On this International Women’s Day today, let us all pledge to empower each other to become better human beings as we are more powerful when we empower each other, says DR PUSHPA CHATURVEDI

What does empowerment really mean? Empowerment is not about having power over others, but to have power over one’s self. It’s not necessary to be strong always, but it’s important to feel strong and make others feel strong. It’s about the ability of individuals to do something about their needs, wants, opinions, beliefs, and feelings.

Empowerment is about working together for our shared interests, to improve our communities and institutions, and build a more just society. It doesn’t have to be anything big always; even small gestures, thoughts or words that elevate you and others to a sharper understanding to live a happier, peaceful, and productive life are small steps towards empowerment.

Since my childhood and teenage years, my parents always encouraged me to read in order to expand my way of thinking. They taught me to value myself, to believe in my actions and fly as high as I wanted. They trusted me fully and built my confidence to do everything I wanted as long as I constantly strove to become better.

Dr Pushpa Chaturvedi

This they did despite the extreme wrath of my orthodox grandparents who never approved that girls be given liberty. My mother was only a 7th grader, but she was very progressive in her thinking.

My younger cousin sister was married off at 18 years of age, but my parents never thought of marrying me off at an early age. Now I realise that all that they ingrained in me, did expand my mind in unimaginable ways as well as helped me to grow as an individual to empower myself. 

Empowering others is simple ― it can be achieved by appreciating the good in them, encouraging them, sharing your knowledge and wisdom, believing in them and always being mindful of how you react or respond to their mistakes, so as to not discourage them, but help them to overcome their shortcomings.

Since I got married into an orthodox, traditional-minded family, I have always tried to empower others with my ‘limited’ wisdom and I am glad that I did succeed to some extent.

Empowerment at home and in the community, leads to building a just and empowered nation, but this needs a clear soul vision. It needs economic, societal, cultural and spiritual inputs in the right direction. In the present era, we see that in order to grab power, most politicians make false promises and take the people for a ride; and instead of empowering them, they exploit them. Unfortunately, politics and power has become a dirty game.

Picture Courtesy: internationalwomensday.com

For spiritual empowerment, we need to be confident of our ability to reflect and tap into our mind, body and spirit, to explore the energy inside that makes us who we are; to discover our dreams and passions, invoke self-love and to  connect with our true self ― the divinity within.

When we think positively and choose faith over fear, connect with nature, disconnect with outer chaos, and meditate, it helps us to develop inner awareness and give our self the power and freedom to explore our soul, beliefs, and identity.

Women empowerment is another critical aspect to be achieved, where both men and women have equal power and opportunities for education, healthcare, economic participation and personal development.

Education is the gateway to progress and needs utmost priority. Women must join forces with men, as most would like to help. Women are capable of doing anything  men do and they deserve to get opportunities to prove themselves. It all starts with honing your skills, developing your support system, and staying true to yourself. Being confident and believing in your own self-worth is necessary to achieve your potential.

On this International Women’s Day today, let us all pledge to empower each other to become better human beings. We are more powerful when we empower each other.


(Featured Image Courtesy: The Hindu. Captain Zoya Aggarwal, leading an all-woman cockpit crew)

Dr Pushpa Chaturvedi,  a paediatrician with over 50 years experience, is an educationist and researcher, with over 100 research publications, mainly on social paediatrics in renowned medical journals.  Ex Professor and Head of Department of Paediatrics, MGIMS Sevagram  Wardha,  she is a thinker, writer, poet, artist and a spiritual blogger with over 500 blogs to her credit. Dr Chaturvedi is also a keen traveller, music and nature lover.