When empowerment risks becoming imbalanced

In recent years, the global and local push for women's empowerment has gained remarkable momentum. From policy reforms and funding opportunities to leadership quotas and advocacy campaigns, the intention has been clear: to correct historical inequalities and create a more inclusive society. This is a cause worth supporting. 

However, an emerging concern is whether the scale and direction of these efforts are beginning to tilt the balance in ways that risk sidelining other equally important societal needs. Empowerment, in its truest sense, should not be about replacing one imbalance with another. 

It should be about creating fairness across the board. Yet, there is a growing perception that many initiatives are increasingly becoming one-dimensional, primarily focused on uplifting women, sometimes without equal consideration of the challenges faced by men, particularly young boys navigating today’s complex social and economic landscape.

Slipping through the cracks

One cannot ignore the reality that many young men today face rising unemployment, limited access to mentorship, and increasing social pressures. In some communities, the “male child” is quietly slipping through the cracks, less spoken about, less advocated for, and often expected to simply “figure it out". While the empowerment of women addresses long-standing injustices, it should not come at the cost of neglecting another vulnerable group.

In activism spaces, the narrative has also become heavily skewed. Campaigns, conversations, and funding often centre on the girl child's and women’s advancement, which is necessary, but the absence of equally strong advocacy for boys raises questions about inclusivity. True progress demands that both genders are prepared, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.

Moreover, empowerment should evolve beyond gender-specific interventions. 

Inherent risks

The future calls for a more holistic approach, one that focuses on opportunity, capability, and need, regardless of gender. Economic empowerment, for instance, should be guided by merit, innovation, and impact potential, rather than being heavily influenced by gender lines alone.

This is not a call to roll back the gains made in women's empowerment, far from it. It is a call to refine the approach. To ask critical questions. To ensure that in our pursuit of justice, we do not unintentionally create new forms of exclusion.

A balanced society is one where both women and men are equally seen, heard, and supported. Empowerment should unite, not divide. And as we move forward, the conversation must shift from “who gets more” to “how do we uplift everyone fairly.”

Because in the end, sustainable development is not built on selective empowerment it is built on inclusive progress.