Creating an environment where women and girls can thrive in who they are by knowing how to practically support them is possible. Here are a few ways in which you can empower women around you.

Expand your knowledge

Knowing how to impact change wherever you are begins with learning how you can empower women. Tapping into the knowledge from other women around you about the current issues that they are faced with and arming yourself with resources on how you can play your part in empowering and creating a safe space for women is the start of how we can address any barriers that girls and women face.

Challenge your own biases

Choose to actively challenge your own biases and those of others when it comes to sex and gender roles that are rooted in oppressing women and girls from expressing themselves freely. Recognizing these unconscious biases that we may have begins with questioning what we know and learning ways to do better. Uplifting women and giving them a platform to express themselves can also be another practical way in which you can support them.

Promote the participation of women in decision making

Whether this is in the privacy of your home, community or at work, encourage the participation of women and girls in making decisions. Opening a platform where girls and women can share their thoughts and play a part in decision making is crucial to empowering women.

Shut down negativity aimed to break women

In a society that aims to judge and criticize every aspect of what it is to be a woman, showing your support by shutting down people who spread dangerous ideas that can place women at harm is vital. Take a stance against negative comments made online or by friends and family to allow a space for women to feel seen and appreciated.

Support women run business

Financial freedom is equally important when it comes to supporting women. Showing your support for women-run businesses can go a long way and also boost the idea that women can lead too, even in business.

Play a part in supporting women

Whether supporting women is fighting against injustices, financially supporting their journey through the education system, being a mentor or even creating a safe space where women can express themselves is something that we can all be invested in. Start small or go big. Every form of support matters.