Why Empowering Women is Failing Women: A Deep Dive

You know, there’s been a lot of chatter about empowering women. Whether it’s in corporate boardrooms or grassroots movements, the idea is that when women rise, society benefits. But here’s the kicker: what if all this empowerment talk is actually missing the mark?

Let’s dive into this complex issue together.

The Definition Dilemma and Understanding the Diverse Needs

So, what do we even mean by "empowering women"?

Usually, it’s about giving women better access to resources, education, and opportunities. But here’s the thing—empowerment isn’t a cookie-cutter solution. What works wonders for one group might totally flop for another. For example, a study published in the Journal of Gender Studies found that empowerment programs often fail because they don't account for cultural differences among women. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—you end up leaving a lot of women out in the cold.

When we discuss empowerment programs, it's crucial to recognize that one size does not fit all. For instance, the diverse needs of women in urban versus rural settings can lead to vastly different experiences and outcomes.

Here are a few scenarios that illustrate this point.

Access to Technology and Education: In urban areas, many empowerment programs leverage technology to provide remote learning opportunities. For instance, an online coding boot camp might attract women in a city who have access to high-speed internet and digital devices. These women can participate in virtual classes, network with peers through social media, and apply for tech jobs in their local markets. In contrast, rural women may face barriers such as limited internet connectivity, lack of access to computers, or even insufficient digital literacy. For them, a program that relies heavily on online platforms may not be effective. Instead, in-person workshops that focus on hands-on skills might be more beneficial in rural contexts.
Job Opportunities and Local Economy: Urban empowerment initiatives often focus on sectors like tech, finance, or creative industries, reflecting the job market in cities. A program might help women network with local startups or provide mentorship from successful entrepreneurs in these fields. However, in rural settings, the job landscape may be dominated by agriculture, small businesses, or community services. A program that encourages women to pursue urban-centric careers could overlook the potential for women in rural areas to thrive in local economies. Tailoring job training to include agricultural entrepreneurship or craftsmanship could empower rural women more effectively.
Healthcare Access: Urban empowerment programs frequently include health workshops that address issues like reproductive health or mental wellness, often facilitated through accessible clinics or hospitals. In a rural setting, however, healthcare resources may be scarce, and transportation issues can hinder access to medical facilities. Women in these areas might benefit more from mobile health units or community health workers who can deliver services directly to them, rather than programs that assume easy access to urban healthcare systems.

This is why initiatives like those led by my team at Lilly Women’s Health are crucial. By bringing mobile clinics into underserved communities, we're breaking down barriers to care. Women no longer have to travel for hours, sometimes days, to access essential services like mammograms or breast screenings. We're meeting them where they are.

Additionally, our health education drives at Lilly Women’s Health are designed with the understanding that every community has its own unique needs and cultural considerations. By customizing our health information initiatives to address what matters most to each group of women, we're ensuring that the information is relevant and impactful. Whether discussing breast care, mental health, reproductive health, or overall wellness, we take a thoughtful, community-focused approach rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.

These examples underscore the importance of understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in different contexts. By tailoring empowerment programs to meet the specific needs of urban and rural women alike, we can create more effective and meaningful initiatives that lead to genuine empowerment. This approach not only acknowledges the diversity of women's experiences but also fosters a more inclusive environment where all women can thrive.

Let’s be real: women are not all the same. We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic statuses. When we paint with broad strokes, we risk missing the unique challenges that different groups of women face. For instance:

Women of Color often encounter systemic barriers that go way beyond just gender. A 2020 report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research highlighted that Black women, in particular, face a double whammy of racial and gender biases that complicate their empowerment journey. This creates specific challenges in workplaces, healthcare, and education, making it crucial for empowerment initiatives to focus on these layered issues.
Low-Income Women might be focused on immediate survival, like paying bills, rather than long-term empowerment initiatives. Many of them are just trying to make ends meet. When financial stability is shaky, thinking about long-term goals can feel like a luxury rather than a priority. That’s why empowerment programs need to be grounded in the reality of these women’s immediate needs. If initiatives get too caught up in lofty ideals without addressing day-to-day survival, they risk missing the mark and alienating the very people they’re trying to support.
Rural Women might not even have access to the same resources that women in urban areas do. Many women in remote areas may not even know about the empowerment programs available to them, or they might not have the means to get there. This geographic isolation can make them feel disconnected from the empowerment movement, underscoring the need for outreach that truly understands their unique situations.

If we ignore these diverse experiences, we risk pushing away different groups and watering down the effectiveness of our empowerment efforts. A cookie-cutter approach just won’t do; it can leave many women feeling overlooked and unsupported. To genuinely empower women, we need to customize our strategies to fit the distinct needs of different groups. Only then can we build a more inclusive and effective framework for empowerment that lifts up all women, not just a select few.

The Corporate Conundrum

Let’s switch gears and look at the corporate world. Companies love to toss around the term "empowerment," especially when they promote women to leadership roles to show they’re serious about gender equality. Sounds great, right? But here’s where it gets tricky. Once women reach these high positions, they often find themselves feeling isolated in a male-dominated environment.

Ever heard of the "glass cliff"? It’s this phenomenon where women are often appointed to lead organizations during tough times. A study published in the *Leadership Quarterly* found that women are significantly more likely than men to be placed in precarious leadership roles.

So, while they may technically hold power, the circumstances surrounding their rise often set them up for failure. When these women don’t succeed, it just fuels the stereotype that women aren’t cut out for leadership. Talk about a vicious cycle!

The Emotional Toll

While the idea of women stepping up and shattering ceilings is inspiring—trust me, we all want to see more of that—there’s a flip side that often gets overshadowed. The truth is, this quest for empowerment can sometimes feel less like a powerful journey and more like a high-pressure marathon.

First off, let’s talk about expectations. When society hands women the mic and says, “Okay, now you lead!” it’s not always accompanied by a roadmap or a clear support system. Instead, it often comes with a hefty dose of pressure to perform flawlessly. That pressure can turn into a nagging voice in the back of your head, whispering (or shouting) that you’re not enough. Cue imposter syndrome, that sneaky little monster that convinces you that you’re just faking it until you make it, and that any success you’ve had is merely a stroke of luck.

Furthermore, a recent study by KPMG reveals that a whopping 75% of female executives across various industries have dealt with imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. This is a glaring sign that this isn’t just an individual issue—it’s systemic. If so many women who have made it to the top still feel like they don’t belong, what does that say about the environment we’re creating? It’s like climbing a mountain only to find that the peak is shrouded in fog. You might be on top of the world, but you still can’t see where you stand.

And then there’s the burnout factor. Empowerment shouldn’t feel like a sprint, yet many women find themselves in a constant state of hustle, trying to prove their worth in a world that often undervalues their contributions. This relentless pace can lead to emotional fatigue, where the joy of achievement is overshadowed by exhaustion and self-doubt. It’s as if every time you shatter a glass ceiling, there’s another one waiting to be broken—and suddenly, you’re not just exhausted; you’re emotionally drained.

So, what’s the solution? First, we need to normalize conversations about these feelings. Empowerment initiatives should come with built-in support systems, mentorship, and open dialogues about mental health. It’s also crucial to celebrate not just the wins but the learning journeys along the way. We need to shift the narrative from “You must succeed” to “It’s okay to struggle, and you’re not alone in this.”

In short, while empowerment is vital, acknowledging and addressing the emotional toll it takes is equally important. Let’s create a culture that encourages women to rise, but also gives them permission to feel—without the fear of judgment or inadequacy. Because at the end of the day, lifting each other up is what true empowerment is all about.

Shifting the Responsibility

What’s often overlooked in these empowerment conversations is that real change requires more than just individual effort. It’s not just about women pulling themselves up by their bootstraps; it’s about society as a whole stepping up to dismantle the systems that hold women back. Otherwise, we’re just shifting the burden onto women to solve problems that are deeply rooted in societal structures.

Redefining Empowerment

If we accept that empowering women is sometimes failing them, the next question is: how do we redefine empowerment? Here are a few ideas:

Inclusive Initiatives: Let’s create programs that actually cater to diverse groups of women. We need to consider their unique challenges and tailor solutions accordingly.
Support Systems: How about fostering environments that promote mentorship and collaboration rather than competition? A supportive community can be a game-changer.
Awareness Campaigns: We should educate the entire community about the systemic issues affecting women. Collective action is key to making real change. By shifting our focus from individual empowerment to collective action, we can create a space where women don’t just survive but genuinely thrive.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

So, there you have it! The relationship between empowerment and its impact on women is a lot more complex than it seems. It’s not enough to slap the word "empowerment" on a brochure and call it a day.

If we truly want to make an impact, let’s start by recognizing where our current approach falls short and work toward a more inclusive and systemic solution. After all, empowering women should really be about lifting each other up—not just checking boxes. Let’s make a change together!

The Inspirer,
Dr. Lilian O. Ebuoma