International Women’s Day is just around the corner! Every year, March 8th is celebrated to observe women’s success and achievement. So, ahead of this special day, Education Today – A catalyst to the education sector, is here with a special issue to discuss the relationship between education and women empowerment.
The empowerment of women is directly linked with education. Education is one of the greatest game-changers for women and girls around the world. It is both an enabler and force multiplier for women’s economic, political and social empowerment and gender equality.
A UN report, based on data from 219 countries, says that for every one additional year of education for women in reproductive age, child mortality is reduced by 9.5 percent. An OECD report, based on a study of Fortune 500 companies earlier, says that companies with more women directors had significantly higher financial returns.
So, it is rightly said — if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.
In the wake of upcoming women’s day, we compiled Success Stories of a few women edu-preneurs, who are being noticed by their sheer hard work and innovation in the field of education. While their paths are varied, you’re likely to find a desire for change along them all.
In a conversation with Education Today, Ms. Ranjita Raman, CEO, Jaro Education says education in our society would only accelerate when more women are given access to education.
There’s a huge gender gap in STEM industries, but that also means there is a huge opportunity to build a future that incorporates women everywhere, as explained by Ms. Swati Verma, Manager Inclusion and Diversity, Asia Pacific – Eaton in her interview with ET.
Many women have broken the myth that business is only for men and emerged as taking the front seat in running successful businesses and leading educational institutions, says Ms. Maya Shahani, Chairperson, Thadomal Shahani Center for Management and The Shahani Group in her email interaction with Education Today.
Dr. Shailashree Haridas through her enlightening article explores the gender biases and the gaps in gender representation across sectors and highlights the importance of women’s leadership in healthcare, politics, and the corporate sector.
Education for women in India is still considered a milestone. While independent India was one of the first few countries where women got equal rights to participate in education, society, economy and politics by law, however, the ground reality stayed the opposite, says Ms. Manisha Matanhelia, Architect and Director, co-founder of Syenergy Environics in her article.
In order to respond to the changing demands and challenges of society, women empowerment through education is trivial, observes Prof Shameem S, Assistant Professor, Great Lakes Institute of Management.
Through their illuminating articles, Ms. Sushmita Singha and Ms. Priyanka Bhatt put forward different perceptions on women empowerment.
We hope that you will enjoy this special issue and are delighted to welcome feedback.
We wish you happy reading
