Empowerment of women or simply women empowerment is one of the most talked-about topics in recent times. As society has developed and progressed over the centuries, the concept of empowerment has evolved, and various laws and acts have been formulated to uplift the previously "non-empowered" section.

However, what remains the focal point of the discussion is the empowerment of women—considered the "weakest" in society. But are they truly weak?

Aparna was in her mid-30s when her husband died of a heart attack. With limited educational qualifications that could not fetch her a decent job, Aparna’s life was thrown into uncertainty. She had to support not only herself but also her two young daughters—the younger one just over a year old. Although her in-laws supported her, she knew she could not depend on them forever. She had to find a job and establish herself.

“Things changed a bit three years after my husband’s death when I managed to get a job as an Anganwadi worker. The monthly remuneration is insufficient even for a bachelor, but having a job meant some dignity. Today, I realise the importance of sound education,” says Aparna.

“When the government began promoting women empowerment, I realised that this should not merely be the government’s role. The thought of empowering a girl must begin within the family. Empowerment does not always mean a job or a business—it is the right of every woman to lead a dignified life, a life of her own choices. I made wrong choices in the past, and now I am trying to rectify them. I earn very little, but I am happy. I am empowered in my own strong way,” she adds.

As Assam prepares for polls in three months, political parties have launched massive campaigns, most promising intensive support for women empowerment. In fact, since 2000, women empowerment has consistently topped campaign agendas.

But what exactly is women empowerment? Is it merely a job or business for a woman—or something beyond?

“Where women are given equal opportunities and are also cared for,” says Avishek Sengupta, a Guwahati-based journalist.

Management professional Vedant Goswami believes that women empowerment is about increasing autonomy and self-determination for women.

“I speak for that class of women who are still neglected—young widows, rape victims, elderly women. Autonomy does not arise for women who are already working and independent; they are mature enough to lead their own lives,” Goswami adds.

“The base of equality in women empowerment is measured from data across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. But rural women are largely neglected. The primary focus should be on the rural sector,” he concludes.

Government official Dimple Sarma defines women empowerment as equality and self-dependency, where a woman can hold her head high and face the patriarchal society with pride.

Ayesha Ahmed, a freelance journalist, believes that a woman is empowered when she is considered equal to a man.

“A woman who is independent and self-sufficient, uplifting her skills and career, contributes greatly to national development,” she adds.

Many believe that a ‘strong career’ defines women empowerment. During random interviews, many female respondents stated that success meant high monetary returns.

“Have you heard about Chhavi Rajput and Arati Devi?” I asked a young woman during one such discussion.

“Yes, they are true symbols of women empowerment. Most of us aim for MBAs or medical degrees, but rarely do we think of joining politics and serving the community. These women left corporate careers and became sarpanch leaders, uplifting rural sectors. They have redefined empowerment,” she said.

In these discussions, equality and independence are the most common themes. So, is a homemaker not empowered because she is not seen as equal or independent?

“Not really! A woman who stays at home can be empowered too. Equality often depends on the woman herself. History shows that in many cases, women themselves have accepted inequality. The choice is ours,” says Vani Das Sarkar, a homemaker.

Vani, who holds an MPhil in Economics from the University of Delhi, left her job after marriage in 2012 to focus on family life. She strongly believes that the role of a homemaker is as crucial as any professional role.

“My friends criticise me for staying at home despite my education. But they fail to see that this is my choice. My husband and in-laws encourage me to work, but I choose to stay home and care for my family. I am a happy homemaker. A house becomes a home because of a woman, whether she is a doctor or a minister,” she says.

“A woman knows her home better than a man. No matter how disciplined a man is, a woman’s touch at home is irreplaceable. If homemakers are recognised for their work, what is wrong in that? Being a homemaker is my choice—not my only option,” she concludes.

Vani’s perspective is rare and defies the conventional definition of women empowerment. However, very few acknowledge this viewpoint, and homemakers are rarely respected as empowered individuals—an unfortunate truth.

In my journey as a journalist, I have met many women who are epitomes of empowerment. One such individual is Nagaon’s Kunti Bora. She owns an organic vegetable firm in Kasori village near Samaguri, employing over 500 women across Assam. She also cultivates medicinal herbs.

“The women working with me come from diverse and often difficult backgrounds. Many were abused or cast out by their families. Now, they are independent and living with dignity. That was always my goal,” said Kunti in a 2011 interview.

If we look closely, empowerment provided by the government often feels like an endowment. Some people say “a woman is given...” but what must be given to her? Is not the right to equality a birthright? If so, why should it be bestowed upon her? How can this be considered empowerment?

Furthermore, if empowerment means equality, then why only 33% reservation in Parliament? Why must this be termed "reservation"? Can reservation truly lead to empowerment?

We say a woman is empowered if she has a job. But in India, a working woman is often objectified or harassed. She is not free to move after dark, often faces abuse or worse. In such a scenario, can we honestly claim empowerment through employment?

If we men claim to offer equality to women, then let us practise it—not just write about it. We hear, “things are changing,” but how long must we wait? I have heard this for 25 years.

Women empowerment—does it truly exist, or are we merely clinging to rare examples? I remain optimistic that one day, a new era of true women empowerment will dawn—free of endowments and rooted in equality.

(NB: The article has been published in the April 2016 issue of Good Times of North East with some edits)

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