Empowerment refers to expanding people’s otherwise denied ability to make strategic decisions in life (Kabeer, 2001.) It means moving from a place of powerlessness to a place of collective self-confidence. It means a transition from “I can’t” to “I can.”

The goal of gender empowerment is to ensure that no one is held back from developing their true potential because of their gender. Boys will no longer have to hold back their tears, girls will no longer have to forget their dreams of becoming scientists, and female victims of violence will no longer have to believe they were beaten for failing to fulfill their duties as a wife and mother. People will be able to recognize the problems caused by gender prejudices and will be empowered to act collectively to enact social change.