The 3 L's of empowerment

Speech by Katherine Tynan

The 21st century poses many challenges that require new ways of thinking. None of them is more

important than the economic role of women in a quickly changing world. But women today remain

blocked from contributing their true potential. This has a huge cost. In some countries, the per capita

income is very low because women are not given equal opportunity. They are half the world’s

population. But their economic contribution is far less than 50%. We have to change this situation. For

empowering women, I suggest three Ls – Learning, Labour and Leadership.

Education is the foundation on which any change is built. Learning helps women to help themselves

and break free of the chains with which they are bound. This is more necessary in the developing

world. In Africa, there is a common saying: “If you educate a boy, you train a man. If you educate a

girl, you train a village.”

Labour is the second step. Labour helps women to flourish and achieve their true potential.

Unfortunately today, even when women work, they are often limited to jobs where the pay, status and

security are low. Globally, women earn only % as much as men, even when they have similar

education and similar jobs. One of our important ideas should be “equal pay for equal work”.

Researches show that removing the gender inequality in economic participation can bring an increase

in the per capita income.

Women can be given more opportunities in the work place. There is a need to change our laws to

ensure that property and inheritance laws do not discriminate against women. Education and

healthcare for women should be encouraged. Women should be given more credit facilities so that

they can get greater economic independence.

The 3rd L is leadership. It enables women to rise and fulfil their inborn abilities and talents. A lot can

be done here. Sometimes women make better leaders than men. Women tend to make decisions

based on consensus building, inclusion, compassion and sustainability. It is true that sometimes

women lack the confidence to match their competence. They have to change their mindset. They

should be ready to “dare the difference”, to take risk and step outside their comfort zones. But they

face a lot of barriers. These barriers are seen even when we talk about giving primary education for

girls in a village orgiving executive positions to women in business.

It is time to create a world where all women can grow to their potential. The world will reap the benefits.