Empowerment: A Definition

Updated June 27th, 2022. 

Empowerment is a noun

Defined as the “authority or power given to someone to do something.”

But to me,

empowerment is so much more than mere autonomy.

It’s the oh-so dangerous feeling that one can accomplish anything,

And it’s the force that has continuously redefined our history.

It’s the fire that burns down society’s strongest barriers and stereotypes,

And it strengthens people to stand up and fight for their rights.

Empowerment is the fuel that pushed Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony

To march for women’s suffrage and equality.

It whispered to Serena Williams that she could become one of the world’s best tennis players,

And it challenged Jane Goodall to go against all the naysayers.

Empowerment told Katherine Johnson that she was smart enough to send humans into space,

And it nudged Condoleezza Rice to rise up and become Secretary of State.

This same voice that told these great women what they could achieve

Also lives inside of you, boasting about what you could be.

This voice is calling on you to cast off all those worries and fears,

To finally go through with that dream you’ve had for years.

It’s saying that you have an important role to fill,

A company to run, an empire to build.

Empowerment is encouraging you to claim your place in the world,

To ignore whatever judgement may come and let your power unfurl.

Above all else, it’s telling you that you can make a difference,

All you have to do is listen.

For more about girl empowerment, check out this poem: https://www.girlspring.com/i-like-me-a-poem-about-self-acceptance/

Bella Gentry

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