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❛ Empowering women is not philanthropy, it is not charity.
It simply is smart politics and smart economics ❜
by Dr Richard Sezibera, the EAC Secretary-General
✺ Who is this #remarkableman ?
Richard Sezibera (born June 5, 1964 in Kigali, Rwanda) is a Rwandan medical doctor, diplomat and politician, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 18 October 2018 until November 4, 2019. He replaced Louise Mushikiwabo.He was replaced by Vincent Biruta on November 4, 2019.
Previously, he was the 4th Secretary General of the East African Community. He was appointed to that position by the East African Community Heads of State on 19 April 2011 for a five-year term. His term ended on 26 April 2016, when Libérat Mfumukeko of Burundi, became the 5th Secretary General of the East African Community
Dr. Richard Sezibera's statement emphasizes the importance of empowering women, not only as a moral imperative but also as a strategic decision that benefits societies politically and economically. Empowering women involves providing them with the necessary tools, opportunities, and resources to enhance their social, economic, and political status. This includes promoting gender equality, eliminating discrimination, and ensuring women's rights are respected and protected.
Dr. Sezibera suggests that empowering women should not be viewed as an act of philanthropy or a charitable deed from the privileged to the underprivileged. Rather, it involves recognizing women as equal partners in society. By doing so, it emphasizes the need to include women in political leadership roles, leading to better governance, diverse perspectives, and more effective policies.
Dr. Sezibera also argues that empowering women is a sound economic decision. It involves providing women with access to education, resources, and economic opportunities that enable them to contribute to economic growth and development through increased labor force participation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Women's economic empowerment can lead to enhanced productivity, innovation, and a more equitable distribution of wealth.
In conclusion, Dr. Sezibera's statement highlights the value of gender equality and the need to invest in women's empowerment for the betterment of societies as a whole. Empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic choice that benefits societies politically and economically. Therefore, it is essential to support women's empowerment as it creates opportunities for economic development and promotes a more inclusive and just society.
✺ Why is it important to understand that empowering women is not philanthropy or charity, but rather smart politics and smart economics?
Empowering women is important for a multitude of reasons, which goes beyond traditional philanthropy or charity. It is considered smart politics and smart economics as it enhances political representation and leads to more diverse and inclusive decision-making processes. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and priorities to the table, which can lead to better governance and more effective policies. When women are politically empowered, their voices are heard, and their interests are represented, creating a more balanced and equitable society.
In addition, women's empowerment has a positive impact on economic growth. When women are given equal opportunities to participate in the workforce, access education, and own businesses, they can contribute to economic productivity and innovation. Studies have shown that closing the gender gap in labor force participation could significantly boost GDP growth. Empowering women economically not only benefits individuals but also strengthens economies as a whole.
Furthermore, empowering women plays a crucial role in poverty reduction. When women have access to education, healthcare, financial resources, and employment opportunities, they can improve their own economic well-being and that of their families. Investing in women's empowerment has a ripple effect, as empowered women tend to invest more in their children's education, health, and overall development, breaking the cycle of poverty.
Gender equality and women's empowerment are also closely tied to social progress and stability. Empowered women are more likely to contribute to community development, peacebuilding, and the promotion of human rights. By creating a more inclusive and equitable society, empowering women fosters social cohesion and stability.
Sustainable development requires the active participation and contribution of all members of society, including women. Empowering women ensures that their skills, talents, and potential are fully utilized for the betterment of society. By addressing gender inequalities and promoting women's rights, we can create a more sustainable future that benefits everyone.
In conclusion, empowering women is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic choice. It has far-reaching positive impacts on politics, economics, poverty reduction, social progress, and long-term sustainability. By recognizing the value of women's empowerment and investing in gender equality, societies can unlock their full potential and achieve greater overall development.
Sources:
"Empowering Women," UN Women, https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/economic-empowerment/empowering-women
"Why Gender Equality is Smart Economics," World Economic Forum, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/07/why-gender-equality-is-smart-economics/
"Women's Political Empowerment: Benefits and Challenges," International Idea, https://www.idea.int/news-media/multimedia-reports/womens-political-empowerment-benefits-and-challenges
"Women and sustainable development" by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), which highlights the important role of women in achieving sustainable development (https://undesadspd.org/Resource-Guide/SDG5#Q:~:text=Objective%3A,participation%20in%20all%20sectors%20of)
"Gender equality as smart economics" by the World Bank 1, which discusses the economic benefits of empowering women (https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/gender/publication/gender-equality-as-smart-economics
"Women's empowerment, gender equality and sustainable development" by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which explores the links between women's empowerment and sustainable development (https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ser-rp-2017d8_en.pdf)
"Empowerment Matters: Women's Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Development" by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), which discusses the economic, social, and environmental benefits of empowering women (https://www.ictsd.org/sites/default/files/research/empowerment-matters_0.pdf)
"Empowering Women: Reaping the Benefits for Development" by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which highlights the positive impacts of women's empowerment on development (https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/womens-empowerment/empowering-women--reaping-the-benefits-for-development.html)
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