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Connecting Women to Change the World
Economic Empowerment for Women: What is it and Why is it important?
At The Constellation Coalition, we’re focused on economic empowerment for women – but what does that actually mean and why should anyone care? Indulge us for a bit and we’ll explain what economic empowerment is, and why we believe empowering women is the key to ending poverty in developing countries.
Merriam-Webster defines empowerment as having the power, right, or authority to do something. Let’s break this down to better understand what this looks like for women engaged in the economy.
Having: Just as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so are intangible characteristics such as power and authority. This starts from within, so having the ability to impact the economy begins with how a woman perceives herself.
Power, right, authority: Power, right, and authority describe our relationships and the dynamics of how we interact with our surroundings, so having power reflects how a woman perceives her ability to impact her environment.
To do something: To do expresses future actions, an event planned but not yet manifest. So having the power to do something reflects a woman’s perception of her ability to impact her future.
Simply put, economic empowerment for women is about what she believes about her ability to change her circumstances and her hope for a future.
But make no mistake—there is nothing simple about it.
None of these building blocks of economic empowerment act in a vacuum, and change is never a linear process.
Throughout all of history and in every culture, women have been forced into circumstances of servitude at best. Even in so-called developed countries, women can be abused and held captive as slaves. Women who rightly believe they deserve better risk their lives and the lives of their children to fight through their current environment in hope of a brighter future. Women in developing countries especially are held in economic captivity, a generational cycle of poverty perpetuated by the very people who think they’re in control.
At The Constellation Coalition, we’re here to change that.
Here’s what we believe about the definition of economic empowerment for women.
Having: Every woman is precious and made in the image of God. She has the power and authority naturally as a part of who she already is.
Power, right, authority: Every woman has the right to live not as a captive slave, but as the humble leader. We believe God intended every woman to contribute to her family and community as an equal and fully capable human.
To do something: The birthright of every woman is hope for her future and to encourage other women, both young and old.
We believe economic empowerment is every woman’s birthright to live in dignity and to flourish!
Why is Economic Empowerment for Women Important?
With the innumerable stories of tragedy and suffering, why do we focus on economic empowerment for women?
The answer is simple: We believe empowering women to earn a sustainable income is the most effective way to end poverty.
Everyone suffers when women are disempowered and oppressed. Women make up roughly half the population of the planet. Think of how much better life would be for everyone if women everywhere were able to reach their full potential.
As we discuss why economic empowerment for women is important, let’s consider to whom it matters.
To Women
An empowered woman has a voice, so she feels more confident and capable. She is a valuable member of her family and community. She contributes and encourages her children and other women.
To Families
The income an empowered woman contributes provides for a better quality of life and opens opportunities for the entire family. Her children learn skills and character traits that will help them be empowered adults. Her children become educated and therefore have greater
opportunities opened for their futures.
To Communities
Global research proves that entire communities benefit and flourish when women are empowered. Empowered women break the cycle of poverty by creating more businesses and developing more skilled workers.
To You
As you empower others, you will be empowered, and as we lift one another, the global status of women is elevated.
Here’s why!
Economic empowerment is every woman’s right to contribute to her family, her community, and the future. But no one can build a brighter tomorrow by themselves. We believe that a mutual exchange through empowering relationships can change the world. That’s why we connect
women entrepreneurs in developing countries with women sponsors who encourage and support each other by developing long-term relationships.
We hope you spend a little time here learning more about what we do and that you will consider supporting a woman’s efforts through sponsorship. Our sponsors do so much more than provide financial support. They invest in a relationship with another woman to encourage her by showing her that she is seen, heard, known, and loved.
The Constellation Coalition | PO Box 200, Kings Mills, OH 45034
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The Constellation Coalition | PO Box 200, Kings Mills, OH 45034