How can an NGO organization empower women?
Government plays a major role in providing basic facilities to the people of any country. However, due to various reasons, not everyone is able to access these facilities. That’s where NGOs come into play. They help in overcoming the limitations of the government. NGOs have been contributing to the upliftment of underprivileged and weaker sections of society since forever. They are the reason why millions of people have a liveable life today. Various NGOs have been working relentlessly to help the marginalized sections of society. Their activities include environment, human rights, and social work which plays a major role in the development of society and empowering people.
Women Empowerment and NGOs Throughout history, women have been subjected to various forms of oppression. We live in the twenty-first century, but even today discrimination against women is prevalent throughout the world. Even in developed nations like The United States of America, women have to face gender discrimination in some form or the other.
The past few decades have witnessed a remarkable increase in global awareness against gender discrimination. As a society, we’ve definitely come a long way but even today a lot has to be achieved to end the deep-rooted patriarchy and empower each and every woman in the world. Over the decades, many NGOs have worked towards the upliftment of women across the world. They have acted as a catalyst for women’s empowerment all around the world There are various ways by which NGOs can contribute to the empowerment of women. Here are some effective strategies that can be undertaken by NGOs for women empowerment1. Skill Development Initiatives- The major setback faced by women who are not from very well-to-do backgrounds, is the lack of skills. NGOs can take various initiatives to provide these women with various skill development opportunities and provide them with different self-employment opportunities. This will improve the social and economic status of these women. Self-help groups are a perfect example of such initiatives. They enable women to be independent and provide them with opportunities to become self-reliant and independent. Women all over the country are able to generate more income and become more confident. Along with financial support, self-help groups also offer much-needed social support to women. NGOs can help women in establishing these self-help groups and give them the kickstart they need to become empowered and independent. 2. Supplement Efforts of Government- The government has introduced various schemes to improve the plight of women in the country. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, One Stop Centre Scheme, Working Women Hostel, are just a few examples of many such schemes. But due to a lack of awareness and information, many women are not able to avail the benefits of these schemes. NGOs can start various awareness campaigns whereby they spread awareness about these government schemes amongst the women who have no access to such information. This way, more women will be able to avail these schemes. 3. Microcredit Schemes For Women- Many women lack the resources to become independent and start something new on their own. NGOs can help women kickstart their careers by providing them with small and microloans. A little financial assistance can help them take charge of their careers and become independent. 4. Fair Trade- Very often, producers (women) don’t get a fair price for their products. NGOs can play facilitators by eliminating the middlemen and ensuring that women get a fair price for the work they’ve done. 5. Spread Awareness About Constitutional Rights- It doesn’t matter how many schemes the government introduces or how women-friendly laws are enforced until women are aware and educated about their rights.
Awareness will encourage women to get and use their rights effectively. Every woman needs to question whether she is able to enjoy the rights provided to her by the Constitution or not. If not, she needs to raise her voice against it. NGOs can run various campaigns to make women aware of their rights and provide them with the support they need to stand up against any kind of injustice they are facing.
Many NGOs have been working for women’s empowerment in the country. These NGOs have massively contributed to the upliftment of women in the country. Some of these NGOs are● The Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) ● Snehalaya ● Azad Foundation ● Vimochana ● Swaniti The majority of women in India are not empowered. They don’t have the power of making their own decisions and spend their life the way they want to. A lot of work has to be done to make women as empowered as men. NGOs have a great role to play in empowering women in all dimensions- social, economic, and political and breaking through the stereotypes. With the collective efforts of the government and non-profit organizations, many changes can be incorporated into the society in coming years. Apnalaya is an NGO that has been working since 1972 to empower the poor people in India. Over the last four decades, they have made significant changes in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. With their programs, they have been able to empower thousands of women since their inception.