The Javelin of Hope
A War Cry for Action
The connection between the economic contribution of women and prosperity is undeniable. African leaders are known for making policies that undervalue women’s work, even in the pandemic. Developing economies need to encourage women’s empowerment. The three pillars of sustainable development are economic, environmental, and social. These pillars are important to deliberations of gender equality. Gender equality is a noteworthy tool for sustainable development.
Most African countries are struggling to emerge from a global economic shutdown. Therefore, new tactics to jumpstart growth are profoundly needed. The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected women tremendously. The economic inclusion of women also produces sustainable development gains by decreasing poverty across generations. Research shows that women are more economically productive than their male counterparts to reinvest high proportions of earned income into the health, nutrition, and education of their children.
Education
Education and Training for girls reduces birth rates, lowers infant and child mortality rates and increases the general health situation of the next generation. Primary education for women increases their labor force participation, and income fosters educational investments in children and thereby improves conditions for future generations. When assessing women’s potential participation in the green economy, their preferred fields of study must be compared to the specific skills and professions most urgently required in the green economy. Educating and training women for job roles are important.
Green Economy
The renewable energy sector should involve more women. This will empower them, but also create economic value. There is a huge market in rural areas for renewable energy products, and women can play a significant role in building businesses around these. Vocational education can include courses on the climate crisis, sustainable agriculture, and green industries. Professions such as engineering, sciences, management, construction, are often still male-dominated. Both educational level and the choice of subjects are therefore crucial for increasing female participation in the green economy, especially in highly technical professions such as engineering or the sciences. There are relevant sectors to women’s participation in the green economy. These areas include education, the labour market, entrepreneurship and the business environment, sustainable consumption and public policies. In the post-Covid-19 economy, there must also be a greater focus on encouraging the participation of women in green industries.
Agriculture
Agriculture will remain a key sector in the post-pandemic phase. Farming enables women to be entrepreneurs. However, women have been unable to obtain farm lands to practice farming. The second wave of the pandemic, have increase the urban to rural migration. Young people returning to cities in search of jobs, the burden of managing the land and sustaining farming will fall overwhelmingly on women.
Women’s empowerment requires an enabling and supportive environment. This includes removing the obstacles and barriers to equal participation and rewards for women. Creating an enabling environment encompasses action at all levels, relevant legal reforms, and policy measures.
To have sustainable development, women should be agents of change and building their skills and capacities is crucial. Women needs to be decision makers in their community. Women’s full and equal participation is essential.
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