CW: This article discusses topics of mental illness and suicide which could be distressing to some readers.
Awareness, Communication, Liberation and Empowerment : All these terms in no particular order are some vital aspects when we think or talk about women’s rights. At least those are the things which pop up in my mind but what do they really mean when we connect them all to speaking up about things we believe in like sexual liberation, women’s rights and gender equality whilst we strive for societal change?
The importance of empowering women’s rights is through understanding how we can utilise these terms in order to bring about changes to the ways we look at our self worth, freedom of choice and fundamental rights which should be basic to all regardless of sex, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, language etc.
Campaigning for change
One of the most important ways of raising awareness about topics such as this done through campaigns. Campaigns are important movements used in bringing people who share a common ideology closer together in order to spread their message and provide knowledge to other people.
This can be done in a variety of different ways for example marketing campaigns through the media have been created to celebrate and promote the empowerment of women’s liberation for example on International Women’s day. Actively supporting the cause for gender equality, the theme for March 2022’s International Women’s day was centred around the hashtag #BreakTheBias.
Celebrating national holidays such as this is key to understanding and taking the first steps for change. Through this we can learn to communicate better with others and share the feelings of liberation and help to advocate for a way to make changes to the systems in society which tend to close in on women or prevent them from reaching their full potential, whether it's to do with employment, health choices, social or political reasons etc. Despite the restrictions faced whether they are unconscious or deliberate this long standing historic event is key in supporting men and women alike in bringing about unity and reflecting on social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
Supporting change
In the age of technology and media, one of the most significant campaigning methods is digital marketing. Through the use of this technique campaigners are able to reach targeted and global wide audiences.
For example on International Women’s day a variety of brand names collaborate with various charitable causes or advocates to create limited edition items of clothing, jewellery, self care essentials. This enables them to provide their platforms as a safe place for people to amplify their voices and promote the initiative of supporting one other.
For example brands such as The White Company partnered up with the #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign at The Prince’s Trust, in order to make use of donations from candle sales to help disadvantaged or vulnerable young women in the UK. Combating issues such as domestic violence, unemployment, bullying to bring these women a helping hand and guide them towards a new beginning.
Continuously nurturing the efforts to bring forth changes in regards to sexual liberation, empowerment and how equal rights can be distributed throughout society is a long process which requires consistent powers. Although it may be difficult at first, standing up together and connecting with each other through this united force which can eventually break down barriers and open doors for new opportunities. Thus, ensuring the success’s of all women across the globe.
Uplifting voices and speaking up for those who cant, encourages others to stand up for what they believe in and fight for what they want to see happen. If you struggle to speak up on your own its comforting to realise that others in similar situations may have felt the same at one point. Connecting and filling the gaps these inequalities create can lead to the start of something brighter not just for you but everyone around you too.