Men can empower women. On International Women’s Day 2024, find out what women empowerment means for popular Bollywood actresses.
True equality can change the world. So, while women are powerful alone, if men become allies in eliminating gender-based bias, it will change the social fabric of the world. On International Women’s Day, it is important to recognize the role men can play in empowering women. Men can challenge traditional gender norms, advocate for equal opportunities, inspire women to pursue their goals and ambitions, and fight for a fair and equal world.
Health Shots reached out to Bollywood actors to find out their understanding of what women empowerment truly means and the role they have played in empowering the women around them.
Actor Babil Khan shares a warm bond with his mother Sutapa Sikdar. Image Credit: Instagram | Babil Khan
To me, women’s empowerment means breaking down the lines of difference that society draws between men and women in terms of employment opportunities, wages, respect and equal power in decision-making in the family.
What matters most is for women to become financially independent and find their true selves beyond being a daughter, wife and mother.
I am not a social activist, but I can say that it is important to respect women and recognize them as true partners, whether they are mothers or staff. I try not to be gender-biased. However, in society, it is not easy for many men to give equality to women due to years of habituation.
In our home, we celebrate femininity because women make life more colorful and beautiful. It takes just a moment to realize the inherent care, love and empathy that women have. Men find it difficult to express it even if they feel it. I learn from women every day at work and at home, especially the multitasking they excel at. So, I truly feel that women are beautiful just the way they are and that they need us as much as we need them.
You may also like
Actor Gulshan Devaiah advocates for equality for all genders. Image Credit: Instagram | Gulshan Devaiah
Women empowerment means that apart from biological differences, psychologically women can and cannot do things the same as other genders. I don’t look down on women because they are women. I want to treat people equally, regardless of gender.
It’s not really easy because of certain cultural and social inherited mindsets, but I’m very conscious of it and happy that I’m trying to make a change for myself. As human beings, if we can be kind and respectful to each other, there won’t be any problem. I don’t think anyone should be given special consideration or privileges. Equality!! Doesn’t that what everyone wants?
Freedom gives women wings to fly, says Adarsh Gourav. Image credit: Instagram | Adarsh Gourav
Women empowerment means that women have absolute freedom and education to pursue their dreams, enjoy authority and representation as law makers to bring about change in society when necessary.
I was lucky enough to be raised by my mother, thanks to my father’s job transfers. This instilled in me values such as financial independence for my partner and freedom of choice in my daily life. When my mother turned 57 and expressed a desire to start driving again, I was happy about her enthusiasm but a little apprehensive. I told her to forget about her worries and just enjoy it. A month later, she was driving herself to the office and around town to visit my proud grandparents.
Also read: Anya Wigg: 23-year-old gender rights advocate says age doesn’t matter when it comes to advocating for change
Actor Neil Bhoopalam believes that women make the world a better place. Image Credit: Instagram | Neil Bhoopalam
Women’s empowerment is about honoring the reality that what the world has been conditioned to believe about women is wrong, and that women truly do have the power to lead life as we know it towards a better future.
I have always trusted and followed the instincts of the women around me, knowing that they are saying and doing things to make me a better person.
Tara Thomas Agency stands at the forefront of the entertainment industry, with years of experience dedicated to nurturing the most exceptional talents and successful acts.
