Educational Gender Empowerment

Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Women confronts inequality, advocating for women’s equal standing with men. It is essential to clarify that Wollstonecraft does not argue that men and women are identical in mental and physical capabilities; rather, she contends that both genders should have equal opportunities for education and should be seen as equals in the workplace. Wollstonecraft challenges the prevailing societal notions that undermine women's capabilities, such as the perception that "Men are brainstormers that could hold a career and women are pretty trophies that could bear children.

" This sentiment reflects a broader societal view that Wollstonecraft aims to dismantle. She urges readers to recognize that women possess the same significance as men, advocating for the understanding that women are not merely destined to be beautiful housewives or caregivers.

A central question arises: how can a woman attain such authority and recognition? What contributes to a woman being viewed as an equal by her spouse, employer, and society? The answer lies in education. Education is not only essential but also a powerful tool for women seeking self-empowerment, equality, and authority both in the workplace and at home. Historically, women have often been denied certain job positions or viewed as inferior in professional settings and personal relationships. However, acquiring an education can help dismantle these barriers, serving as a catalyst for empowerment.

Empowerment Through Education

The notion of empowerment is multifaceted, but at its core, it involves the process of becoming stronger and more confident. Whether it's about directing one’s life toward a better path or claiming one's rights, empowerment is the push needed to achieve higher levels of success. In this regard, empowerment and education are inextricably linked. For decades, gender-based inequalities have hindered women's ability to improve their lives. Barbara Merrill, in "Gender, Change and Identity: Mature Women Students in Universities," explores the impact of education on women’s lives, stating, "To what extent, therefore, does learning as a mature woman student result in fulfillment, self-realization, and a changed identity?" The concept of a "changed identity" is crucial, as education imparts new skills and knowledge, transforming women into individuals with greater self-confidence and capabilities.

Education equips women with the knowledge and skills necessary to assert themselves in both personal and professional arenas. As noted by Taiwo T, Opubiyi, and Ramat, "Womenfolk are indispensable in the growth and development of a nation, the study therefore recommended that women should be allowed access to quality education so as to be adequately empowered." Achieving an education not only positions a woman as a formidable force and leader in the workplace but also enhances her ability to be a better parent and citizen. Men may feel threatened by a woman who can attain similar job positions or higher pay grades. Although economic opportunities are a significant benefit of education, the confidence it instills is equally vital. Wollstonecraft eloquently states, "Consequently, the most perfect education, in my opinion, is such an exercise of the understanding as is best calculated to strengthen the body and the heart." Education fosters a desire for self-improvement and growth, allowing individuals to set and surpass goals, irrespective of gender.

Breaking Traditional Roles

A woman without an education may be relegated to traditional roles, perceived as lacking skills and reduced to being a "pretty trophy," as Wollstonecraft's adversaries suggest. In contrast, an educated woman, who has diligently acquired skills and work ethics, refuses to be merely ornamental. A degree not only imparts authority and confidence but also compels society to view women as equals. In "Love's Labor" by Eva Feder Kittay, the author argues that equality-based politics have often failed women both publicly and privately, stating, "Equality-based politics have failed women in the public arena as well as in the private sphere, neither achieving their goal in representation in political office nor in sharing of domestic chores and childrearing responsibilities." Political equality implies equal treatment under the law, yet women often face disparities in both workplace and home environments. The most effective means for women to achieve equality is through education.

As women increasingly earn higher education degrees, they help close the gender wage gap. Jerry A. Jacobs, in "Detours on the Road to Equality: Women, Work, and Higher Education," supports this assertion, noting, "Women are earning college degrees in increasing numbers, but entering male-dominated occupations at a decreasing pace. These two developments are linked. Work barriers may be leading women to take a detour to college." Although women may not immediately enter male-dominated fields, education serves as a critical precursor. An educated woman, empowered and confident, can demand equality in any job setting, whether male- or female-dominated.

Education's Influence at Home

Cheng Cheng observes, "In nuclear households, women with a higher level of education have a higher probability of having the final say in household decisions." In these households, which consist of a husband, wife, and possibly children, responsibilities such as maintaining the home, paying bills, and earning income are shared. An educated woman not only influences workplace dynamics but also commands greater authority in domestic settings. Historically, stereotypes have dictated that women nurture children while men earn a living. However, education transforms these dynamics, altering love and duty factors within the household. This shift could provoke insecurity and low self-esteem in some husbands, raising questions about the significance of salary and education in relationships.

In the workplace, men traditionally enjoy greater respect and authority. Martha S. Hill, in "Authority at Work: How Men and Women Differ," notes, "Men enjoy a more positive wage effect from attaining authority than women do and men are more likely to attain authority than women." This discrepancy suggests that women must exert extra effort to achieve workplace equality. Hill further asserts, "Higher education produces the skills or credentials for higher positions, socializes individuals to the work habits for higher positions, and through an ideology of rule by experts, education legitimizes inequalities of power." To be perceived as equal, women must pursue higher education, ultimately narrowing the gender wage gap over time.

The Path to Genuine Choices

Research indicates that educated women tend to be happier and healthier across various aspects of life. Education is fundamental to growth and sustainability, enabling women to make authentic choices about the lives they wish to lead. Wollstonecraft asserts in her work, "Strengthen the female mind by enlarging it, and there will be an end to blind obedience." While there are multiple avenues for women to enhance their strength and empowerment, education remains the most effective solution. Wollstonecraft's critics, who dismiss women as mere "pretty trophies," are misguided. However, such perceptions hold if women opt out of education, rendering them subordinate to their spouses and solely responsible for child-rearing.

Women who choose not to pursue education or personal growth may find themselves confined to traditional roles as housewives. Conversely, any woman aspiring to secure equal rights and opportunities should view education as the gateway. An educated woman is more likely to be regarded as an equal by employers, as evidenced by the growing presence of women in male-dominated fields. Higher education correlates with increased opportunities for equality, access to certain positions, and the acquisition of authority. The journey begins with a woman's desire for self-betterment. Once empowered and determined, opportunities multiply. With confidence and ambition fueled by higher education, achieving equality becomes not only essential but a priority.

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