BREAKING THE BARRIERS: WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS IN 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

Women's empowerment is critical for achieving sustainable livelihoods and fostering socio-economic development. Consequently, women and girls, everywhere, must have equal rights and opportunities and should be able to live free of violence and discrimination. Women's equality and empowerment is not only one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, but also integral to all dimensions of inclusive and sustainable development. Empowering women can contribute to social progress and sustainable development by participating in decision-making processes, promoting gender equality, and advocating for their rights. Promoting women's empowerment therefore means creating a conducive environment for their economic, social - political participation. Moreover, it highlights the role of education, access to resources, and supportive institutions in enhancing women's agency and fostering sustainable livelihoods. So, Empowering Women plays a crucial role in developing a nation in the 21st century. In this context, the empowerment of women is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic necessity for building a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for generations to come. Therefore, this research paper seeks to examine the barriers women face in accessing economic opportunities and proposes strategies to overcome these barriers.