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Five Powerful Stories That Are Perfect for Women’s Equality Day

From Congress to the Olympics, women have made their mark on history

Smithsonian Institution

1. Sojourner Truth's Image as Activism

A moving speaker, Truth traveled the country from the mid-1840s until her death in 1883, advocating for equal rights. She paid for the first printing of her Narrative of Sojourner Truth (written with friends) by selling her photographs at rallies and advertising them in antislavery publications. She also purchased a home in Battle Creek, Michigan, with the proceeds from these sales and her speaking engagements.

The great Black statesman Frederick Douglass dismissed her as “uncultured” because of her illiteracy, but her supporters knew better. Truth believed that although she could not read a book, she could read people. Her empathy, coupled with her religious convictions, gave her a dynamism that would capture the public imagination well beyond her lifetime, continuing to inspire others to help to end racial and gender oppression. —Rhea L. Combs

2. The Suffrage Wagon

Yet women fighting for change found allies in their quest for greater equality. By the mid-nineteenth century, women across the country were forming suffrage associations and reaching for voting rights, hoping that the ballot would be a powerful weapon in the fight for civil and cultural equality.

In the 1870s, Stone began using an unpainted wagon as a podium at speaking engagements and to distribute her newspaper, Woman’s Journal . In 1913, suffragist and labor activist Elisabeth Freeman took it on a well-publicized trip from New York to Boston, hauling a hurdy-gurdy organ to draw crowds. It was still used for suffrage publicity, but by then the wagon had been painted. It made the trip to Boston covered in slogans advertising Woman’s Journal and calling for equal pay, just labor laws, and the vote for women of all classes. —Lisa Kathleen Graddy

Smithsonian American Women: Remarkable Objects and Stories of Strength, Ingenuity, and Vision from the National Collection

An inspiring and surprising celebration of U.S. women's history told through Smithsonian artifacts illustrating women's participation in science, art, music, sports, fashion, business, religion, entertainment, military, politics, activism, and more.

3. Challenging Gender Boundaries on Stage 

Playing Wolsey broke with a century of theatrical precedent. Women (including Cushman) had long played tragic male characters such as Romeo and Hamlet, donning tights that exposed legs normally concealed under dresses. By choosing to portray Henry VIII’s ambitious and machinating chief minister, Cushman not only broadened the scope of characters available to women but also picked one whose loose-fitting robes put the emphasis on her acting rather than her body.

At a time before such words as lesbian, queer, and transgender came into use, most Americans thought that not having relationships with men made Cushman chaste and pure. Cushman herself strove to confirm this view and ordered her partners and lovers to burn her letters to preserve her public image. But in the decades after her death in 1876, as homosexuality among women became more recognized—and ridiculed—she fell out of public favor and was largely forgotten. Only in recent years has her story been recovered by scholars and activists, who see Cushman as an early advocate for a woman’s right to be whoever she wants to be—on and off the stage. —Kenneth Cohen

4. The "Summer of the Women" 1996 Olympics

These female athletes were among the generation raised after Title IX, a law designed to eliminate gender inequality in college education and athletics. When Title IX passed in 1972, only 15 percent of college athletes were women; by 1996, that number had soared above 40 percent.

The women’s basketball team swept the Olympic tournament, claiming gold and serving as a springboard for a professional women’s league. The following year, Rebecca Lobo helped found the new Women’s National Basketball Association.

Inspiring generations, the 1996 women of Team USA sparked public conversation surrounding women’s expanding role in sports, paving the way for future generations of female athletes and Olympians. —Eric W. Jentsch

5. A Woman's Seat at the Political Table

Before World War II, most women representatives and senators gained their seats as widows appointed to complete their husbands’ terms. Some declined to leave when their “placeholder” term expired and then went on to win elections in their own right and continue their careers as legislators. In the cabinet, whose members are nominated by the president, things moved more slowly. But in 1933, Frances Perkins (1882–1965) became the first woman in a presidential cabinet when Franklin D. Roosevelt named her secretary of labor.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Perkins lived in settlement houses, trained as a social worker, and worked as a consumer lobbyist. After witnessing New York’s Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, in which 146 workers—largely immigrant women and girls—died, she became a suffrage advocate and tackled issues surrounding labor, women, and children. In 1929, then-Governor Roosevelt named Perkins head of New York State’s Department of Labor; four years later, she would begin a stint as the longest-serving secretary of labor in history. Twenty years passed before a second woman was named a cabinet secretary, with Oveta Culp Hobby appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to head the newly formed Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. It took more than two decades longer for two or more women to serve in a cabinet at the same time.

In the postwar years, women increasingly ran for office rather than inheriting it, and the women of the Capitol grew in legislative experience and seniority. In the 1960s and 1970s, this core of women was joined by activists and politicians from the women’s and civil rights movements.

Representative Patsy Mink of Hawai‘i, the first woman of color elected to the House of Representatives, was the primary author of Title IX, which in 1972 amended the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include women. Following the example of the Congressional Black Caucus formed in 1971, women members of Congress elected from different parties and representing different constituencies and governing philosophies united in 1977 to form the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues to discuss topics of mutual interest.

Although more women are at the table, their numbers are still not equal to men’s. Doubtless, more women will follow the advice of Representative Shirley Chisholm: “If you wait for a man to give you a seat, you’ll never have one! If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.” —E. Claire Jerry and Lisa Kathleen Graddy

Read more in  Smithsonian American Women , which is available from Smithsonian Books. Visit  Smithsonian Books’ website  to learn more about its publications and a full list of titles. 

Excerpt from Smithsonian American Women  © 2019 by Smithsonian Institution

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Former massachusetts detective indicted on federal charges he killed a young woman who claimed he fathered her unborn child.

A former Massachusetts police detective has been indicted in connection with the killing of a young pregnant woman federal prosecutors say he began sexually exploiting when she was a teen in a law enforcement youth program.

Matthew Farwell, 38, who was a detective in the town of Stoughton, was indicted on a count of killing a witness or victim relating to the 2021 strangulation death of 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. He is also accused of staging her body and apartment to make it appear as a suicide, the office said.

Farwell was arrested Wednesday and pleaded not guilty during an initial court appearance. His next appearance is September 10. CNN has reached out to his attorney for comment.

Farwell is accused of killing Birchmore to prevent anyone from reporting a federal crime to law enforcement, including coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to the indictment.

“When it became clear that Mr. Farwell … could no longer control Sandra Birchmore, he allegedly silenced her permanently,” acting US Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua Levy told reporters Wednesday. “He allegedly attempted to cover his tracks to literally try and get away with murder. And he almost did.”

An officer with the Stoughton Police Department since 2012, Farwell was an instructor with the department’s Police Explorers Academy law enforcement program for young people, according to the indictment. Birchmore had joined the program in 2010 at the age of 12, and Farwell “allegedly used his authority and access to groom, sexually exploit and ultimately sexually abuse” her by the time she was 15, a court affidavit said.

Some of his sexual contact with the minor occurred while he was on duty, according to the indictment, and Farwell is accused of continuing to have sex with Birchmore until her death in February 2021.

Federal prosecutors said the young woman learned she was pregnant in December 2020. She told family members she was happy and started making doctors’ appointments and purchasing items for her unborn child, according to the court documents. In January 2021, a friend of Birchmore’s called the police department and told an employee about the officer’s sexual contact with Birchmore. A department employee later alerted Farwell, who was married, to the call, the documents said.

Prosecutors say when Birchmore told Farwell he was the father of the unborn child and expected him to be involved, he became violent, including one assault in which he placed her in a headlock and “told her that he wished she were dead.”

On February 1, 2021, Farwell went to Birchmore’s apartment in Canton, with his face covered in a Covid-19 medical mask, according to court documents.

“Once inside, he killed her and staged her body and apartment to make it appear that Birchmore had died by suicide,” the affidavit said. Her body was discovered during a wellness check on her apartment three days later. A medical examiner ruled her death a suicide.

After Birchmore’s death, law enforcement agents went over her cell phones and a laptop and discovered messages between her and Farwell, according to court documents. The messages revealed Farwell “had sex with Birchmore when she was a minor,” the documents said. There were also exchanges about having unprotected sex.

In court documents, prosecutors accuse Farwell of killing Birchmore – the pregnant woman “he had exploited and used for years, by strangling her to death. Within minutes of silencing Birchmore, video surveillance footage shows him leaving her apartment.”

The count of killing a witness or victim has a mandatory sentence of death or life in prison, according to prosecutors.

Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara said in a statement Wednesday that after Birchmore was killed, she “ordered a lengthy and aggressive internal affairs investigation, the instructions of which made it clear that no stone should be left unturned.”

“The alleged murder of Sandra is a horrific injustice,” McNamara said. “The allegations against the suspect, a former Stoughton Police Officer, represent the single worst act of not just professional misconduct but indeed human indecency that I have observed in a nearly three-decade career in law enforcement.”

CNN’s Celina Tebor contributed to this story.

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As a Teenager in Europe, I Went to Nudist Beaches All the Time. 30 Years Later, Would the Experience Be the Same?

In July 2017, I wrote an article about toplessness for Vogue Italia. The director, actor, and political activist Lina Esco had emerged from the world of show business to question public nudity laws in the United States with 2014’s Free the Nipple . Her film took on a life of its own and, thanks to the endorsement from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cara Delevingne, and Willow Smith, eventually developed into a whole political movement, particularly on social media where the hashtag #FreeTheNipple spread at lightning speed. The same year as that piece, actor Alyssa Milano tweeted “me too” and encouraged others who had been sexually assaulted to do the same, building on the movement activist Tarana Burke had created more than a decade earlier. The rest is history.

In that Vogue article, I chatted with designer Alessandro Michele about a shared memory of our favorite topless beaches of our youth. Anywhere in Italy where water appeared—be it the hard-partying Riviera Romagnola, the traditionally chic Amalfi coast and Sorrento peninsula, the vertiginous cliffs and inlets of Italy’s continuation of the French Côte d’Azur or the towering volcanic rocks of Sicily’s mythological Riviera dei Ciclopi—one was bound to find bodies of all shapes and forms, naturally topless.

In the ’90s, growing up in Italy, naked breasts were everywhere and nobody thought anything about it. “When we look at our childhood photos we recognize those imperfect breasts and those bodies, each with their own story. I think of the ‘un-beauty’ of that time and feel it is actually the ultimate beauty,” Michele told me.

Indeed, I felt the same way. My relationship with toplessness was part of a very democratic cultural status quo. If every woman on the beaches of the Mediterranean—from the sexy girls tanning on the shoreline to the grandmothers eating spaghetti al pomodoro out of Tupperware containers under sun umbrellas—bore equally naked body parts, then somehow we were all on the same team. No hierarchies were established. In general, there was very little naked breast censorship. Free nipples appeared on magazine covers at newsstands, whether tabloids or art and fashion magazines. Breasts were so naturally part of the national conversation and aesthetic that Ilona Staller (also known as Cicciolina) and Moana Pozzi, two porn stars, cofounded a political party called the Love Party. I have a clear memory of my neighbor hanging their party’s banner out his window, featuring a topless Cicciolina winking.

A lot has changed since those days, but also since that initial 2017 piece. There’s been a feminist revolution, a transformation of women’s fashion and gender politics, the absurd overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction in New York, the intensely disturbing overturning of Roe v Wade and the current political battle over reproductive rights radiating from America and far beyond. One way or another, the female body is very much the site of political battles as much as it is of style and fashion tastes. And maybe for this reason naked breasts seem to populate runways and street style a lot more than they do beaches—it’s likely that being naked at a dinner party leaves more of a permanent mark than being naked on a glamorous shore. Naked “dressing” seems to be much more popular than naked “being.” It’s no coincidence that this year Saint Laurent, Chloé, Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Gucci, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, and Valentino all paid homage to sheer dressing in their collections, with lacy dresses, see-through tops, sheer silk hosiery fabric, and close-fitting silk dresses. The majority of Anthony Vaccarello’s fall 2024 collection was mostly transparent. And even off the runway, guests at the Saint Laurent show matched the mood. Olivia Wilde appeared in a stunning see-through dark bodysuit, Georgia May Jagger wore a sheer black halter top, Ebony Riley wore a breathtaking V-neck, and Elsa Hosk went for translucent polka dots.

In some strange way, it feels as if the trends of the ’90s have swapped seats with those of today. When, in 1993, a 19-year-old Kate Moss wore her (now iconic) transparent, bronze-hued Liza Bruce lamé slip dress to Elite Model Agency’s Look of the Year Awards in London, I remember seeing her picture everywhere and feeling in awe of her daring and grace. I loved her simple sexy style, with her otherworldly smile, the hair tied back in a bun. That very slip has remained in the collective unconscious for decades, populating thousands of internet pages, but in remembering that night Moss admitted that the nude look was totally unintentional: “I had no idea why everyone was so excited—in the darkness of Corinne [Day’s] Soho flat, the dress was not see-through!” That’s to say that nude dressing was usually mostly casual and not intellectualized in the context of a larger movement.

But today nudity feels loaded in different ways. In April, actor and author Julia Fox appeared in Los Angeles in a flesh-colored bra that featured hairy hyper-realist prints of breasts and nipples, and matching panties with a print of a sewn-up vagina and the words “closed” on it, as a form of feminist performance art. Breasts , an exhibition curated by Carolina Pasti, recently opened as part of the 60th Venice Biennale at Palazzo Franchetti and showcases works that span from painting and sculpture to photography and film, reflecting on themes of motherhood, empowerment, sexuality, body image, and illness. The show features work by Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Louise Bourgeois, and an incredible painting by Bernardino Del Signoraccio of Madonna dell’Umiltà, circa 1460-1540. “It was fundamental for me to include a Madonna Lactans from a historical perspective. In this intimate representation, the Virgin reveals one breast while nurturing the child, the organic gesture emphasizing the profound bond between mother and child,” Pasti said when we spoke.

Through her portrayal of breasts, she delves into the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability within the female form. I spoke to Pasti about my recent musings on naked breasts, which she shared in a deep way. I asked her whether she too noticed a disparity between nudity on beaches as opposed to the one on streets and runways, and she agreed. Her main concern today is around censorship. To Pasti, social media is still far too rigid around breast exposure and she plans to discuss this issue through a podcast that she will be launching in September, together with other topics such as motherhood, breastfeeding, sexuality, and breast cancer awareness.

With summer at the door, it was my turn to see just how much of the new reread on transparency would apply to beach life. In the last few years, I noticed those beaches Michele and I reminisced about have grown more conservative and, despite being the daughter of unrepentant nudists and having a long track record of militant topless bathing, I myself have felt a bit more shy lately. Perhaps a woman in her 40s with two children is simply less prone to taking her top off, but my memories of youth are populated by visions of bare-chested mothers surveilling the coasts and shouting after their kids in the water. So when did we stop? And why? When did Michele’s era of “un-beauty” end?

In order to get back in touch with my own naked breasts I decided to revisit the nudist beaches of my youth to see what had changed. On a warm day in May, I researched some local topless beaches around Rome and asked a friend to come with me. Two moms, plus our four children, two girls and two boys of the same ages. “Let’s make an experiment of this and see what happens,” I proposed.

The kids all yawned, but my friend was up for it. These days to go topless, especially on urban beaches, you must visit properties that have an unspoken nudist tradition. One of these in Rome is the natural reserve beach at Capocotta, south of Ostia, but I felt a bit unsure revisiting those sands. In my memory, the Roman nudist beaches often equated to encounters with promiscuous strangers behind the dunes. I didn’t want to expose the kids, so, being that I am now a wise adult, I went ahead and picked a compromise. I found a nude-friendly beach on the banks of the Farfa River, in the rolling Sabina hills.

We piled into my friend’s car and drove out. The kids were all whining about the experiment. “We don’t want to see naked mums!” they complained. “Can’t you just lie and say you went to a nudist beach?”

We parked the car and walked across the medieval fairy-tale woods until we reached the path that ran along the river. All around us were huge trees and gigantic leaves. It had rained a lot recently and the vegetation had grown incredibly. We walked past the remains of a Roman road. The colors all around were bright green, the sky almost fluorescent blue. The kids got sidetracked by the presence of frogs. According to the indications, the beach was about a mile up the river. Halfway down the path, we bumped into a couple of young guys in fanny packs. I scanned them for signs of quintessential nudist attitude, but realized I actually had no idea what that was. I asked if we were headed in the right direction to go to “the beach”. They nodded and gave us a sly smile, which I immediately interpreted as a judgment about us as mothers, and more generally about our age, but I was ready to vindicate bare breasts against ageism.

We reached a small pebbled beach, secluded and bordered by a huge trunk that separated it from the path. A group of girls was there, sharing headphones and listening to music. To my dismay they were all wearing the tops and bottoms of their bikinis. One of them was in a full-piece bathing suit and shorts. “See, they are all wearing bathing suits. Please don’t be the weird mums who don’t.”

At this point, it was a matter of principle. My friend and I decided to take our bathing suits off completely, if only for a moment, and jumped into the river. The boys stayed on the beach with full clothes and shoes on, horrified. The girls went in behind us with their bathing suits. “Are you happy now? my son asked. “Did you prove your point?”

I didn’t really know what my point actually was. I think a part of me wanted to feel entitled to those long-gone decades of naturalism. Whether this was an instinct, or as Pasti said, “an act that was simply tied to the individual freedom of each woman”, it was hard to tell. At this point in history, the two things didn’t seem to cancel each other out—in fact, the opposite. Taking off a bathing suit, at least for my generation who never had to fight for it, had unexpectedly turned into a radical move and maybe I wanted to be part of the new discourse. Also, the chances of me going out in a fully sheer top were slim these days, but on the beach it was different. I would always fight for an authentic topless experience.

After our picnic on the river, we left determined to make our way—and without children—to the beaches of Capocotta. In truth, no part of me actually felt very subversive doing something I had been doing my whole life, but it still felt good. Once a free breast, always a free breast.

This article was originally published on British Vogue .

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Is India a Safe Place for Women? Another Brutal Killing Raises the Question.

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor at her own hospital has brought up, once again, uncomfortable truths about a country that wants to be a global leader.

By Anupreeta Das and Sameer Yasir

In December 2012, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student boarded a bus in New Delhi a little after 9 p.m., expecting it would take her home. Instead, she was gang-raped and assaulted so viciously with an iron rod that her intestines were damaged. She died days later as India erupted in rage.

Nearly 12 years later, the nation is convulsing with anger once again — this time, over the ghastly rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in a Kolkata hospital, as she rested in a seminar room after a late-night shift. Since the Aug. 9 killing, thousands of doctors have gone on strike to demand a safer work environment and thousands more people have taken to the streets to demand justice.

For a country desperate to be seen as a global leader, repeated high-profile cases of brutal sexual assaults highlight an uncomfortable truth: India, by many measures , remains one of the world’s most unsafe places for women. Rape and domestic violence are relatively common, and conviction rates are low.

This week, the Supreme Court of India took up the Kolkata case as one of fundamental rights and safety, questioning how hospital administrators and police officers had handled it and saying new protective measures were needed. “The nation cannot wait for another rape and murder for real changes on the ground,” Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said.

Gender-related violence is hardly unique to India. But even as millions of Indian women have joined the urban work force in the past decade, securing their financial independence and helping to fuel the country’s rapid growth, they are still often left to bear the burden of their own safety.

Longstanding customs that both repress women and in many cases confine them to the home have made their safety in public spaces an afterthought. It can be dangerous for a woman to use public transportation, especially at night, and sexual harassment occurs frequently on the streets and in offices. Mothers tell their daughters to be watchful. Brothers and husbands drop their sisters and wives off at work.

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I moved with my kids to a hotel room. It's cheaper than renting an apartment and has many amenities.

• I was on a month-to-month lease at our previous place when the owner gave me 30 days' notice.
• I looked for other places to rent, but the rent was beyond what I could pay.
• I found a hotel room for $2,200 a month, which is cheaper than other places and has amenities.

"I am not sure what I am asking for exactly, but I need some sense of ease." I prayed the words as I walked into my bedroom and confronted the piles of clothes on the floor.

It wasn't just the clothes that had me feeling overwhelmed — it was everything. The bills, the upkeep of the house I had been living in for six years, the laundry, and the load of doing it all as a single mom of three. My plate was full, and I was so damn close to giving up —whatever that meant.

I loved my house. It had a charm of its own and was within walking distance to both my ex's house and the kids' schools, and my landlord never increased the rent.

I was, however, on a month-to-month lease , and with that came a sense of unease. In other ways, too, the house contributed to my sense of unease. The yard required an infinite amount of work, the oil tank and furnace were constantly malfunctioning, and don't even get me started on the mice issue.

I was drowning and needed to find a way out, though I didn't know what that was, so I prayed.

The house was put up for sale, and we had to move

Imagine my surprise when I read the email from my landlord that said, "We are putting the house up for sale and need you out by March 1." That was only 30 days away. Where would we go? How would I afford it? I didn't have savings to rely on ; hell, I didn't even have a credit card.

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I had prayed for a solution, for a sense of ease. This couldn't be my answer. This was more stress.

So, I hit Zillow. Two bedrooms, 1,000 square feet, $2,700 a month. Three bedrooms, 1,200 square feet, $3,000 a month. The prices were outrageous and well beyond my budget. When I finally found a place that left me feeling positive, my application was denied because my credit was subpar.

I was defeated. My plate was not just full. It was breaking and leaving a mess all around me. My mom generously offered that we could stay with her until I found something. I was grateful, but at 46 years old I was desperate for a solution that would honor my need for independence, privacy, and affordability. It was time to get creative.

I found a hotel room that rents for long-term stays

I frantically searched Airbnb and Vrbo, but the few long-term options were already booked. As a last-ditch effort, I reached out to local hotels and inquired about rates for long-term stays. That's when I received surprise email No. 2. Only this one was from Avon Old Farms Hotel , and, with it, I felt as if I had won the lottery.

"We have a two-bedroom apartment on-site that we rent out for longer stays. It's $2200 a month and includes all utilities and hotel amenities," the email said.

Sure, this was only a temporary solution — the apartment was on the small side, and the location was not perfect. But it was a place my kids and I could call our own, even if only for a few months.

After taking a look at the apartment, I signed on the dotted line. Quickly after moving in, I was told the cleaning team would be coming every Tuesday to do a deep clean, change the bedding, and swap out our used towels with clean ones. The gift of having towels laundered and stocked on top of the weekly cleaning was going to be the greatest gift in the world for me.

I still had to tell my kids, though, whom I assumed would be less than thrilled with a small temporary arrangement further from their father. But they found the adventure in our setup right away as they explored the beautiful hotel grounds. Their eyes lit up when I showed them the pool, the game room, the sauna, and the gym. They quickly discovered that the hotel restaurant hosted trivia every Thursday night, and it has since become our favorite weekly activity. We swim on hot days, cook s'mores at the firepits on the weekends, and enjoy continental breakfast in the mornings.

This is not an apartment I would've ever looked for, and I would not have known to look at a hotel for my housing needs. On paper, it is not a great fit for me and my kids. But the amenities are the answer to my prayers. They have offered me the gift of ease, and that, after all, is exactly what I prayed for.

Watch: Was Italy's $1 home scheme worth it?

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Former Massachusetts Police Officer Arrested in Connection with Murder of Young Woman

BOSTON – A former Stoughton, Mass. police officer has been charged in federal court in Boston with allegedly murdering a young woman to prevent her from disclosing information about his longstanding sexual exploitation of her while he was on duty, beginning when she was a minor.

Matthew Farwell, 38, of North Easton, Mass., has been indicted on one count of killing a witness or victim. Farwell was arrested this morning and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2:30 p.m. today.

According to the indictment, on or about Feb. 1, 2021, Farwell allegedly killed Sandra Birchmore by strangulation. It is alleged that Farwell staged her body and apartment to make it appear as if Birchmore had committed suicide. The indictment alleges that Farwell killed Birchmore with the intent to prevent law enforcement from learning about Farwell’s commission or possible commission of federal offenses. 

According to court documents, Farwell was a sworn officer of the Stoughton Police Department beginning on or about March 27, 2012, until on or about April 1, 2022. In his capacity as a police officer, Farwell served as an instructor for the Stoughton Police Department’s Explorer’s Program, which is a vocational education program designed for youth to learn about careers in law enforcement. Sandra Birchmore joined the Stoughton Explorers Program in 2010, when she was 12 years old. Farwell allegedly used his authority and access to groom, sexually exploit and ultimately sexually abuse Birchmore when she was 15 years old and continued to have sex with her when she became an adult. 

On several occasions, Farwell allegedly engaged in sex acts with Birchmore while on duty as a Stoughton police officer. To conceal this activity, it is alleged that Farwell falsely represented that he had worked certain hours, when in fact he was not working but engaging in sex acts with the then-minor victim. Farwell’s sexual contact with Birchmore continued until her death on Feb. 1, 2021. 

In December 2020, Birchmore learned that she was pregnant. According to court documents, she was excited about the pregnancy: scheduling doctors’ appointments, purchasing items for childcare and telling loved ones how happy she was to become a mother. Soon after she learned she was pregnant, Birchmore told Farwell that he was the father of the child and that she expected him to be involved, at least in part, in the child’s life. Birchmore disclosed to loved ones that Farwell allegedly became violent with her when they discussed the pregnancy and his role in the child’s life. At one point while she was pregnant, Farwell allegedly held Birchmore in a headlock and told her that he wished she were dead. 

On or about Jan. 20, 2021, Birchmore’s friend called the Stoughton Police Department and referenced Farwell and Birchmore’s sexual relationship. Upon learning this, Farwell allegedly then sent Birchmore angry text messages and, a few days later – approximately one week prior to Birchmore’s death – Farwell visited Birchmore at her apartment in Canton and asked her if she could give him a spare apartment key and keep it a secret. It is further alleged that one week prior to her death, Farwell visited Birchmore’s apartment and began looking through her closets and bathroom, conduct which made her uncomfortable.  The court documents allege that, on Feb. 1, 2021, facing perceived imminent disclosure of his criminal conduct, Farwell murdered Birchmore to silence her. 

According to court documents, while Birchmore’s death was initially ruled a suicide, the federal investigation probed old evidence and revealed critical new evidence leading to the charge against Farwell.

The charge of killing a witness or victim carries a mandatory sentence of death or life in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, Stoughton Police Department and Norfolk District Attorney’s Office provided assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley, Torey B. Cummings and Brian A. Fogerty of the office’s Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit are prosecuting the case.          The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Woman: Understanding the Essence and Experience

Being a woman encompasses a multitude of experiences, perspectives, and identities. When we consider what it means to be a woman, it goes beyond biological definitions. It is about embracing the unique challenges and strengths that come with identifying as female.

To me, being a woman means navigating societal expectations while staying true to oneself. It means finding empowerment in our choices and supporting other women along the way. As women, we often face obstacles and biases that can hinder our progress, but it is through resilience and determination that we continue to break barriers and make strides towards equality.

In today’s ever-evolving world, the definition of womanhood continues to expand. It is inclusive of transgender women who bravely embrace their true selves and contribute to the rich tapestry of femininity. Being a woman means recognizing that gender is not binary but exists on a spectrum.

As we explore what it truly means to be a woman, let us celebrate the diversity within our community and champion each other’s successes. Together, we can redefine societal norms and create a future where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

The Historical Significance of Womanhood

The historical significance of womanhood is a complex and multifaceted topic that has evolved over time. It encompasses the roles, rights, and experiences of women in different societies throughout history. Exploring this subject sheds light on the struggles, achievements, and contributions of women that have shaped our world. Let’s delve into some examples and key moments that highlight the historical significance of womanhood:

• Suffragette Movement: One of the pivotal moments in women’s history is the suffragette movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Women fought tirelessly for their right to vote, challenging societal norms and demanding political equality. The suffragettes’ determination paved the way for significant progress towards gender equality.
• Women in World War II: During World War II, women took on vital roles previously reserved for men on the home front while men were at war. They worked in factories, served as nurses, operated machinery, and contributed significantly to war efforts globally. This period marked a turning point in challenging traditional gender roles.
• Feminist Movements: Throughout history, various feminist movements have emerged worldwide advocating for equal rights for women. From first-wave feminism focusing on suffrage to second-wave feminism addressing reproductive rights and workplace discrimination, these movements have had a profound impact on shaping policies and societal attitudes toward women .
• Trailblazers in Science: Despite facing significant barriers due to gender biases, many pioneering female scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries throughout history. Notable figures like Marie Curie (who discovered radioactivity) and Rosalind Franklin (who contributed to understanding DNA structure) defied societal expectations and advanced scientific knowledge.
• Women’s Rights Activism: From influential figures like Malala Yousafzai fighting for girls’ education to activists like Gloria Steinem advocating for reproductive rights, countless individuals continue to fight against gender-based discrimination today, both locally and globally.

These examples merely scratch the surface of the historical significance of womanhood. They demonstrate how women have challenged societal norms, fought for their rights, and contributed to various fields despite facing significant obstacles. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the progress made while recognizing the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

Exploring the Biological Aspects of Being a Woman

When it comes to understanding what it means to be a woman, exploring the biological aspects is essential. These aspects shed light on the unique characteristics and experiences that shape the female identity. Let’s dive into some key points:

• Chromosomal Makeup: One of the fundamental biological distinctions between males and females lies in their chromosomal makeup. Women typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while men have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). This genetic difference contributes to various physical and physiological differences observed between males and females.
• Reproductive System: The female reproductive system plays a central role in defining womanhood. From puberty through menopause, women undergo significant hormonal fluctuations that regulate their menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy-related processes. It is through this intricate system that women can conceive, nurture, and give birth to new life.
• Secondary Sexual Characteristics: Women possess distinctive secondary sexual characteristics that develop during puberty under the influence of hormones like estrogen. These include breast development, widening of hips, redistribution of body fat, and growth of pubic hair. These changes contribute to both physical appearance and functionality specific to the female body.
• Hormonal Influences: Hormones significantly impact various aspects of a woman’s life beyond reproduction alone. Estrogen levels affect bone density, cardiovascular health, emotional well-being, cognition, and more. Progesterone also plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the body for potential pregnancy.
• Aging Process: The aging process brings about unique challenges for women as their bodies undergo hormonal changes associated with menopause. This transition marks the end of reproductive years but also has implications for overall health and well-being due to shifts in hormone production.

Understanding these biological aspects helps us appreciate the diverse experiences encountered by women throughout their lives—physically, emotionally, and socially.

As we explore further into other sections of this article, we’ll delve into the societal, cultural, and personal dimensions that contribute to the multifaceted nature of womanhood. Stay tuned for more insights on what it truly means to be a woman in today’s world.

Societal Expectations and Gender Roles

When exploring the concept of what it means to be a woman, one cannot ignore the influence of societal expectations and gender roles. These factors play a significant role in shaping women’s experiences, behaviors, and opportunities. Let’s dive into this complex topic by examining some examples:

• Traditional Gender Roles: Throughout history, society has placed certain expectations on individuals based on their gender. Women have often been assigned domestic responsibilities like caregiving, housekeeping, and child-rearing. These traditional gender roles can limit women’s choices and reinforce stereotypes about femininity.
• Workplace Inequality: Despite progress in recent years, gender inequality persists in many workplaces. Women continue to face challenges such as lower pay compared to male counterparts for doing the same job and limited representation in leadership positions. These disparities stem from deeply ingrained biases and societal norms that undervalue women’s contributions.
• Beauty Standards: Society often imposes narrow beauty standards on women, which can lead to body image issues and low self-esteem. The media frequently portrays an idealized version of femininity that is unattainable for most women. This pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals can have detrimental effects on mental health.
• Double Standards: Women are often held to different standards than men when it comes to behavior and choices they make. For example, assertive behavior may be seen positively in men but negatively labeled as aggressive or bossy in women. This double standard reinforces stereotypes about how women should behave and limits their autonomy.
• Reproductive Expectations: Society places significant emphasis on motherhood as an essential aspect of womanhood, creating expectations around marriage and starting a family at a certain age or stage of life. This pressure can create feelings of inadequacy or exclusion for those who do not wish to follow traditional paths or face difficulties conceiving.

It is important to recognize that these societal expectations are not universal and vary across cultures, communities, and time periods. However, they continue to influence women’s experiences in significant ways. By acknowledging and challenging these expectations, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all genders.

As we continue our exploration of what it means to be a woman, it is crucial to consider the impact of societal expectations and gender roles on women’s lives. By understanding these dynamics, we can strive for a future where everyone can embrace their authentic selves, free from restrictive norms and stereotypes.

Challenging Stereotypes and Breaking Barriers

When it comes to the concept of being a woman, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers becomes an integral part of the journey. Society has often placed women in predefined boxes, limiting their potential and imposing expectations on them. However, many incredible individuals have risen above these constraints, proving that being a woman is not about conforming to societal norms but rather defying them.

• Shattering Gender Roles: One inspiring example of challenging stereotypes is the increasing number of women who are entering traditionally male-dominated fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). From pioneering scientists to groundbreaking engineers, these women are redefining what it means to be successful in careers that were once considered off-limits for females. Their accomplishments not only challenge gender biases but also inspire future generations to pursue their passions without limitations.
• Advocating for Equal Rights: Another way women challenge stereotypes is through their tireless advocacy for equal rights. Throughout history, women have fought relentlessly for gender equality, pushing boundaries and demanding recognition for their contributions. From suffragettes fighting for the right to vote to activists championing reproductive rights and workplace equality today, these courageous individuals refuse to accept societal norms that limit opportunities based on gender.
• Empowering Voices: In recent years, social media platforms have provided a powerful tool for women to amplify their voices and share experiences that challenge stereotypes head-on. The rise of online communities dedicated to feminism has created spaces where women can connect with one another, share stories of triumphs over adversity, and provide support in the face of discrimination or prejudice. These digital platforms have become catalysts for change by enabling conversations about body positivity, mental health awareness, intersectionality, and other important topics.
• Redefining Beauty Standards: Women are also breaking barriers by redefining traditional beauty standards imposed by society’s narrow definitions. The body positivity movement has gained momentum, promoting self-acceptance and celebrating diverse body shapes, sizes, and colors. Influential figures in the fashion industry are challenging the long-standing notion that beauty only comes in one form by featuring models of different ethnicities, ages, and body types on runways and in advertising campaigns.
• Nurturing Leadership: Women are not just breaking barriers individually; they are also collectively empowering one another to take on leadership roles. Initiatives like mentorship programs and networking groups provide support systems for women to grow professionally and ascend into positions of power. As more women occupy leadership roles across various sectors, they inspire others to believe in their own capabilities and challenge the notion that leadership is solely a male domain.

By challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers, women continue to redefine societal perceptions of what it means to be a woman. Through their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit, they pave the way for future generations to thrive without limitations or preconceived notions.

Empowerment and Feminism

When it comes to the topic of empowerment and feminism, there are numerous aspects to consider. In today’s society, the concept of empowering women has gained significant traction as it seeks to challenge traditional gender roles and promote gender equality. Let’s delve into a few examples that highlight the importance and impact of empowerment and feminism:

• Economic Empowerment: Economic empowerment plays a crucial role in advancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality. It involves providing women with equal access to opportunities, resources, education, and job prospects. When women are economically empowered, they can break free from financial dependence, contribute to household income, make independent decisions about their lives, and invest in their own futures.
• Political Empowerment: Political empowerment focuses on increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes at all levels of governance. This includes encouraging their involvement in politics, leadership positions, policy-making bodies, and other influential roles. By having more diverse perspectives represented in political arenas, societies can benefit from inclusive policies that address the needs of all citizens.
• Social Empowerment: Social empowerment aims to challenge societal norms and stereotypes that limit women’s potential. It involves fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported to pursue their aspirations without facing discrimination or prejudice. Through initiatives such as education campaigns against gender-based violence or promoting equal opportunities for girls in sports or STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), social empowerment helps dismantle barriers that hinder progress.
• Intersectionality in Feminism: It is essential to recognize the intersectionality within feminism – acknowledging that different individuals face unique challenges based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability status, among other factors – when discussing empowerment efforts fully. By embracing an intersectional approach within feminism, movements focus not only on gender but also on addressing overlapping systems of oppression for more inclusive progress.
• The Power of Solidarity: Feminism thrives on solidarity and collective action. Empowering women involves creating a supportive network where individuals can come together to advocate for gender equality, amplify each other’s voices, and challenge discriminatory practices. Whether it’s through grassroots movements, online activism, or community organizations, the power of solidarity has the potential to create lasting change.

Remember that these examples are just a starting point in understanding empowerment and feminism; there is much more to explore within this vast topic. By continuing to educate ourselves and engage in meaningful conversations about gender equality, we can contribute to a more inclusive and empowered world for all.

Navigating Gender Identity and Expression

Understanding and navigating gender identity and expression is a complex journey that individuals embark on to discover their authentic selves. It encompasses the exploration of one’s internal sense of being male, female, or non-binary, as well as how they choose to express themselves outwardly. Let’s delve into this topic further by examining a few examples:

• Personal Exploration: For many individuals, understanding their gender identity involves introspection and self-reflection. They may question societal expectations and norms surrounding gender roles, leading them to explore the possibility of identifying with a different gender than assigned at birth. This process often involves seeking support from friends, family, or professionals who can provide guidance and resources.
• Non-Binary Identities: Non-binary individuals challenge the traditional binary concept of gender by identifying outside of the categories of male or female. They may embrace fluidity in their gender expression and feel comfortable embracing characteristics typically associated with both genders or neither. This inclusive approach allows for greater freedom of self-expression.
• Gender Expression: How one chooses to express their gender externally is an important aspect of personal identity and can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may align their appearance with societal expectations for their identified gender, while others might intentionally subvert these expectations through clothing choices, hairstyles, or other forms of self-expression.
• Intersectionality: It’s crucial to recognize that navigating gender identity intersects with various aspects of an individual’s life, such as race, culture, religion, disability status, socioeconomic background, etc. These intersecting identities shape unique experiences within society and influence how someone navigates their own path towards self-discovery.
• Supportive Communities: Building supportive communities plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate their journey of understanding gender identity and expression successfully. LGBTQ+ organizations provide safe spaces where people can connect with others who share similar experiences while accessing valuable resources such as counseling services or educational materials.

As we continue to explore the multifaceted nature of gender identity and expression, it’s essential to approach this topic with empathy and respect for individuals’ lived experiences. By fostering a society that values diversity and inclusivity, we can create a more accepting world where everyone feels empowered to express their true selves.

Embracing Diversity within Womanhood

When it comes to understanding what it means to be a woman, embracing diversity is crucial. The concept of womanhood encompasses a wide range of experiences, identities, and perspectives. In this section, we’ll explore how embracing diversity within womanhood can lead to empowerment and inclusivity for all.

• Celebrating Different Backgrounds: One of the most beautiful aspects of womanhood is that it transcends cultural boundaries. Women come from various ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities. Embracing this diversity means acknowledging and celebrating the unique experiences that shape each woman’s identity. By recognizing the richness that different backgrounds bring to the table, we create a space where all women feel seen and valued.
• Embracing Intersectionality: Womanhood intersects with other dimensions of identity such as race, class, sexual orientation, disability status, and more. Recognizing this intersectionality allows us to understand that every woman’s experience is shaped by multiple factors simultaneously. It helps us avoid making sweeping generalizations about what it means to be a woman based on one aspect alone. Embracing intersectionality fosters empathy and encourages allyship among women from various walks of life.
• Challenging Stereotypes: Society often imposes narrow definitions of femininity onto women, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that limit individuality and self-expression. Embracing diversity within womanhood involves challenging these stereotypes by creating spaces where all women can confidently embrace their authentic selves without judgment or pressure to conform.
• Amplifying Voices: Within any group or community, there are voices that tend to dominate while others remain marginalized or unheard altogether. Embracing diversity within womanhood requires actively seeking out those voices that have been historically silenced or overlooked due to systemic biases or discrimination. By amplifying diverse voices through platforms like social media or public discourse, we can foster an environment in which every woman’s story is valued and respected.
• Building Solidarity: Embracing diversity within womanhood means recognizing that all women face unique challenges but also acknowledging that some women experience additional barriers due to intersecting forms of oppression. By standing in solidarity with one another, we can work together to dismantle these barriers and create a more equitable society for all women.

In conclusion, embracing diversity within womanhood is not only essential but also empowering. It allows us to appreciate the multifaceted nature of being a woman and creates space for inclusivity, understanding, and growth. By celebrating different backgrounds, embracing intersectionality, challenging stereotypes, amplifying voices, and building solidarity, we can foster an environment where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.

Finding Strength in Unity: Sisterhood in the Modern World

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the power of unity and sisterhood has become even more significant. Women from all walks of life are coming together to support and empower each other, creating a strong network that fosters personal growth and societal change. In this section, we’ll explore how women find strength in unity through sisterhood.

• Building a Supportive Community:
• One of the key aspects of sisterhood is building a supportive community where women can lean on each other during challenging times. Whether it’s dealing with work-related issues, relationship struggles, or personal setbacks, having a network of understanding women provides comfort and guidance.
• Through open conversations, shared experiences, and empathetic listening, sisters offer not only emotional support but also practical advice to help navigate various situations.
• Empowering Each Other:
• Sisterhood goes beyond offering support; it involves empowering one another to reach their full potential. Women uplift each other by celebrating achievements, promoting self-confidence, and encouraging risk-taking.
• By sharing knowledge and skills, sisters inspire each other to excel in both personal and professional spheres. They recognize that when one woman succeeds, it paves the way for others to follow suit.
• Advocating for Gender Equality:
• Sisterhood plays a crucial role in advocating for gender equality on both local and global scales. United voices amplify the call for equal opportunities, fair treatment, and an end to discrimination.
• Women come together to challenge societal norms that limit their potential or perpetuate inequality. By standing up against gender-based violence, unequal pay practices, or lack of representation in leadership roles, they strive to create a more equitable world for all.
• Fostering Collaboration:
• The power of collaboration within sisterhood cannot be underestimated. When women join forces with shared goals and passions, they become catalysts for positive change.
• Sisters collaborate on projects, initiatives, and advocacy campaigns to address issues that affect women collectively. Their diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences create a rich tapestry of ideas and strategies for creating lasting impact.
• Inspiring Future Generations:
• Sisterhood in the modern world is not just about women supporting each other; it’s also about inspiring future generations of girls to embrace their own power and potential.
• By serving as role models, mentors, and advocates for young girls, sisters sow the seeds of empowerment and resilience. They instill values of self-worth, ambition, and compassion in the next generation, ensuring a legacy of strong women who continue to uplift one another.

Sisterhood in the modern world represents a collective force that empowers women to break barriers, overcome challenges, and thrive personally and professionally. Through building supportive communities, empowering each other, advocating for gender equality, fostering collaboration, and inspiring future generations – unity becomes strength. Together as sisters, we can create a more inclusive society where every woman thrives.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Woman? It’s Complicated

A n “adult human female,” according to a seemingly common-sense slogan seen on the T-shirts and laptop stickers of those who oppose the idea that transgender women are women. They argue that gender itself is a false ideology masking the truth of biological sex difference. But “woman” is complicated in ways that have little to do with transgender issues. Only the delusional would deny biological differences between people, but only the uninformed can maintain that what the body means, and how it relates to social category, doesn’t vary between cultures and over time.

The Caribbean novelist and intellectual Sylvia Wynter opposes the “biocentric” ordering of the world that emerged from European colonialism; the transatlantic slave trade depended, after all, on the idea that certain biological differences meant a person could be treated like property. The black 19th century freedom fighter Sojourner Truth’s famous, perhaps apocryphal, question “Ain’t I a woman?” challenged her white sisters in the struggle for the abolition of slavery to recognize that what counted as “woman” counted, in part, on race. A century later in the Jim Crow South, segregated public-toilet doors marked Men, Women and Colored underscored how the legal recognition of a gender binary has been a privilege of whiteness. In 1949, the French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir asserted that “one is not born, but rather becomes a woman”; in doing so, she grasped how the raw facts of our bodies at birth are operated on by social processes to transform each of us into the people we become.

Who gets “womaned” by society and subjected to misogynistic discrimination as a result, and who answers yes to the question, posed publicly or in the innermost realms of thought, as to whether they’re a woman or not? The intersection of those two conditions arguably marks the status of belonging to womanhood in ways that do not depend on reproductive biology.

The “What is a woman?” question can stretch the bounds and bonds of womanhood in messy yet vital directions—as in the case of Marsha P. Johnson , a feminine gender-nonconforming person who graced the streets of New York City as a self-proclaimed “street transvestite action revolutionary” for decades. She’s now hailed as a transgender icon, but Johnson fits awkwardly with contemporary ideas of trans womanhood, let alone womanhood more generally. She called herself “gay” at a time when the word transgender was not common, and lived as a man from time to time. She used she/her pronouns but thought of herself as a “queen,” not as a “woman,” or even a “transsexual.”

While some people now embrace a rainbow of possibilities between the familiar pink and blue, others hew even tighter to a biological fundamentalism. Those willing to recognize new forms of gender feel anxious about misgendering others, while those who claim superior access to the truth are prepared to impose that truth upon those who disagree. What’s right—even what’s real—in such circumstances is not always self-evident. Labeling others contrary to how they have labeled themselves is an ethically loaded act, but “woman” remains a useful shorthand for the entanglement of femininity and social status regardless of biology—not as an identity, but as the name for an imagined community that honors the female, enacts the feminine and exceeds the limitations of a sexist society.

Why can’t womanhood jettison its biocentrism to expand its political horizons and include people like Marsha P. Johnson? After all, it’s we the living who say collectively what “woman” means, hopefully in ways that center the voices and experiences of all those who live as women, across all our other differences.

Stryker is a presidential fellow and visiting professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Yale University

This article is part of 100 Women of the Year , TIME’s list of the most influential women of the past century. Read more about the project , explore the 100 covers and sign up for our Inside TIME newsletter for more.

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Essay on Women Empowerment in English

• Updated on  
• May 3, 2024

Women empowerment is one of the most debated social topics. It means recognising the importance of gender equality, and women’s participation in decision-making and offering them equal opportunities in education, employment, others. Women empowerment talks about making women strong so that they can lead a healthy and prosperous life and contribute to the development of society. Today we will be discussing some sample essay on women empowerment, which will cover details like how can eliminate discrimination against women, challenge traditional gender roles, and promote equal opportunities for women in various aspects of life.

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Long Essay on Women’s Empowerment

“A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Women empowerment refers to the practice of making women independent so that they can make their own decisions and take decisions without any familial or societal restrictions. In simple terms, it entitles women to take charge of their personal development. The patriarchal society has always deprived women of their rights.

The main motive of women’s empowerment is to help them stand equally with men. It is a foundational step to ensure the prosperous growth of a family as well as the country. By empowering women, the world would witness gender equality and help women from every stratum of society stand on their own and steer their lives as per their wishes.

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Women empowerment is the process of giving women the ability to live a happy and respected life in society. Women are empowered when they have unrestricted access to chances in a range of domains, such as education, profession, and lifestyle, among others. It involves things like education, awareness, literacy, and training to help them improve their position. It also involves decision-making authority. A woman feels powerful when she makes a significant decision. Empowering women is the most important factor in a country’s overall growth. If a household has just one earning member, while another family has both men and women earning, who will have a better standard of living? The solution is straightforward: a household in which both men and women work. As a result, a country where men and women work together grows more quickly.

‘Feminism does not aim to make women powerful. Women are already powerful. It is about influencing the way the rest of the world views your strength.” Women have always had fewer opportunities and possibilities to develop their talents and knowledge since ancient times. Although the world is made up of both men and women. But men were regarded as the family’s most powerful members. They were the family’s decision-makers and were in charge of making a living. Women, on the other hand, were believed to be responsible person for all home chores and child-rearing, and they were not engaged in making any important family decisions. The roles were assigned depending on gender. If we look at the whole picture, research shows that women’s subjects are either centred on their reproductive role and their body, or their economic position as workers. However, none of them is aimed at empowering women. Women’s Empowerment is a progressive technique of putting power in the hands of women for them to have a happy and respectable existence in society. Women are empowered when they have access to opportunities in several sectors, such as the right to an education, gender equality, a professional (equal wage) lifestyle, and others. However, there are no constraints or limitations. It involves training, awareness, and increasing their position via education, literacy, and decision-making authority. For the total growth of each country, women’s empowerment is the most essential sector. Previously, the men were the sole breadwinners in the household. Assume the household has one earning person; on the other side, suppose the family has both male and women earning members. Who will have a better way of life? The answer is simple: a household in which both the man and the woman work. As a result, when gender equality is prioritized, a country’s growth rate accelerates. Standing up for equality, women have empowered and spoken up for other women.’

Essay on Women Empowerment in 200 Words

‘Women’s empowerment encompasses more than just ensuring that women get their basic rights. In its truest form, women’s empowerment comprises the aspects of independence, equality as well as freedom of expression. Through this, the real strive lies in ensuring that we bring gender equality.

When given the right support, women have shone brilliantly in every field. Even in India, we have seen women handle diverse roles, be it a Prime Minister, Astronaut , Entrepreneur, Banker and much more. Further, women are also considered the backbone of a family. From domestic chores to nurturing children, they handle multiple responsibilities. This is why they are great at multitasking and often many working women efficiently juggle between professional and personal responsibilities. While the urban cities have working women, the rural areas have still restrained them to household chores. How can we aspire to prosper as a nation where every girl does not get access to education or make their own choices? India is a country where we worship goddesses while we don’t bother thinking about gender equality. 

Hence, for all our mothers, sisters and daughters we must aim at creating an environment of integrity. We must boost their confidence to make them capable enough to make their decisions in every phase of life and this is how we can strive towards bringing women empowerment.’

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Popular women can play an important role when it comes to empowering other women. These influential women are aware of the difficulties faced by women in our society and can see their problems from their perspectives, as they have experienced similar situations. Nadia Murad Basee, a German human rights activist once said, “I want to be the last girl in the world with a story like mine.” Some other popular and influential women in the world are:

• Gloria Marie Steinem
• Malala Yousafzai
• Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• Jane Seymour Fonda
• Betty Friedan
• Halima Aden

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Almost all countries, regardless of how progressive, have a history of mistreating women. To put it another way, women from all over the world have been defiant to achieve their current standing. While Western nations continue to make progress, third-world countries such as India continue to lag in terms of women’s empowerment. Women’s empowerment is more important than ever in India. India is one of the countries where women are not safe. This is due to a variety of factors.

Not only that, but horrific crimes against women such as rape, acid attacks, the dowry system, honour killings, domestic violence, and other forms of violence against women continue to occur throughout India. Women should account for 50% of the entire population. However, due to female foeticide practises, which are still prevailing in the rural and underprivileged sections of Indian societies, the girl-child population is rapidly declining, affecting the country’s sex ratio. Furthermore, the education and freedom scenario is extremely regressive in this situation.

Women are not permitted to continue their education and are married off at a young age. In certain areas, men continue to dominate women, as though it is the woman’s responsibility to labour for him indefinitely. They don’t let them go out or have any form of freedom and personal life. As a result, we can see how women’s empowerment is a pressing issue. We must equip these women with the tools they need to stand up for themselves and never be victims of injustice.

Also Read: Women’s Equality Day

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There is a wide range of approaches and methods to empower women. Individuals and the government must work together to achieve this. Girls’ education should be made obligatory so that they do not become illiterate and unable to support themselves.

Women, regardless of gender, must be given equal chances in all fields. Women empowerment may also be achieved through government-sponsored programmes as well as on an individual level.

On a personal level, we should begin to appreciate women and provide them with chances equal to males. We should promote and encourage them to pursue jobs, further education, and entrepreneurial endeavours, among other things.

To empower women, the government has implemented programmes such as the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana, Mahila Shakti Kendra, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana , and others. Apart from these programmes, we can all help women by eradicating societal problems such as the dowry system and child marriage. These simple actions will improve women’s status in society and help them feel more powerful.

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“To all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful, and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.” Hillary Clinton

Writing an essay on women empowerment? Check Out Top Women Entrepreneurs !

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” Madeleine Albright

Before we begin with the essay samples on Women’s Empowerment, take a look at the following tips you must keep in mind while drafting an essay: 

• Analyse the different topics carefully and pick according to your knowledge and familiarisation with the topic.  
• Plan your time wisely and bifurcate it for outlining, writing and revision. 
• Highlight/underline your key sentences for each paragraph.
• Emphasise your introduction and conclusion while also keeping the main body of the content as concise as possible. 
• Thoroughly revise it after completion.

Must Read: How to Write an Essay on Disaster Management?

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” G.D. Anderson

Women are taught to mould themselves based on others’ preferences and men are taught to lead because, at the end of the day, women have to manage household chores whereas men are the heroes saving their families and providing them financial support. This is the stereotype that has existed for centuries in India and one of the reasons women are denied basic human rights in society. A woman is denied the right to raise her opinions even in her household matters, political or financial viewpoints are far behind.  Women are born leaders and if given the opportunity can excel in every field. We live in a male-dominated society where a male has every right to do whatever he desires however thought in women’s minds is sacred. For centuries, women were not allowed to eat before men or sit in front of other men. Gender equality and women empowerment is a major concern globally. Gender equality starts with providing the same and equal resources of education to both genders. Education of girl child should also be a priority and not just an option. An educated woman will be able to build a better life for herself and the ones surrounding her. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential for the growth of women in society. Women empowerment ensures that every female gets an opportunity to get an education, seek professional training, and spread awareness. However, gender quality will ensure that access to resources is provided equally to both genders and ensure equal participation. Even at the professional level women face gender inequality because a male candidate is promoted way before a female candidate. The mindset should be changed and only deserving candidates should be promoted. Gender quality is a key step towards sustainable development and ensures basic human rights for everyone.

Must Read: Essay on Scientific Discoveries

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” Melinda Gates

‘Education is the biggest tool in women’s empowerment and also a factor that helps in the overall development of the country. Education can bring a change in women’s life. As the first prime minister of India once said “If you educate a man you educate an individual, however, if you educate a woman you educate a whole family.

Women empowered means mother India empowered” An educated woman will promote the education of other females around her, mentor them and also be a better guide to her children. Education helps women gain self-confidence, esteem, ability to provide financial support. Education will also help to reduce the infant mortality rate because an educated woman is aware of health care, laws, and her rights.

Educating a woman will benefit her and also the development of society. With proper education, women can achieve more socially, and economically and build their careers. Women are still being denied their right to education in rural parts of India. Education will also reduce child marriage which is still practised in some parts of India also help in controlling overpopulation.

The government has launched various schemes over the years to create awareness around women’s education such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan , Operation Black-Board , Beti Padhaoo Beti Bachao , and many more. Education helps women to identify the good and bad and change their outlook, way of thinking, and way of handling things. Education helps women to become independent. Indian women have the lowest literacy rate as compared to other countries.

Education is a fundamental right of all and no one should be denied the right to education. Education helps to meet the necessities of life, and confidence to raise a voice against domestic violence or sexual harassment. Be a part of a change and empower a woman with the help of education.’

Here is an Essay on Education System

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Michelle Obama

Women have been facing issues since the day they were born. Fighting for their rights, society’s stereotypes, and their freedom. Women’s Empowerment means encouraging women through education, at a professional level, accepting their opinions, and providing them with the right they desire. Women should not stay behind someone’s shadow and not be able to express themselves. The main motive of women’s empowerment is to give women a chance to outshine others and get equal rights in society. The first step of women’s empowerment is literacy. A well-educated woman is confident, outspoken, and able to make decisions. Especially in a country like India, If women get a chance to study they can be a prime minister like Indira Gandhi, IPS like Kiran Bedi , or become a famous CEO like Indira Nooyi .

The need for women’s empowerment has existed for a long time but only in the last few years, it has become popular. Women’s empowerment is not just a fight for equal rights. Women empowerment is the upliftment of women from a society constantly pulling them down. In a country like India where female goddesses are worshipped at the same time a woman faces sexual harassment, is denied the right to education, her voice is suppressed and becomes the next case of domestic violence. Indian society will only be able to evolve when they stop putting constant pressure on women and allow them to share their thoughts with others. A woman in India is restricted to household chores and taking care of family members. Women’s Empowerment is the need of the hour in India because awareness among women is important for them to understand their rights. If they are aware of their basic rights only then women will be able to fight for it. The first step towards women’s empowerment starts with supporting their opinions. Don’t mock them or bury their opinions. Boost their confidence and build their self-esteem. Encourage them to pursue their dreams, provide resources for help and be their mentor. Women have the ability not only to shape their lives but also to shape the world. Equal opportunities and the right to make their own decisions are the basics to start with women’s empowerment.

Women’s empowerment is desperately required in today’s cultures. It is critical for women’s self-esteem as well as for society. Women have the right to participate equally in education, society, the economy, and politics. Women may participate in society because they have the freedom to select their religion, language, employment, and other activities.

Women’s Empowerment is the process of providing women with all of the rights and amenities available in society so that they can live freely and without fear or limitation. Women should be granted the same rights as men in society, with no gender discrimination.

Female or women empowerment, according to Keshab Chandra Mandal, may be classified into five categories: social, educational, economic, political, and psychological.

The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a collection of Principles that provide businesses with direction on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

Improved female education leads to higher levels of economic growth because women spend 90%of their earnings back on their families, whereas males only invest 30-40% of their earnings. This is only one example of how women’s empowerment has a beneficial impact. Like this, there are several other benefits and positive sides of women’s empowerment

Gender Discrimination, Sexual Abuse and Harassment, Education, Child Marriage, etc.

Great social reformers in the past like  Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Acharya Vinobha Bhave and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar  etc abolished ghastly practices like sati and child marriage and worked relentlessly in the past for the upliftment of women in India.

Equal pay, financial independence etc are some examples of women empowerment.

In the Indian constitution, many provisions include women empowerment such as Article 15 which enables the state to make special provisions for women.

Related Essay Topics

This was all about an essay on women empowerment. We hope the above-listed essays will help you understand all dimensions of this important essay topic. For more information on such creative essay articles, visit our essay writing page and make sure to follow Leverage Edu .

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An Essay on Woman in Three Epistles

AN ESSAY ON WOMAN, IN THREE EPISTLES.

LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. And Sold by Mr. GRETTON, in Bond-Street. And Mr. POTTINGER, in Pater-Noster-Row.

AN ESSAY ON WOMAN.

EPISTLE II.

K NOW then thyself... and make the Sex thy care, The proper study of Mankind's the FAIR; Plac'd in that state — which all who know thee, know A Politician, Poet, Parson, Beau; Created half to rise, and half to fall, Great son of Homer — doating on a doll; Truth's friend so fond of female falsehood grown, The glory, jest, and riddle of the town. Go, wond'rous creature, as Apollo leads, And mark the Path majestic Milton treads; The little versifiers teach to write, Then to thy bottle and thy w.... at night. The wondering actors, when of late they saw A grave Divine explain theatric law, Admir'd the wisdom of the rev'rend cowl, And shew'd a C....., as we shew an owl. Has he who wrote the Rosciad e'er inclin'd. Ten days together to one female mind? Then might thy friend be constant to his W...., And PRIVILEGE be pleaded then no more. Woman to man still yields {and where's the harm?) Who keeps her close while she has power to charm; Then yields her to his fellow-brutes a prey: And where's the fault, my friend, in us, or they? Two principles in human nature reign, Self-love to urge, and reason to restrain: Self-love, the spring of motion, acts the soul; And reason yields to its supreme controul: Great strength the moving principal requires, Active its task, it prompts, impels, inspires; Sedate and quiet sense and reason lie; We yield to passion, and from reason fly. We sieze immediate good by present sense, And leave to fate and chance the consequence: Thicker than arguments temptations throng, More pow'rful these, though those are ne'er so strong. Self-love and reason to one end aspire, Pain our aversion, pleasure our desire; But greedy still our object to devour, We crop, without remorse, the fairest flow'r: Pleasure, with us, is always understood, Howe'er obtain'd, our best and greatest good. Passions, like elements, though born to fight, By female pow'r subdu'd, are alter'd quite; These 'tis enough to temper and employ, While what affords most pleasure, can destroy. All spread their charms, but charm not all alike, On different senses different objects strike; Hence different ladies, more or less inflame; Or different pow'rs sometimes attend the fame; And calling up each passion of the breast, Each lady, in her turn, subdues the rest. As man, perhaps, the moment of his breath, Imbibes the flame which ends not but with death; The flame, that must subdue the fair at length, Grows with his growth, and strengthens with his strength. So cast and mingled too in Woman's , frame, Her mind's disease, her ruling passion came. Imagination plies her dangerous art, And pours it all upon the peccant part: Nature it's mother, habit is it's nurse, Wit, spirit, faculties, but make it worse. We wretched subjects to the female sway, The tyrant, Woman, one and all, obey; Who, bent to govern by her own wise rules, Will, if she finds not, aim to make us fools; Teach us to mourn our state, but not to mend; A sharp accuser, but a helpless friend! Proud of her easy conquest all along, She still allays our passions, weak or strong. Virtuous and vicious every man must be; Women are neither in a small degree; The rogue and fool, by fits, is fair and wise, Women are always what they most despice: 'Tis but by parts Man follows good or ill; Woman's sole sovereign is her own dear will , While ev'ry man pursues a different goal, Womans whole aim's unlimited controul, The faults of men, and their defects of mind, Afford the highest joy to womankind. See some peculiar whim each man attend; See every Woman lab'ring to one end: See some fit passion ev'ry man employ; Empire alone affords the Woman joy. Behold the Girl , by Nature's kindly law, Pleas'd with a rattle, tickled with a straw; Some other bauble gives her youth delight, A little louder, but as empty quite. Dress, dancing, balls, amuse her riper age, And drams and opiates are the toys of age; Pleas'd with this bauble still, as that before, 'Till tir'd, she sleeps... and life's poor play is o'er .

EPISTLE III.

O H Happiness! to which we all aspire, Wing'd with strong hope, and borne by full desire, Oh Ease! for which in want, in wealth we sigh, That Ease for which we labour and we die. Why should the Female ever have the power, To tyrannize o'er Man, and to devour? Why should the wife, the learned, and the fool, The brave, the rich.... submit to Woman's rule? Ask of the learn'd the cause, the learn'd are blind, This bids us seek, that shun all Womankind; Some place the bliss in serving one alone, Some by a single Passion are undone. Some, sunk to beasts, find pleasure end in pain. Some, swell'd to Gods,... confess all pleasure vain; Some hold the maxim others wrong would call, To try all Women... and to doubt them all. Oh, Sons of Men! attempt no more to rise, But own the wond'rous force of Woman's eyes; Who, big with laughter, your vain toil surveys, And shews her power a thousand diff'rent ways. Know all the happiness we hope to find, Depends upon the will of Womankind. Nothing so true as Pope, long since, let fall, "Most Women have no characters at all"; How many pictures of one nymph we view! All how unlike each other... all how true! See Sin in state majestically drunk; Proud as a Peeress, prouder as a punk; Chaste to her husband, frank to all beside, A teeming mistress, but a barren bride; In whose mad brain the mix'd ideas roll, Of Tallboy's breeches, and Caesar's soul. Who, spite of delicasy, stoops at once, And makes her hearty meal upon a dunce. In Men we various ruling passion find, In Women... two alone divide the mind; Those only fixed, they, first or last, obey, The love of pleasure, and the love of sway.

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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A Woman in Today's’ Society is a Woman with Power

by Andrienne A. Espiritu, CED-IDS | Mar 09 2020

In 2019, the Department of English of the College of Arts and Social Sciences conducted the 2nd Women's Month on-the-spot essay writing contest. 

This year's Women's Month, the Institute is featuring the winning entries of last year's essay writing competition. 

Below is the  2nd runner up essay entry written by Andrienne A. Espiritu of MSU-IIT Integrated Developmental School.

Woman. Who is she to people? Is she the Mother who lights a house with Grace and sacrifice? Is she the fiery member of the workplace who works day and night with the vision of hum but never the roar. Is she the shadow of a weary man’s success? Woman, always the essential darkness of somebody else’s night.

Throughout history, women have been marginalized and oppressed in this patriarchal society. They are often subjected to lesser roles and menial jobs; or worse, not expected to work at all. Society has always put women as an extension or being next to men. Because of this, they have learned to slowly blend in the background, to work behind the scenes, to stay silent in a world dominated by men. But when a staggering fifty percent of the world’s population is oppressed and forced to stay on the wayside, it does not take long for them to realize their worth, to start seeing a world where they may be significant. The role of women has drastically changed over the course of history, thanks to people who fought for women’s rights. However, we have not completely eradicated the division between men and women. In some parts of the globe, there are still people who stereotype women, immediately assuming they are of lesser roles, classifying them as housewives, or denying them opportunities. There are several cultures that believe a woman exists only so that she can be sold, married, and be of service to men. There are many practices that we are blind too because some of us are privileged enough to live in a society where women are rising to the same roles as men. Ironically, there are still women who have not realized their worth and freedom, women who continue to be oppressed, abused, and treated as objects. And it is up to the empowered women to raise the marginalized women along with them.

We have taught women to build themselves smaller than men. Taught them that if they can offer thunder and the man can only produce a mere clap, then they should stay silent instead. Women have shrunk themselves to a size men can conveniently handle. They try to fit in the small boxes this society has built for them when clearly, they are made for something much bigger. They stay at home brewing ideas with the knowledge that if they come out of the world, it would be a magnificent sight. Despite the struggles that women have been through and continue to go through, nothing stops them from achieving their absolute best. When we look back in history, we can see that many women have excelled in fields traditionally assigned to men or believed only men can achieve.  For example, Ada Lovelace, known to be the first computer program. Who would have thought that a woman could also excel in an area dominated by men? Marie Curie, the first person to win a Nobel prize twice in two different fields of science. She paved the way for many discoveries we now have. There was Frida Kahlo, whose bold paintings opened up conversations on taboo topics about women. These women had the courage to jump through loops, to go through needle-sized holes with the knowledge that the pathway towards success for women is laid out with more swerves and bumps. These women and many other women who fought courageously have shed light on women’s contributions in today’s society.

The women that we see today are empowered women. They continue to contribute to various aspects and excel at what they do. They radiate motivation and exude excellence; they are pioneers of change. They are equipped with the knowledge that they have the ability to change the world. They are no longer afraid to step out into the light. From the many years of living in the shadows, they have come to realize that the light they’ve been taught to stay away from is a brightness they yearn. To bathe in this light is not a fault, to find happiness in recognition is not something to be ashamed of. In this modern world, women are foundations for success. They venture into the world not as inferior beings but as equal partners alongside men. They explore new ideas and touch topics they’ve been afraid to open up before. They inspire other people. Children too looked up to women. The daughters of today’s society are filled with hope knowing that they are able to grow in a healthy world where they are not criticized for being a woman. The women of today are leaders, achievers, innovators; they are power with grace, a strict motivator with an inborn sense of love and compassion.

They say a woman finally becomes herself when she speaks without permission. And every word, every action, every deed that a woman does today without fear of being judged is a justice for all women who have fiercely fought the battle for equality. Woman. Who is she to the people? She is the raging anthem for every hopeful soul and the burning fire that swallows all fear and darkness. She is the figure that does not only stand up for herself but for thousands of other women who stand alongside her. She is no longer confined into darkness; rather, she dances underneath the warm light. She is fearless with her mouth and tongue and the unfailing courage to speak up. She is unbothered by society’s double standards and she will fight for her rights and the rights of other women who do not have voices to speak their truth. She is a woman. Fearless and brave- everything a woman is born to be.

_____________________________________________

Andrienne is an 18-year-old senior high school student from MSU-IIT IDS and is currently enrolled in the STEM strand. Her dream of becoming a board-certified ObGyn stems from the fact that she wants to dedicate her professional life working with women and empowering them. She strongly believes in being environmentally conscious and tries her best to practice an eco-friendly way of living. When she is not caught up in academic work, she likes to bake, write, watch slam poetry videos, and binge-watch tv shows. She is slowly learning to appreciate parts of herself society forces her to discard; she hopes to help others do the same.

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Essay on Role of Women in Society | Role of Women in Society Essay for Students and Children in English

March 13, 2023 by Prasanna

Essay on Role of Women in Society: Women are equally important in society as men are. They are the backbone for a progressing nation. Demographically, half a population of the country constitutes women, and they deserve equal importance and rights in society.

From keeping the home safe and clean to portraying excellent outcomes in the workplace, a woman can do it all. Their capabilities must not be underestimated based on their gender, and they should be given equal opportunity to display their talents. It is essential for us to know the status of women in our society, and therefore, we have compiled some extended, short, and ten lines essay on the role of women in society.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Role of Women in Society for Students and Kids in English

Given below is a Role of Women in Society essay of 400-500 words and is suitable for the students of standards 7, 8, 9, and 10 and a short piece of nearly 100-150 words for the students of standard 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Long Essay on Role of Women in Society 500 words in English

In the middle age, people had only one notion about the woman; that is, they were born to control the household chores and manage the children. But in today’s world, women empowerment has taken place which has opened new doors for the women to thrive and shine.

In the rural regions, the girls have started going to school, which is positively affecting the literacy rate in India and is taking the country in the forward direction. Campaigns are held all over the country to spread awareness about woman literacy.

In addition to literacy, personal health and hygiene are other issues that woman staying in the rural region have very less idea about. Women hold awareness programmes and free sanitary napkins are distributed amongst them. Such a programme is organised to remove a general taboo about the menstrual cycle.

Besides managing household works, women are also engaging themselves in the service sector like banks, hospitals, airlines, schools and every other possible work field as well as they have started showing interest in setting up their own business. Not to mention, they are providing excellent outcomes in their respective areas. In the world of sports, women have set up milestones for men to achieve.

Personalities like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal are idols. We must not limit or try to limit the role of women in society to be a homemaker or a mother because they are capable of doing so much more. The women who are homemakers are an essential member of the family who is responsible for managing the home, cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes, taking care of the elders and the kids.

Still, the saddest part is at times their efforts are overlooked, and they are never praised for the things they do. People assume these works as their duties and consider them to be a free servant. This outlook needs to change, and people should understand that she might even need some help in doing the works and she is not free labour, whatever she does is out of love and love only.

To conclude, women should be encouraged to do something out of the household works, and if they already want to work in offices to earn for themselves, no one should stop them. They are an individual identity who have full freedom of doing anything that they think is the best for them.

Short Essay on Role of Women in Society 150 words in English

In the modern world, women are progressing. The social and economic status of the women have soared to height, and they are no longer confined within the boundaries of the four walls. They are playing the roles of a working woman, an efficient homemaker, and a proud mother and daughter.

Earlier women were only associated with taking care of the household and babies. But nowadays, they are engaging in work fields to explore their inner talents and also to become independent and earn for themselves. They are one of the main reason behind the progress of the nation who makes our daily lives easy and the country proud.

10 Lines on Essay on Role of Women in Society in English

• A woman should be given equal opportunities economically and socially.
• They must be respected and never underestimated on the ground that they are women.
• Schooling should be made available for the girls in the rural area.
• Awareness must be spread on the topic of sanitary health and hygiene.
• Their choice and perspective must be looked upon on as they are great leaders.
• During the middle ages, the women’s position in the society became inferior as compared to men, and the condition of the women deteriorated.
• The women should be given freedom in whatever she does and should not be confined within four walls of the house.
• Women should be headstrong and believe in them. They must voice their option without any fear.
• People should start believing that motherhood is an option and the decision solely depends on a woman.
• We should remember the contribution of woman leaders and have a positive attitude towards woman controlling the government.

FAQ’s on Essay on Role of Women in Society

Question 1. Is there any importance of women’s perspective?

Answer: A woman does not only bring competition into the work field but also help in the collaboration of ideas and execute teamwork correctly. They help in bringing a perspective that values an open economy, modern, and social system.

Question 2. Name a few roles a woman plays in society and the family?

Answer: Some of the roles played by a woman in daily lives are as follows: a supportive daughter, wife, mother, an extraordinary co-worker who can manage a team very well, and many more. A woman has a versatile nature and is capable of doing everything a man can.

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5 Women Empowerment Essays Everybody Should Read

What does “women’s empowerment” mean? It refers to the process of giving women control over their choices and access to the opportunities and resources that allow them to thrive. While there’s been progress, gender inequality remains a persistent issue in the world. Empowering women politically, socially, economically, educationally, and psychologically helps narrow the gap. Here are five essays about women’s empowerment that everyone should read:

Women’s Movements and Feminist Activism (2019)

Amanda Gouws & Azille Coetzee

This editorial from the “Empowering women for gender equity” issue of the journal Agenda explores the issue’s themes. It gives a big picture view of the topics within. The issue is dedicated to women’s movements and activism primarily in South Africa, but also other African countries. New women’s movements focus on engaging with institutional policies and running campaigns for more female representation in government. Some barriers make activism work harder, such as resistance from men and funding, If you’re interested in the whole issue, this editorial provides a great summary of the main points, so you can decide if you want to read further.

Agenda is an African peer-viewed academic journal focusing on feminism. It was established in 1987. It publishes articles and other entries, and tutors young writers.

5 Powerful Ways Women Can Empower Other Women (2020)

Pavitra Raja

Originally published during Women’s History Month, this piece explores five initiatives spearheaded by women in the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship community. Created by women for women, these innovations demonstrate what’s possible when women harness their skills and empower each other. The initiatives featured in this article embrace technology, education, training programs, and more.

Pavitra Raja is the Community Manager for social entrepreneurs in Europe, North America, and Latin America. She’s consulted with the UN Economic Commission for Europe and also has experience in legal affairs and policy in the private and public sectors.

The Key to Improving Women’s Health in Developing Countries (2019)

Because of gender inequality, women’s health is affected around the world. Factors like a lower income than men, more responsibilities at home, and less education impact health. This is most clear in developing countries. How can this be addressed? This essay states that empowerment is the key. When giving authority and control over their own lives, women thrive and contribute more to the world. It’s important that programs seeking to end gender inequality focus on empowerment, and not “rescue.” Treating women like victims is not the answer.

Axa is a leading global insurer, covering more than 100 million customers in 57 countries. On their website, they say they strive for the collective good by working on prevention issues, fighting climate change, and prioritizing protection. The company has existed for over 200 years.

Empowering Women Is Smart Economics (2012)

Ana Revenga and Sudhir Shetty

What are the benefits of women’s empowerment? This article presents the argument that closing gender gaps doesn’t only serve women, it’s good for countries as a whole. Gender equality boosts economic productivity, makes institutions more representative, and makes life better for future generations. This piece gives a good overview of the state of the world (the data is a bit old, but things have not changed significantly) and explores policy implications. It’s based on the World Bank’s World Development Report in 2012 on gender equality and development.

Ana Revenga and Sudhir Shetty both worked at the World Bank at the time this article was originally published. Revenga was the Sector Director of Human Development, Europe and Central Asia. Shetty (who still works at the World Bank in a different role) was the Sector Director, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management, East Asia and Pacific.

The Side Of Female Empowerment We Aren’t Talking About Enough (2017)

Tamara Schwarting

In this era of female empowerment, women are being told they can do anything, but can they? It isn’t because women aren’t capable. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. As this article says, women have “more to do but no more time to do it.” The pressure is overwhelming. Is the image of a woman who can “do it all” unrealistic? What can a modern woman do to manage a high-stakes life? This essay digs into some solutions, which include examining expectations and doing self-checks.

Tamara Schwarting is the CEO of 1628 LTD, a co-working community space of independent professionals in Ohio. She’s also an executive-level consultant in supply chain purchasing and business processes. She describes herself as an “urbanist” and has a passion for creative, empowering work environments.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

13 Women Open up About What Being a Woman Means to Them in 2020

While there used to be a very specific model for exactly how to be a woman—how to look, talk, act the part, and sit down and shut up like a woman—those days are long gone. While there are certainly battles still raging over how women use their bodies and conduct their lives, the ways they show up in the world are more varied and nuanced than ever, making the definition of womanhood not universal, but rather specific to each woman herself.

To highlight the many ways there are to be a woman in the world in 2020, we spoke with more than a dozen women to hear about their lives—and what being a woman means and looks like to them. As their stories prove, being a woman is not about genitals, femininity, or fitting one specific mold. Each woman and her experience is uniquely hers.

‘I’m a force to be reckoned with’

"Being a woman to me in my past has always meant being too much. This is what I was always taught in my childhood and adolescence. Whenever someone said I was too loud or too talkative, it would hurt. ‘Too much' is no longer an insult to me; it is a sign of pride. If I am 'too much' for the world in this moment, I am just right for me as a woman.

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"Culture has played a very interesting role in my identity and the intersectionality of my identities. There was a time where I never thought I could claim the identities of ‘writer’, of ‘activist.' Being an Indian woman has often meant sacrificing one identity in order to preserve another. It meant being conservative over being honest. If I wanted to maintain my identity as a 'good' Indian girl, I had to sacrifice my identity as an advocate for mental health…Besides being a woman, I am a writer, an artist, an activist, a hustler. I am a force to be reckoned with, and most importantly I’m ‘me.' I own every one of my identities now. I worked too hard to reclaim them all to only have one." —Vaidehi Gajjar, 25

'Womanhood is much more complex than chromosomes'

"I think today we are seeing the very beginning of the acceptance that womanhood is not simply a set of body parts and functions that were never generalizable to all women anyway. That womanhood is much more complex than chromosomes or the ability to carry a baby.

"As a trans woman, it took me decades to understand that, despite all outward physical evidence to the contrary at the start of my life, my womanhood is real. It isn’t just a feeling nor is it delusion. It is a living, breathing, undeniable force that lies deep within me...Being a woman in 2020 is not so fragile a thing that it can’t encompass me or people like me.

"I am not just fighting the patriarchy and misogyny for the equality of women, I am fighting against their effects to be regarded as a woman at all. The net effect is that, for too many, being transgender erases the legitimacy of my other identities entirely. Fighting against that is the most feminist thing I do." —Melody Maia Monet, 49

‘I feel connected to more women—strangers and mothers and friends—than ever before’

"Being a woman means something different to me now than it even meant a month ago. It means I’m the manager of my family and I feel responsible for keeping us alive [on the macro level], and also helping every day in many little ways to get us through a crisis that is affecting the entire world.

"Being a woman in 2020, before the novel coronavirus pandemic, however, also has had a new, improved meaning, building on the past couple years since #MeToo and Binders and other female-forward initiatives. I feel very visible, and I feel connected to more women—strangers and mothers and friends—than ever before. It’s nice. It’s encouraging.

"More than anything, my identities—a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, a teacher, a writer, a comedian, a musician—come and go at various times. Sometimes being a sister isn’t as meaningful as being a mother, other times it’s everything in that moment." —Jessica Delfino, 43

‘It means having the choice to be bold and speak up’

"By the end of 2020, I will (hopefully!) be finished with my first semester of college at Barnard College of Columbia University. I’m a first-generation Chinese-American 17-year-old and one of two daughters of a single and immigrant mother.

"Like the hyphen in Chinese-American, I see how my experiences are all due to the intersection of my different identities. I was taught by my extended family to not speak until I am spoken to and to stay quiet about my opinion about current events... Being a woman in 2020 is to be unapologetically myself, especially in unconventional spaces that were not created for me; it means to have choices in every decision I come across and to have the understanding that all of my experiences that have led me to this point are credited to my various identities that intersect. Being a woman to me means having the choice to be bold and speak up not only for yourself but passing your voice to others as well." —Joyce Jiang, 17

'I contain multitudes'

"Aside from being a woman, I'm invisibly disabled, a writing instructor at a college, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, a freelance writer, a journalist, an alcoholic, a sexual assault survivor, a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, a cousin, and a friend.

"My friends and I always joke around and say 'I contain multitudes' when someone finds out something about us they hadn't expected, but it's true: We all contain multitudes. For me, being a woman in 2020 isn't feeling ashamed I thwarted [a person’s] expectations and instead acting surprised they didn't assume I was a three-dimensional person with more than one story arc." —Brooke Knisley, 29

'It's about solving impossible problems'

"I am the child of immigrants, fat, queer, and live with autism and mental health issues including an eating disorder. Increasingly, being a woman in 2020 is [about] solving impossible problems. Making sure my community is safe and still connected and loved. It’s about boundaries, especially as a mental health professional—giving people support without turning all my friendships and relationships into therapeutic ones. It’s about being vulnerable and strong, and not having all the answers."  —Alicia Raimundo, 30

‘Being a woman is fully badass’

"Being a woman is a really interesting experience in the modern age (and all through history, let's be real)... I think that for me, part of being a woman means standing up for the values that I hold, and trying to make sure that all of the women, even and maybe even especially those who may not intersect with my life, are able to live their lives in the way they choose to.

"Beyond the global approach of being a woman, I think being a woman is fully badass. Women are powerful, and beautiful, and strong, and inspirational, jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, history-makers, and just really, really cool." —Cat Wheeler, 26

'My existence is an act of resistance'

"I would say that as a woman of color, my existence is an act of resistance. Anything I do, whether I want it to be or not, is inherently political. I navigate the world knowing these things...[and] when I have an opportunity to use any privilege I have for 'good,' I take advantage of that.

"For me, my job as a writer on a TV show [ The Proud Family ] about a black family is a huge responsibility. My job in the day is a lot of pitching jokes, but I didn’t set out to do it because I wanted to pitch jokes all day. It was a responsibility for me to create representation in the world. Everything I do is driven by the knowledge that representation matters and belonging matters, and that everyone should have the right to belong." —Ashley Soto, 29

‘You can’t put me in a little box’

"I was adopted from Vietnam when I was four, and my whole family is white and we live in a town that is less than 4,000 people and predominantly white. Growing up, I was the only non-white person or Asian person at my school. It was kind of like a shock to everyone for me to be there... If you hadn’t seen me and just saw my name and that I’m from Mississippi, you might think I’m just a white woman, but you’d never be able to guess what’s behind the name.

"So I think being a woman in 2020 is breaking all those stereotypes and not being what everyone expects a woman to be. As someone who identifies as so many things, you can’t put me in a little box that other people might think ‘Oh she’s this or that.’ I’m a multifaceted person. That’s what all of us are as women in 2020, we’re all so different from what a woman might have been in the 1940s or 1950s when they were expected to be one thing, whether it’s a CEO, a teacher, a mom. Even if you just want to be a mom to a fur baby, we can proudly be whatever we want." —Sarah Barrett, 27

‘Women are looking inward now more than ever’

"Being a woman to me in 2020 means self-awareness. I believe the uptick in diversity in terms of gender identity, sexuality, and personal identity is coming from a rise in self-awareness. Women are looking inward more now than ever and investigating all aspects of their identity.

"I try to be as self-aware as possible with critical thinking—I basically try to question the reason behind why I do everything. Why am I reacting this way? Why does this make me happy? Why do I care about this? By asking myself these questions I often surprise myself with the answers, because we never quite realize how much of our thoughts and beliefs are more subconscious than not.

"With that self-awareness comes confidence—no one can tell you what you are or what you are not because you've deeply explored that and had those conversations with yourself. That confidence lets us be secure in our identity, but also secure in changing that identification if it feels right for us. Being a woman in 2020 is truly whatever we desire it to be!" —Gabby Beckford, 24

'I'm claiming ownership over my body and my identity'

"Being a queer femme woman has honestly been interesting to navigate ... Before I had a better understanding of my sexuality, I was afraid to dress less feminine because I thought people would think I was queer, which is really just my own internalized homophobia talking. Now that I'm more comfortable with my identity, I look at clothes as an artistic expression of who I am rather than something to be afraid of.

" Being a woman means claiming ownership over my body and my identity, advocating for equal rights for everyone, and making sure women retain the rights to their bodies. Being a woman makes me feel like I can be whoever I want to be and do whatever I want to do, regardless of whether anyone says otherwise. Being a woman means empowerment of both myself and other women." —Sloan Pecchia, 21

'It's both a wonderful and dangerous thing to be'

"To be a woman in 2020 is both a wonderful and dangerous thing to be. Society is starting to listen to what had been ignored in the past: Women are being victimized, women are being paid less for the same work, women are not seen as capable leaders. However, the actual change that comes with acknowledgement seems very slow and frustrating...

"My identity [as a Jewish woman] has definitely changed. In the late ‘90s when I was preparing for my Bat Mitzvah, I had to have a ‘very special talk’ with the rabbi’s wife about what being a woman meant. It was explained to me that the ideal woman is a help-mate to her husband in all things, and was put on this earth to nurture the next generation. This, along with other similar experiences, led me to be less connected to my Judaism. Now, however, with the advent of social media, I find myself becoming reconnected to my heritage. On Twitter alone, I follow a radical rabbi , a rabbi who is a disability activist , and a Southern rabbi of color , not to mention the amazing non-binary, queer, and trans Jews who have opened my eyes to the many ways one can be a Jewish woman." — Aviva Levin, 33

'Being a woman means being resistant and unapologetic'

"Being a woman is the first thing I identify with. Women's rights, empowerment, and equality are the issues that make my blood boil and that I'll never stop fighting for. I'm also Latina and the daughter of an immigrant, which is also an extremely important aspect of my identity...

"Being a single, 30-year-old, independent woman in 2020 to me means being resistant and unapologetic. I'm grateful for my ancestors who paved the way to allow me the freedoms I enjoy today, but know that globally, women have a long way to go before we achieve equity and equality in society, at work, and at home." — Lola Méndez , 30

These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.

In 2020, one of the biggest fights for women's rights will center on reproductive freedom . And you shouldn't take your credit card for granted—it is a milestone of women's economic freedom .

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Essay on Role of Women in Society

Students are often asked to write an essay on Role of Women in Society in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Role of Women in Society

Introduction.

Women play a vital role in society. They are not only homemakers but also contributors to economic, social, and political development.

Economic Role

Women contribute to the economy, both in paid and unpaid work. They manage households and also participate in workforce, boosting the country’s economic growth.

Social Role

Women are the backbone of society. They shape and nurture the future generations, and play a pivotal role in societal harmony.

Political Role

Women in politics ensure representation of diverse perspectives. They help in making balanced and inclusive decisions.

250 Words Essay on Role of Women in Society

The role of women in society has been shifting significantly over the centuries, from a traditional focus on nurturing roles to a modern emphasis on participation in all spheres of life. This transformation has been driven by socio-economic changes, advancements in education, and the relentless fight for gender equality.

Economic Contributions

In the economic sphere, women have transcended the boundaries of domesticity to become key contributors. They are now CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals, driving economic growth and innovation. Their economic independence has shifted societal perceptions, emphasizing their capabilities beyond traditional roles.

Social and Political Influence

Socially, women have become vocal advocates for societal issues, championing causes such as environmental conservation, education, and health. Their empathetic and holistic approach to problem-solving has led to significant societal advancements. Politically, women’s representation has increased, influencing policy-making and contributing to a more balanced perspective in governance.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite these strides, challenges persist. Gender disparities in pay and representation, societal expectations, and gender-based violence are issues that women continue to grapple with. However, the future holds promise. As society continues to evolve, the role of women is expected to expand further, with increased opportunities for leadership and influence.

In conclusion, the role of women in society has evolved from traditional nurturing roles to active participation in economic, social, and political spheres. While challenges persist, the future holds promise for further expansion of women’s roles, contributing to a more balanced and equitable society.

500 Words Essay on Role of Women in Society

Historical perspective.

Historically, women were considered inferior to men and their primary roles were confined to childbearing and managing household chores. However, with the advent of industrialization and modernization, women began to step out of their homes to contribute to the family income. This shift was the first step towards the recognition of women as significant contributors to society.

In the current era, women have emerged as an essential part of the global economy. From being entrepreneurs and CEOs of multinational companies to working in various sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education, women have proven their mettle. They are not only contributing to the economy but are also driving growth and innovation.

Women’s participation in politics has increased significantly over the years. They are now occupying key positions in governments and international organizations. Their perspectives and leadership styles often bring a different approach to governance, emphasizing cooperation, inclusivity, and social welfare.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite these advancements, women still face numerous challenges such as gender-based violence, wage discrimination, and underrepresentation in leadership positions. Addressing these issues requires collective action and systemic changes. Education plays a pivotal role in this, as it not only empowers women but also fosters a society that values gender equality.

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Essay On Women Rights

500 words essay on women rights.

Women rights are basic human rights claimed for women and girls all over the world. It was enshrined by the United Nations around 70 years ago for every human on the earth. It includes many things which range from equal pay to the right to education. The essay on women rights will take us through this in detail for a better understanding.

Importance of Women Rights

Women rights are very important for everyone all over the world. It does not just benefit her but every member of society. When women get equal rights, the world can progress together with everyone playing an essential role.

If there weren’t any women rights, women wouldn’t have been allowed to do something as basic as a vote. Further, it is a game-changer for those women who suffer from gender discrimination .

Women rights are important as it gives women the opportunity to get an education and earn in life. It makes them independent which is essential for every woman on earth. Thus, we must all make sure women rights are implemented everywhere.

How to Fight for Women Rights

All of us can participate in the fight for women rights. Even though the world has evolved and women have more freedom than before, we still have a long way to go. In other words, the fight is far from over.

First of all, it is essential to raise our voices. We must make some noise about the issues that women face on a daily basis. Spark up conversations through your social media or make people aware if they are misinformed.

Don’t be a mute spectator to violence against women, take a stand. Further, a volunteer with women rights organisations to learn more about it. Moreover, it also allows you to contribute to change through it.

Similarly, indulge in research and event planning to make events a success. One can also start fundraisers to bring like-minded people together for a common cause. It is also important to attend marches and protests to show actual support.

History has been proof of the revolution which women’s marches have brought about. Thus, public demonstrations are essential for demanding action for change and impacting the world on a large level.

Further, if you can, make sure to donate to women’s movements and organisations. Many women of the world are deprived of basic funds, try donating to organizations that help in uplifting women and changing their future.

You can also shop smartly by making sure your money is going for a great cause. In other words, invest in companies which support women’s right or which give equal pay to them. It can make a big difference to women all over the world.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Women Rights

To sum it up, only when women and girls get full access to their rights will they be able to enjoy a life of freedom . It includes everything from equal pay to land ownerships rights and more. Further, a country can only transform when its women get an equal say in everything and are treated equally.

FAQ of Essay on Women Rights

Question 1: Why are having equal rights important?

Answer 1: It is essential to have equal rights as it guarantees people the means necessary for satisfying their basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. This allows them to take full advantage of all opportunities. Lastly, when we guarantee life, liberty, equality, and security, it protects people against abuse by those who are more powerful.

Question 2: What is the purpose of women’s rights?

Answer 2: Women’s rights are the essential human rights that the United Nations enshrined for every human being on the earth nearly 70 years ago. These rights include a lot of rights including the rights to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination. In addition to the right to education, own property; vote and to earn a fair and equal wage.

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A Woman’s Place Is At Home (Argumentative Essay Sample)

Do you need to get a quality paper? EssayBasics has a great number of sample essays on merit pay and other, which can help you to get an excellent result.

A woman’s Place is at Home

For a very long time, women have been left behind at homes with the responsibility of bringing up children as well as tidying the homestead. Initially, these women lacked education while only a minimal percentage excelled in schools at higher levels.  Irrespective of such skills, they were still denied the opportunity to access better employment as men did. However, the current society is embracing uplifting of women to move beyond the homestead boundaries and take up responsibilities that were considered for men.  Therefore, men should stop thinking that women are helpers and should stay at home since they are not workers. Instead, men should start embracing positive attitudes and behavior towards the development of women’s career. This might bring about stable relationship due to understanding and change of the behaviors towards the old societal norms of mistreating women. The essay herein presents an objection to the statement: “A woman’s place is in the house.”

In the past years, women have collectively made progress concerning social participation, politics, employment, and leadership. For example, we find women presidents and leaders of multinational organizations. These are some of the reasons why women should not stay in the house. Besides, the women who have managed to develop their source of income are financial independence.  Most women who stay at home entirely depend on their husbands for financial assistance. These women are unable to achieve their dreams. Besides, they cannot satisfy their needs due to inadequate financial aid. However, women who do not stay at home seek for further education as well as employment opportunities that make them stable. Consequently, these women become productive members of the society who also has self-discipline and ensure that their children get the best lives and education of their choices.

Secondly, women who struggle like men achieve their dreams in life. In most cases, these women have high self-esteem, live happily and can fulfill their needs. Through effective communication with other people, the women go beyond their family ties to meet the social needs which lead to a stable family as well as gains more respect from the husband and the society. However, in most cases, women who stay at home have low interpersonal skills due to depression and lack of interactions. They are left with the burden of bringing up children as well as managing domestic affairs instead of being breadwinners just like men.

Even though many people state that women joined the workforce during the World War II due to the absence of men who went to war hence they ought to stay at home, it is unethical to consent to such reasons pegging on the notion that they doubled their duties as breadwinners and cared for the family. However, this can be seen as the strength the women have in the society hence they should be allowed to exercise such strengths beyond their houses.  The women proved that they could run the American economy. Though the juvenile delinquency skyrocketed, it is not the women to be blamed since they strived to make both ends meet for the USA as a nation as well as their families. Such kind of dedication is not examined in men of the current society who conform to their work with no time to care for the family.

In conclusion, the current society is competitive with both men and women claiming equal rights hence people should stop thinking that women’s place is the house.  The women should be allowed to freely pursue their dreams and careers that will enhance their advancement in the society as well as ensure the development of civilization. On the same note, men should also share the responsibility of doing family chores to relieve the burden that women face in the house.

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Equality — Rhetorical Analysis of ‘Ain’t I a Woman?’ by Sojourner Truth

Rhetorical Analysis of 'Ain't I a Woman?' by Sojourner Truth

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Published: Mar 5, 2024

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Women’s Work Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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This argumentative essay about women’s work explains all the disadvantages and advantages of being a woman in the workplace. The positive and negative effects of being a working mother are also presented, so you might draw your own conclusion on the issue.

Introduction

• Disadvantages

In today’s world, women take active roles in employment, unlike during the olden days when they stayed at home and took care of their families. Women taking active roles in jobs have advantages and disadvantages. In contemporary society, women and men have equal opportunities for employment.

Working Women Advantages

The advantages of women working include more income for their families, the opportunity to explore their talents, and the promotion of economic growth. When women work, they make money that adds to their families’ financial well-being. This helps pay bills, buy food, and educate children. Women have goals and objectives to achieve in their lives. Working allows them to pursue their dreams and talents, as well as work on their goals by pursuing careers of their choice. Finally, women who work contribute towards economic growth through their jobs.

Women’s Work Disadvantages

Disadvantages for working women include the absence of enough time for their families, pressure from work-related stress, and conflicts of interest. Working women have little time to take care of their families because their jobs are very demanding and time-consuming. Many jobs are very stressful, and many women cannot handle high levels of work-related stress. Their nature predisposes them to anxiety and depression more than when compared to men. Finally, there is a conflict of interests. Their roles as mothers compromise their performance at work. They use working hours to take care of their children at the expense of their jobs.

Today, women seek employment opportunities just like men. This increases income for their families and gives them opportunities to explore their talents by pursuing careers of their choice. However, it affects their families because they do not spend enough time with their children. In addition, their role as mothers has involved my performance at work.

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17 Essays by Female Writers That Everyone Should Read

As the VIDA count shows, the ratio of male to female writers published in literary journals, magazines, and book reviews remains largely disproportionate in favor of male writers. In the conversation around this imbalance, some have suggested (among other silly arguments) that women should simply write about more important subjects. The folks over at Creative Nonfiction , the literary magazine that this year celebrates its 20 th consecutive year of publication, scoff at this assessment of the situation. In fact, CNF ’s current issue, “ Female Form ,” includes only essays by female writers. While the theme of the issue was initially unintentional, CNF’ s editors think this only shows that there are indeed plenty of women writing serious nonfiction; they’re just not getting the serious attention they deserve. Just to hammer the point home, the magazine curated this list of 17 essays by female writers every woman (and man) should read. Check them out after the jump, and if we missed any of your favorites, add them to CNF ‘s list in the comments.

“ Split at the Root ,” Adrienne Rich

Adrienne Rich was one of the major feminist writers of the 20th century, and throughout her many volumes of poetry and essays, she has voiced the struggles to establish identity — especially female identity. In 1982’s “Split at the Root,” Rich recalls growing up in a Southern, Christian household, and frets over the significance of identifying — as an adult — as Jewish.

“Living Like Weasels,” Annie Dillard

This essay, excerpted from Dillard’s memoir, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek , begins with a moment at Hollins Pond where Dillard and a weasel lock eyes and swap brains. “If you and I looked at each other that way, our skulls would split and drop to our shoulders,” Dillard writes. The essay then explodes into an exploration, in Dillard’s unforgettably imaginative and passionate style, of what we might learn from the weasels about living in the present moment, “noticing everything, remembering nothing, choosing the given with a fierce and pointed will.” If this essay does not make you see the world like a weasel, it will at least make you want to see the world with Dillard’s inexhaustible sense of wonder.

“ Heroin/e ,” Cheryl Strayed (1999)

“I wanted my mother to love me, but more. I wanted her to prove it, to live, to be a heroine. To go to battle and win. And if she was going to die, I wanted her to tell me, in the end, how I should live without her.” Writing in her distinctive emotionally raw and straightforward style, Cheryl Strayed introduces us in this heart-wrenching essay to many of the themes and stories more fully explored in her New York Times bestselling memoir, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail : the author’s mother’s early death, the crumbling of her first marriage, and her addiction to heroin in her early 20s. (Strayed fans will also want to check out her new interview with Elissa Bassist in the latest issue of Creative Nonfiction ; they discuss fame, writerly jealousy, and writing like a motherf*#ker.)

“The Solace of Open Spaces,” Gretel Ehrlich

Gretel Ehrlich has become one of today’s most influential environmental writers; she is well known for her work exploring the relationship between land and culture, often focusing on rapidly disappearing or isolated landscapes. She began her writing career with 1985’s The Solace of Open Spaces , a collection of personal essays about her time working as a rancher in Wyoming following the death of her partner. The eponymous and first essay from that collection, lyrically beautiful and haunting, specifically explores how the history of settlement in barren and remote Wyoming influences the culture of the scattered ranchers and farmers making their lives there.

“The Ugly Tourist,” Jamaica Kincaid

“You make a leap from being that nice blob just sitting like a boob in your amniotic sac of the modern experience to being a person visiting heaps of death and ruin and feeling alive and inspired at the sight of it.” A must-read for anyone who dreams of a tropical vacation, this ruthless essay, written in 1988, forces us to take a good look at what it means to be a tourist and what it is we think we’re escaping when we travel. Antiguan-born, Kincaid specifically talks about the conditions on islands, such as her home, where a certain brand of tourism continues to flourish, which ignores the hardships of islanders’ lives.

“Slouching Towards Bethlehem,” Joan Didion

It would be impossible to put together this list without including this powerhouse of literary journalism, a seminal figure in the New Journalism movement of the ’60s who has since become one of our most beloved and prolific writers. Famed for her clear-eyed and vivid descriptions of her home state, California, in “Slouching Towards Bethlehem,” Didion explores Haight-Ashbury in 1968, at the height of counterculture.

“ The Fourth State of Matter ,” Jo Ann Beard

This moving essay captures the events in Jo Ann Beard’s life preceding and surrounding the 1991 shooting at the University of Iowa, which claimed the lives of four faculty members and one student in the physics department, where Beard worked part-time. The juxtaposition of Beard’s daily struggles — caring for her sick dog, navigating a separation, and getting rid of squirrels from her attic — with the shooting underscores the unpredictability, shock, and otherworldliness of tragedy.

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“ Against Nature ,” Joyce Carol Oates

Joyce Carol Oates, one of the most prolific writers of our time, is also — to judge from this essay — one of our most prolific readers. Ruminating on her own body and relationship to nature, and surveying (many) other writers’ depictions of nature, Oates ultimately disagrees with the writers she cites that nature is “an experience.” “Against Nature” builds to a conclusion that is as unique as Oates’ own place within the literary landscape.

“ No Name Woman ,” Maxine Hong Kingston

Every family has at least one big secret. In this imaginative and brave essay, second-generation Chinese immigrant Maxine Hong Kingston tells us what she knows and what she imagines about her aunt, who became pregnant outside of her marriage, gave birth in a pigsty, and drowned herself and her baby in a well. Hong Kingston gives her relative a voice by imagining her story, and makes us consider what silence can do to a person’s memory within a family.

“ My Misspent Youth ,” Meghan Daum

The dream is not always what it seems. Ever since visiting the apartment of a music copyist with her father as a girl, Meghan Daum confesses, she had romanticized living in New York. She details her fantasies of a life accessorized with an apartment with oak floors, “faded Persian rugs… and NPR humming from the speakers.” The essay was published in 1999, but the struggle to “make it” in New York is, if anything, more challenging today (as any fan of Girls knows). Daum details her efforts, as a young woman working in publishing, to attain her dream of being a successful writer, and her painful decision ultimately to leave the city, dragging her debt behind her.

“ Shunned ,” Meredith Hall (2003)

Today, we have Sixteen and Pregnant and Teen Mom , but the world was not always thus. In “Shunned,” Meredith Hall recalls being a pregnant teenager in a small community in the 1960s, cut off by her family, church, and community. “The price I paid seems still to be extreme,” Hall reflects, in this moving exploration of the facades communities maintain, as well as the costs individuals pay for not belonging.

“ He and I ,” Natalia Ginzburg

“He loves museums and I will go if I am forced to but with an unpleasant sense of effort and duty. He loves libraries and I hate them.” Do opposites attract, and can they stay together? With a simple and matter-of-fact tone, acclaimed Italian writer Natalia Ginzburg chronicles the telling details of a 20-year relationship. This poignant essay sneaks up on you, and by the end leaves you breathless at the way one moment can influence who we become and how we see the people we love.

“ Notes on a Difficult Case ,” Ruthann Robson

At age 42, attorney Ruthann Robson was diagnosed with a tumor in her liver; doctors pronounced her “hopeless, incurable, and inoperable.” Robson suffered the effects of toxic chemotherapy and the condescension of her doctors for asking questions. Desperate and finally deciding to seek a second opinion, she discovered she had been misdiagnosed; her tumor was easily operable. “Notes on a Difficult Case” explores Robson’s search for justice amid the frustrating legal intricacies of medical malpractice.

“ The Fracking of Rachel Carson ,” Sandra Steingraber (2012)

The dangers and drama of hyrdrofracking are attracting increasing visibility ( Gasland ; 60 Minutes stories showing tap water that catches on fire; and even a new Matt Damon flick, Promised Land) . Focusing specifically on Rachel Carson’s homeland of Pennsylvania, the heart of the Marcellus Shale fracking boom, acclaimed ecologist Steingraber details Carson’s own battle throughout her lifetime to raise awareness about the effects of pollution. This essay is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the implications of fracking for our health, or who worries about Carson’s prophecy for future silent springs.

“ The Bitch is Back,” Sandra Tsing Loh (2011)

At the beginning of this rollicking tour through modern hormonal advice, Sandra Tsing Loh declares herself the reader’s “Virgil to the literature of menopause.” What follows is a hilarious analysis of the recommendations made to women coping with the effects of mid-life changes — and for the record, women between 44 and 65 is currently America’s largest demographic group. But no matter your age or gender, Tsing Loh’s Sedaris-like wit makes this essay a fun and thought-provoking piece that asks us to re-examine what we mean by a “normal” woman.

“Street Haunting,” Virginia Woolf

Can we ever really escape ourselves? Nope – -or at least, Virginia Woolf could not. In “Street Haunting,” she takes the reader along on a seemingly humdrum evening walk to pick up a lead pencil. But what we really get is a peek into Woolf’s wild consciousness; this essay is one reason why many point to her as one of the originators of the personal essay form. (It’s also worth reading strictly for Woolf’s vivid descriptions of 1920s London.)

“ Joy ,” Zadie Smith (2013)

Children — as many a parent has realized — are a joy, but not always a pleasure. In this essay that ranges through the many experiences of adulthood (you know: taking ecstasy in nightclubs; being so carelessly in love the thought of breaking an ankle seems a trifle; becoming a parent) the incomparable Zadie Smith puzzles over the differences between joy — which she describes as a “strange admixture of terror, pain, and delight” — and pleasure.

Essay on Role of Women in Society for School Students

Table of Contents

The role of women in society has been a highly contested topic throughout history. In general, the role of women has been largely subordinate to that of men; however, there have been a number of cultures and societies in which women have played a more equal or even dominant role. The status of women in society is determined by a number of factors, including economic, social, and political factors.

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The role of women in society has been changing rapidly in recent years. In many countries, women have been granted equal rights to men, and they have been able to participate in all aspects of society, including the workforce. However, there are still many societies in which women are not treated equally to men, and their roles are more limited.

We have provided various essays on role of women in society under different word limits for the school students.

Long and Short Essay on Role of Women in Indian Society in English

Role of women in society essay 1 (100 words).

Women play variety of significant roles in our society from their birth till the end of life. Even after playing her all the roles and all the job timely in efficient manner in the modern society, she is weak because men are still strongest gender of the society. Even after lots of awareness programmes, rules and regulations in the society by the government, her life is more complicated than a man. She has to take care of herself and family members as daughter, granddaughter, sister, daughter-in-law, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, etc. By following such a big responsibility in the family, they are fully able to come out and do job for bright future of own, family and country.

Role of Women in Society Essay 2 (150 words)

Women are considered as the goddess in the Indian society from the ancient time however it is also true that they are not treated as goddess. They are being ill-treated for many years and used just as things to fulfil the wishes of men. Considering them as goddess is not enough to give them full women empowerment in the society; however it needs positive continuous effort and participation of both men and women to really bring women empowerment.

Women play a great role in everyone’s life without whom we cannot imagine the success of life. They are the highly responsible for the successful continuation of the life on this planet. Earlier they were considered as only wives and mother who have to cook food, clean home and take care of the whole family members alone. But, now the condition has been improved a little bit, they have started taking part in the many activities other than family and kids.

Role of Women in Society Essay 3 (200 words)

The way of behaving, thinking and doing of women is completely different from the men so we can say that women are physically, physiologically and psychologically not equal to men. But women are more responsible than men in various means like child-bearing and child-rearing. The tradition and culture of women lifestyle in India is coming as usual for many years without any change however in terms of rights of women, it is so bad and backward than other countries. The main question is why it is so, is women are responsible for their backwardness or men or lots of women’s responsibilities in home.

Women are treated differently than men in terms of rights and dues in many Indian societies even in the modern world. Men have dominating nature over women in various perspectives. It is the matter of think that if women are given all the same facilities like men and force them to be free from all the home responsibilities and think like men then why not it is possible for women to be like men psychologically in every areas of life. Earlier women were limited to home works only and not allowed to go outside to perform social works like men. But things are getting changed now; women are being aware of their rights and understanding well the dominating nature of men over their whole life.

Article on Women Empowerment

Role of Women in Society Essay 4 (250 words)

If we compare the current status of women than the ancient time, we can say that really the condition is improving gradually. Women are being professional, bread-earners for their families and an independently thinking individual of the country even after only being responsible for many responsibilities of the life. Traditional Indian women have started proving themselves more skilled and competent in many professions than men. And, day by day the situation is improving fast by breaking all the barriers of the way.

The Indian government also has played great role in the women empowerment by implementing various rules and regulations. The ancient time trends such as female foeticide, dowry deaths, early child marriage, domestic abuse, child labour, sexual harassment, etc have been banned by the government which has really improved the women status in the society. A woman plays variety of great roles in everyone’s life in various forms by being involved in various relationships. From her birth till her end of life, she plays various roles as a daughter, sister, wife, mother and other relationships. However, her main roles are as a wife and mother. The status of women in urban societies is better however in various rural societies it is still worse because of lack of proper education and education system. A woman give birth to a baby and considered to be only responsible for her baby regarding care, education, job, etc for whole life. She never demands anything in return of her roles instead she performs her roles politely all through the life without any argue.

Role of Women in Society Essay 5 (300 words)

Women in modern Indian society are really forward if we compare them from the ancient time but if we talk about the women empowerment, we can say that not really women are empowered in all areas. Even after being so forward, women need to go for long way defeating hard circumstances. Women have gained lots of influence in various fields until balance between two genders. We can say that women have more freedom than earlier however not true in many cases because prejudice still remains in the society.

In many places, women are still treated as inferior sex and forced to handle only house hold chores. Some women in the society love to follow the old traditions of the family and perform traditional female role by being housewife and mother. They live their whole life as general helpers to their husbands and kids. It has been in the usual practise for a woman by birth to handle home and stay unemployed at home. Some women from the society of high living status are keen to get employed like men in the future because they have been lived in the society having higher level of thoughts like that. They are never ill-treated in their family and always promoted to do better in life like men. However women in the backward society, where people only mean to earn food of two times daily, never understand their rights and responsibilities like men. All the differences are just because of the lack of proper education and education system in that area.

Women need to realize their roles towards their society and country together with their roles at home which is possible through the continuous effort, gender equality and women empowerment. People are being more advance in their behaviour and thoughts towards the women rights and empowerment.

Role of Women in Society Essay 6 (400 words)

Women play a great role in the growth and development of the society and making it an advanced and modern society. There is a famous saying by the Brigham Young that, “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” Educating and giving power to the women is of great importance which needs to be followed in the society to bring women empowerment and development of society. Because it is true that, if a man is getting educated and empowered, only he can be benefitted however if a woman is getting educated and empowered, whole family and society can be benefitted.

Women are not things which can be neglected because of their less power and authority instead they should be empowered and promoted to get higher education. Women are the half population of the world mean half power of the world. If women of any country are not empowered mean that country is lack of half power. By nature, women play their all the roles with great responsibilities and have capability to make a healthy family, solid society and powerful country. Lots of efforts have been done however still women are backward and limited to home activities. We need to understand that if an uneducated woman may handle home properly then why not a well educated woman can lead the whole country like men.

Without woman nothing is possible for men, they are basic unit of the society, they make a family, family make a home, home make a society and ultimately societies make a country. So the contribution of a woman is everywhere from taking birth and giving birth to a child to the care for whole life and other areas. All the roles and responsibilities of the women can never be neglected by the societies. Without education and women empowerment no development is possible in the family, society and country. Women know well how to talk, how to behave, how to deal with people of different classes, etc. She knows to handle all the situations because she knows well the basic fundamentals of a good society and play her roles politely as a main contributor in building a strong society.

Earlier, when the lives of women were worse than slaves, women were considered as animals and used as sex toys. It was a sin for women to give birth to a girl baby, either they were killed, buried alive or thrown away by the male head of the family. However, the condition has become advance now in many means but not completely.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Role of Women in Society

What is the role of women in society essay.

An essay on the role of women in society discusses the multifaceted roles women play, from homemakers to professionals, shaping the cultural, economic, and social fabric of their communities. It emphasizes the evolving importance and recognition of women's contributions over time.

What is women's status in society?

Women's status in society has seen significant evolution. Historically, many societies marginalized women, but today, increasing recognition of women's rights has led to their enhanced status in many areas. Yet, disparities persist in various regions and sectors.

What are the basic rights of women?

The basic rights of women include the right to life, equality, education, freedom from discrimination, right to work, health, and protection from violence. These rights aim to ensure women can live with dignity, make choices, and participate fully in society.

What are the problems faced by women today?

Women today face a myriad of challenges, including gender wage gaps, domestic violence, limited access to education in some regions, workplace discrimination, and societal stereotypes. These issues vary in intensity across different societies and cultures.

What are the biggest women issues in India?

In India, major issues faced by women include gender-based violence, dowry-related crimes, female infanticide, limited access to education in some areas, workplace discrimination, and issues related to women's reproductive rights.

What is the need for women empowerment?

Women empowerment is essential to ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from economic, social, cultural, and political advancements. Empowering women leads to a balanced and progressive society, where all members can thrive.

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