"Empowerment" does not exist in most languages

The empowerment of women has been extensively debated and written about all over the world. Female empowerment, I find, is often said, seldom explained.

Did you know the word "empowerment" does not exist in most languages? The phrase "women's empowerment" is generally used in the context of issues -- economic empowerment, political participation, and girls' education.

The UN defines women empowerment as:

'a women’s sense of self-worth; their right to have and to determine choices; their right to have access to opportunities and resources; their right to have the power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home; and their ability to influence the direction of social change to create a more just social and economic order, nationally and internationally.'

Women and girls face unacceptable levels of discrimination and abuse, which is not only wrong, but also prevents them from playing a full part in society and decision-making.

Knowing the dictionary definition is helpful but to truly better understand women’s empowerment, we need to see the action behind it and meaning to others.

Today, we know that empowering girls and women is the key to economic growth, political stability, and social transformation.

I started the Lizzy Adams Initiative, with a goal to empower and inspire more girls & women to step outside their comfort zones and create lifestyles they love. To grow, to learn and to experience new things.

I'll leave you with this today - "There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women" – Kofi Annan