Empowering the Women Who Empowered Us

Celebrating International Women’s Day through “Each One Reach One”

HrudanandaPrusty

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women throughout history and recognize the challenges they continue to face. This day is not only about celebrating women but also about taking action to empower them. The theme “Each One Reach One“ reminds us that small actions, like supporting one woman at a time, can have a big impact. Today, let’s focus on how we can lift up women—especially those who are often overlooked, like women with disabilities—and help them become independent and empowered.

Women Who Shaped Our World –

Throughout history, women have played key roles in shaping society. They’ve been leaders, caregivers, teachers, and change-makers. From fighting for equal rights to making progress in the workplace, women have broken barriers and improved lives. Yet, many of these women’s names are not always recognized.

Today, we honor these women and recognize that their work is far from over. We can all do our part to continue the fight for equality, opportunity, and empowerment for women everywhere. As Maya Angelou said, “I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.” This reminds us to be grateful for the women who have come before us and helped shape the world.

Empowering Women with Disabilities

One of the most important areas of empowerment is helping women with disabilities. These women face extra challenges—both because of their gender and their disability. According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the global population lives with disabilities, and a significant number of them are women.

Women with disabilities often struggle to find education, jobs, or healthcare. They are frequently excluded from opportunities, but they are just as capable as anyone else. By supporting these women with the right resources, we can help them become economically independent. Offering job training, accessible education, and creating inclusive workplaces can make a real difference in their lives.

When women with disabilities are empowered, they become role models for others and show that there are no limits to what women can achieve, no matter their challenges.

“Each One Reach One” — Simple, Real Actions for Change

The concept of “Each One Reach One” is simple but powerful. It means that each of us can help one woman—whether it’s a neighbour, a friend, or a woman who needs guidance. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture; small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

This International Women’s Day let’s commit to making a real difference in the lives of women, especially those who are often overlooked, like women with disabilities. We can start by helping one woman at a time—whether it’s by offering mentorship, support, or advocacy. These small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of empowerment that touches many lives.

“The Ninefold Path of Empowerment“

These initiatives emphasize the power of individual actions and collective change:

1. Mentor a Woman

• Action: Commit to mentoring a woman, particularly one with a disability, in your community, workplace, or network. Share knowledge, offer guidance, and create opportunities for personal or professional growth.

2. Sponsor a Woman’s Education

• Action: If you can, sponsor a woman’s education by covering tuition fees, providing learning materials, or offering scholarships, particularly for women with disabilities who may have limited access to educational resources.

3. Support Women-Owned Businesses

• Action: Actively seek out and support businesses owned by women with disabilities. This can be through purchasing their products, promoting their services, or investing in their growth.

4. Donate to Disability Advocacy Groups

• Action: Donate time, skills, or funds to organizations that support women with disabilities. Even a small contribution can make a significant impact, whether it’s through fundraising, offering services, or creating awareness.

5. Create or Join a Women’s Empowerment Network

• Action: Start or join a local or virtual network that connects women with disabilities to share experiences, provide support, and offer resources for empowerment. This could be a mentorship circle, a job skills exchange, or a creative collaboration space.

6. Start an Accessibility Fund

• Action: Create or contribute to a fund specifically designed to help women with disabilities overcome barriers to employment, education, or healthcare. This could help with things like paying for accessible transportation, assistive devices, or adaptive technologies.

7. Offer Your Skills and Services for Free

• Action: If you have a particular skill, such as tutoring, legal advice, financial planning, or career coaching, offer your services pro bono to a woman with a disability in need. This could be done through an organization or independently.

 Start a “Pay It Forward” Campaign

• Action: Launch a “Pay It Forward” campaign where you encourage others to do small acts of kindness for women with disabilities. This could be as simple as helping with groceries, providing transportation, or offering emotional support.

9. Host Workshops and Skill-Building Events

• Action: Organize workshops that focus on skills like resume building, job interviews, digital literacy, or financial planning, specifically for women with disabilities. You can partner with local businesses, universities, or advocacy organizations to offer these programs.

Let’s remember that empowering women helps everyone. When women are strong, independent, and supported, they can shape a better future for all.

Empower women, and we empower the world.

Let’s all do our part to make that vision a reality.

 (Author & Youth Activist)