Women have always driven social change and progress, but they continue to encounter significant barriers. Unequal opportunities, entrenched gender norms, and gender-based violence disproportionately impact women, especially in vulnerable communities, limiting their ability to thrive.
The ‘Gender Snapshot 2023’ report from UN Women and UN DESA highlights the following troubling trends:
- By 2030, over 340 million women are projected to live in extreme poverty.
- Gender disparities persist in leadership and decision-making roles.
- Women spend an additional 2.3 hours daily on unpaid care and household tasks.
Elevating women into leadership is crucial to reversing gender disparities. Women leaders challenge the status quo, push for inclusive policies, and bring diverse perspectives that drive social justice and economic growth. Their presence fosters more equitable societies and sparks transformative change across communities.
RISE with RYTHM: Women Leaders Speaking for Women
RYTHM Foundation’s call to action in 2024, Rise With RYTHM, recognises that women play a vital role in positive societal change.
This year’s programmes related to this cause bring together problem-solvers who take concrete action and female voices that carry truth to power.
As part of this campaign, the Foundation has hosted two roundtables this year, addressing the challenges vulnerable women, girls, and communities face.
In January, we focused on gender equality and systemic barriers in marginalised communities, while the more recent roundtable examined Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), identifying structural obstacles to progress.
While these conversations highlighted persistent inequalities and the urgent need for collaborative efforts, any action in these areas must be rooted in long-term, sustainable strategies. These strategies should prioritise inclusivity, address systemic biases, and empower communities to drive lasting change.
Empowering Women Leaders of the Future
One notable project is RHYTHM’s Maharani School Programme, which aims to empower adolescent girls to build confidence and envision themselves as future leaders. By nurturing their ambitions from a young age, the programme instils the belief in the girls that they can become powerful agents of change within their communities.
Women’s perspectives are fundamental to movements of empowerment. When women in leadership roles are more visible, they inspire others with quieter voices to challenge the status quo and confidently pursue their paths.
For women in vulnerable communities, this means being able to speak up about their rights, such as having greater access to quality education, healthcare, and better livelihoods. It also means becoming economic drivers, taking on decision-making roles, and ensuring their safety. By investing in women and fostering their leadership, we invest in a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Be part of the conversation and learn more about women’s empowerment and gender equality.
