1 . THE 3LS OF EMPOWERMENT - Christine Lagarde

 Unit - 1

Flights of Freedom

Think and discuss:

² Have you ever thought about the various roles taken by women in their homes and outside?

Yes, women play a variety of roles both inside and outside their homes, especially in Indian society. Here are some points to consider:

1.  Homemaker: In Indian culture, women are traditionally responsible for taking care of the household and ensuring that the family's needs are met. This includes cooking, cleaning, and caring for children and elderly family members.
2.  Working professional: Many women in India work outside the home, pursuing careers in various fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and education. Women have made significant strides in the workforce, and many hold high-level positions in government and business.
3.  Entrepreneur: Women in India are increasingly starting their own businesses, from small-scale ventures like selling homemade goods to larger companies in fields such as tech and finance.
4.   Caregiver: Women are often the primary caregivers for family members who are ill or disabled, providing emotional and physical support to those in need.
5.   Community leader: Women in India are also taking on leadership roles in their communities, advocating for social change and working to improve the lives of others through activism and volunteerism.
6.   Role model: Women are inspiring younger generations to pursue their dreams and break through gender barriers. Many women have become role models for others, inspiring girls to aspire to careers that were once considered off-limits.
7.  Political leader: Women have been making strides in the political arena as well, with more and more women running for office and being elected to positions of power at the local, state, and national levels.
8.  Educator: Women are also making a significant contribution to education in India, both as teachers and as students. Women are pursuing higher education in increasing numbers, and many are working as educators themselves, shaping the minds of future generations.

 These are just a few of the many roles that women play in Indian society. Women have made significant progress in recent years, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are able to live their lives to the fullest and achieve their full potential.

² What are the challenges faced by women today?

Women face various challenges in today's world, especially in Indian society. Here are some of the key challenges faced by women:

 

1. Gender-based violence: Women face physical, emotional, and sexual violence both at home and outside. Domestic violence is prevalent in many households, and women face harassment and assault in public spaces.
2. Unequal opportunities: Women face unequal opportunities in education, employment, and political representation. Women are often not given the same opportunities as men, which limits their potential and growth.
3.   Patriarchal attitudes: Indian society is still predominantly patriarchal, and women are expected to adhere to traditional gender roles. They are often expected to prioritize family responsibilities over personal growth and ambitions.
4.  Discrimination in the workplace: Women face discrimination in the workplace in terms of pay, promotions, and opportunities. Many women are not given the same opportunities as men and are often paid less for the same work.
5.  Limited access to healthcare: Women often have limited access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas. This leads to inadequate health outcomes for women, including high maternal mortality rates.
6.  Child marriage and dowry: Child marriage is still prevalent in many parts of India, which deprives young girls of their childhood and education. Dowry is another issue that women face, where they are expected to bring a substantial amount of money and gifts to their in-laws at the time of marriage.
7.  Limited political representation: Women have limited political representation in India. Although women make up almost half of the population, they are significantly underrepresented in political offices.

 These challenges limit the potential of women and hinder their growth and progress. It is essential to address these challenges and create a society that provides equal opportunities and a safe environment for women to thrive.

 

 ² Are women equipped to meet those challenges?

Yes, women are equipped to meet the challenges they face today in Indian society. Here are some points to consider:

1. Education: Education is the foundation upon which any change is built. Women who are educated have better chances of achieving their goals, whether it be in their personal or professional lives.
2.     Awareness: Women need to be aware of their rights and entitlements. This will help them to make informed decisions and demand their rights when necessary.
3. Support from family and society: Women need support from their families and society to overcome the challenges they face. This includes emotional support, financial support, and support to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
4. Empowerment: Women need to be empowered to take control of their lives. This means giving them access to resources, skills, and opportunities that will help them achieve their goals.
5.  Financial independence: Women need to be financially independent. This will give them the freedom to make their own decisions, and not be dependent on others for their livelihood.
6. Leadership: Women need to be given opportunities to assume leadership roles. This will help them to develop their skills and abilities, and make a positive impact on society.

Overall, women are capable of meeting the challenges they face today, but they need the support and empowerment to do so.

Lesson - 1

THE 3LS OF EMPOWERMENT

Christine Lagarde

  Lesson analysis                                                                                                                                                                                                              In her speech, Christine Lagarde, the former Finance Minister of France and the first woman to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emphasizes the role of women in the economy and the need to empower them. She argues that women's potential is often blocked, leading to significant costs for countries that deny women equal opportunities. She suggests that opening the door to women's learning, labour, and leadership can help empower women and improve their economic participation.

Lagarde begins by highlighting the challenges that the 21st century poses and the need for new ways of thinking. She argues that the economic role of women is crucial, but they remain blocked from contributing their true potential. In some countries, per capita income lags significantly because women are denied equal opportunity. Despite representing half the world's population, women contribute far less than 50 per cent of economic activity. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to open the door to opportunity with what Lagarde calls the "3 Ls" of women's empowerment: learning, labour, and leadership.

The first "L" is learning, and Lagarde argues that education is the foundation upon which any change is built. Learning helps women to help themselves and break the shackles of exclusion. In the developing world, education is essential, and as African adage goes, "If you educate a boy, you train a man. If you educate a girl, you train a village." This adage highlights the importance of education in empowering women and promoting their economic participation.The second "L" is labour, and Lagarde argues that it is crucial for women to flourish and achieve their true potential. However, women too often tend to get stuck in low-paying, low-status, and low-security jobs. Globally, women earn only three-quarters as much as men - even with the same level of education and in the same occupation. Lagarde suggests that equal pay for equal work should be one of the most basic norms. Eliminating gender gaps in economic participation can bring an increase in per capita income. Policies that encourage education, health care, and greater access to credit will help women achieve greater economic independence.

 Finally, the third "L" is leadership that enables women to rise and fulfill their innate abilities and talents. Lagarde argues that when women lead, they tend to do as good a job as others, if not a better job. Women are more likely to make decisions based on consensus-building, inclusion, compassion, and with a focus on long-term sustainability. However, women sometimes lack the confidence to match their competence, and they need to change that mindset and reset the narrative in their favour. Women must be ready to "dare the difference" - to take risks and step outside their comfort zones. Nonetheless, even those with the drive to succeed continue to face barriers.

In conclusion, Lagarde emphasizes that it is time to create a world where all women can meet their potential without impediment or prejudice, and the world will reap the benefits. By implementing the three Ls - learning, labour, and leadership - we can create a world where women are liberated and able to contribute their true potential. The 3 Ls offer a roadmap for women's empowerment, and by following it, we can achieve a more equitable and prosperous world.

( to be continued ....)

Christine Lagarde