, and geographic origin, young girls should be given freedom and a helping hand to bloom and accomplish their goals. The future of our world is only bright as our girls. As the voices of the little souls have the potential to contribute to positive change in the world, one impactful voice will be sufficient for them to step forward and fulfill their responsibility to this land. 

“I RAISE MY VOICE—NOT SO THAT I CAN SHOUT, BUT SO THAT THOSE WITHOUT A VOICE CAN BE HEARD. … WE CANNOT ALL SUCCEED WHEN HALF OF US ARE HELD BACK.”
-MALALA YOUSAFZAI

Despite running behind a mirage, if a woman seeks what she needs by listening to her inner self, she would understand what to do. Devising knowledge and expertise to change the attitudes of the society be it through literature, art, music, education, or any other mean, that would be able to confront many young girls out there to spring out and express themselves without any fear. So every breathing soul is responsible to motivate young girls to pursue their dreams and reach greater heights with confidence. 

As the saying goes, “Courage comes from knowing your truth and standing up for it. Only then is it special”; unleash your voice to empower more young girls and strive to be the change the world needs at the moment and in the years to come by laying the foundation to enhance female representation and empowerment.

Your voice will not only be able to awaken the young souls but also to end all forms of discrimination and promote gender equality while reaching sustainable development goals. 

Written by Rtr. Malithi Fernando