Why Should Women Be Empowered: 

(i) Women constitute nearly half of India's population. So, unless an environment is created in which women are able to enjoy all their rights and live without fears or restrictions, India cannot progress. When women are empowered, an emancipated and enlightened (liberal/open-minded) society is created. Even today a large number of women are forced to confine (limit/narrow) their lives within the four walls of their homes. Though there are no legal hurdles to their emancipation, social and cultural restrictions have prevented them from using opportunities for their development.

(ii) Human history is full of examples of women who have taken leadership positions and guided the destinies of their nations. Women have made a significant contribution for the survival and sustenance of communities. Women's work both in the domestic sphere and outside has helped the society move ahead. Hence women need to be empowered both in their personal lives and as members of society. We can quote here the UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) Report titled the State of World Population 1992, which said that there can be no sustainable development without development for women, because it is women who contribute more for the development of children.

(iii) Empowerment of women has multiple benefits not only for the environment but for humanity as well. Ensuring sustainable development requires women's empowerment and their full, equal and beneficial involvement in decision-making processes related to sustainable development. It also requires their participation as planners, managers, scientists and technical advisors in all fields.

(iv) When women are empowered, they empower society. They have concerns not only for their families but also for the entire community. When women are given access to resources they generally spend it on the well being of larger numbers, be it their family or neighbourhood. The example given below will make it clear.