Women Need More Than Just Dreams and Aspirations: Creating an Enabling Environment for Women to Thrive and Fulfill Purpose

 

In every society, women hold incredible potential to contribute to development, inspire change, and influence the world positively.

However, to unlock this potential, women need more than just dreams and aspirations,they need an enabling environment that nurtures their growth, fuels their ambitions, and encourages them to fulfill their God-given purpose.

Even the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 31:10-31 of the virtuous woman who is industrious, wise, and resourceful.

This portrayal shows that God’s vision for women includes leadership, strength, and capability. Yet, societal expectations often stifle this divine calling. Marriage, cultural norms, and traditional roles have led many women to abandon their dreams for fear of judgment or rejection.

Creating an enabling environment starts with the mindset shift of those around us. Husbands, brothers, pastors, colleagues, and leaders must recognize that supporting a woman’s growth does not diminish their own significance. Instead, it creates a more balanced and thriving society.

A supportive family or partner is often the first step toward empowerment. Husbands should encourage their wives to pursue education, professional certifications, or creative projects. Providing resources whether financial, emotional, or practical makes all the difference.

 For instance, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated authors, has shared how her family supported her intellectual pursuits from a young age. This foundation allowed her to grow into the globally recognized figure she is today.

Likewise, brothers and male relatives can play a crucial role by championing their sisters’ ambitions. For example, if your sister dreams of becoming a tech expert, guide her to take coding courses or attend tech seminars. Empowerment doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes, it’s as simple as believing in her dreams.

Workplaces must also evolve to create spaces where women can lead and innovate without fear of discrimination or bias. Female colleagues should be encouraged to take leadership roles, attend career development seminars, and contribute to decision-making processes. Leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, have shown that when women are given opportunities, they excel and inspire others.

Religious institutions wield enormous influence in shaping attitudes. Churches and mosques can foster an empowering environment by encouraging women to hold leadership positions and partake in training sessions.

Beyond spiritual growth, these institutions can provide mentorship programs where experienced women guide younger ones toward excellence in various fields.

While societal and institutional support is essential, women must also recognize that they hold the key to their growth. It’s crucial to avoid internalizing societal pressures that suggest marriage or motherhood should limit ambition. Women can and should balance these responsibilities while pursuing personal and professional goals.

Take inspiration from women like Ibukun Awosika, the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, who has successfully balanced her roles as a wife, mother, and career woman. She is a shining example that purpose and family life can coexist harmoniously.

 

Practical Steps Toward Empowerment

1. Encourage Education and Skill Development: Whether it’s enrolling in a course, attending a seminar, or obtaining a degree, education is a powerful tool for growth. Help the women in your life access these opportunities.

2. Challenge Gender Bias: Speak up against cultural or workplace norms that limit women. Advocate for inclusivity and fairness in all spheres.

3. Provide Resources: Whether it’s funding, mentorship, or time, ensure women have what they need to pursue their dreams.

4. Celebrate Women’s Achievements: Recognize and applaud women who achieve greatness in any field. Acknowledgment motivates others to strive for more.

An enabling environment for women is not just a moral obligation; it is a divine mandate and a societal necessity. By creating spaces where women can thrive, we uplift families, communities, and nations.

As individuals, we have a role to play in this transformation, whether as a husband encouraging his wife, a boss mentoring his female staff, or a friend celebrating another’s success.

It’s time to break free from the chains of societal limitations and empower the women in our lives to achieve greatness.

As women embrace their purpose, they don’t just rise; they take everyone around them higher. Let us be the support system that propels them to greatness.