NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

551 M. F. Jhocson Street, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines

THE
EFFECTIVENESS
OF THE POWER OF
WOMEN IN
SOCIETY
Submitted by: Meneses, Reina Hyacynth P. Submitted to: Prof. Debbie Dianco
INF-193
  The Effectiveness of the Power of Women in Society

Chapter I

1.1 Introduction

Despite underrepresentation persona in our society, women have, over the past two
centuries, made significant gains in their participation in different levels. Like in 1903, Marie Curie the
first female who have won the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physics on the entire world. Like how the first
female action hero in the entire world, Helen Holmes, this appearance of being upper hand or having
showcasing the power of a woman blast the world to its conventional outlook on a woman. That in
today’s life as the time flies, there’s so many changes in the interpretation and attitude towards a woman.
The world become more aware of it, on what’s really a woman’s power can impact all the aspect of the
society. Like before the power of a woman barriers on her own family, on her own loan. But as the world
revolve to its own axis, the cope of this power expands from her on home to the entire world.

The ongoing global trend of gender equality, imposes strongly the rise of different study
on the effectiveness of a women’s power. And also, as the norm became unusual, there’s so many
questions came on the shallow part and revel themselves, questioning if this effectiveness is really what
we want and need? It is the exposing of this become a negative or it maintain its own competence?

This research question is important to understanding the role and effectiveness of the
power of a woman in the society, especially in developing countries. In patriarchal societies, men hold
most positions of power and women are often viewed as incapable of serving in public office. However,
gender equality is an essential characteristic of development. Therefore, research proving not only that
women are capable of serving in on her own home and family but that they have a positive effect on
government maybe
the first step in creating cultural change towards women’s rights.
1.2 Background of The Study

Like from the beginning as the God created mankind, he created the man first
before the woman. He created him to be the heard of the herd and He created her to be the other hand
companion.

And from then the role of a woman in a society views as only the companion
of a man. That in the history woman doesn’t have the privileges a man can have. And that’s the reason in
so many years the heart and soul of a woman craves for a change. That throughout the history of the
sexes, women have been perceived as inferior to men, but also have been elevated to the status of
goddesses on earth. We suggest that these para-domical biases often associated with women can be linked
to an existential need to distance humanity from the natural world. The sources of discrimination against
women are most commonly associated with their biological nature. For example, women are devalued for
being more emotional than men, less rational, physically weaker than men.

Therefore, a movement cooked by millions of women on earth and that’s the born of
Feminism. Where the rights of a man are also a right of a woman. Though it is always not a sweet sailing
start we little and little achieved this situation. Where here in the 21 st century, the present we can see that
the power of a woman become more a façade of every parts of the society. We are now believed that a
woman is not just a backdrop on the wall to looked at, praise at.

Woman right now knows her rights, and can be at the top in home, school,
society, church, government and over the world.

1.3 Statement of The Problem

According to the United Nations (UN) Gender equality law. Their statement
according to this that every gender likewise a woman, should have their own privilege as the man has.
Since a lot of percentage of population in the entire world experienced discrimination because of their
own gender identity.
 However even thought feminist acts are already on the screen, still there are so many
women violence against their identity have been gathered. Throughout past years, especially now world is
so open on the fact that there is a gender equality happening, and people who are victim of this doesn’t
have the power to show themselves what they can make to the society, especially a woman can to a
society. Because of the never-ending chauvinistic views, the effective power of a woman is always taking
aside.

In response to this problem, this research will help to guide, to show, what is the
effectiveness of the power a woman in the society. Plan to carry out an all-inclusive participatory
investigation into options of learning the different aspects of society, where have their power exclusively
effectively. It will consider different woman at ages of 18 years old and above. Also, different woman on
different field or works, to showcase a vast view on their point of perspective to the topic.

1.4 Significance of Study

The study of the effectiveness of the power of women in society, is to advocate the
real power of a woman that many years have been forsaken. The research goal is to give much more
broad information pertaining to the subject. This also can help for those women who seek their true power
in the society that the world right cannot give. Having this issue tackled is so much for the women
community because a lot of woman right now doesn’t have their own rights. So, given this research will
showcase the effectiveness of their power, many women can have the guts to stand up for their own.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation

This study scope, first in state of living, jobs or field. The scope of it is in all field
of work, employed or unemployed. With or without their own family, all the woman that can understand
that they have effective powers that the society neglected. The only limitation that this study have is the
age bracket of the woman can participate, is only with an age of eighteen and above. Below eighteen or
minors are the limitations of this study.
 Chapter II

2.1 Review of Related Literature and Studies

The literature and studies cited in this chapter tackle the different concept, understanding, and ideas,
generalization or conclusions and different development related to study of the effectiveness of the power
of a women in the society, from the past up to the present and which serves as the researchers guide in
developing the project. Those that were also included in this chapter helps in familiarizing information
that are relevant and similar to the present study.

2.2 Theoretical Background

Unfortunately, in many cases, women are mistreated badly and very often the importance of women in
the society is underestimated. Not long time ago, main activities in women’s lives were considered being
a good cook, an abiding wife, taking care of the kids and the household. What else? Actually nothing!

Women were not even allowed to vote in past century, there were very few female scientists because
women’s education was never encouraged. Meanwhile, men were taking leading positions in business,
economy, science and were making the image of the society. For a very long time, women were
considered inferior to men. However, the role of a woman in society has significantly changed during
recent decades. The first positive changes connected with the role of the women became especially
obvious after the World War I.

Gradually people started realizing the importance of women in the society as it is. It’s safe to say that it
didn’t happen easily. It took lots of tears, fights, struggle for many generations of women to, at least, get
the right to vote. Do I think that women now have no problem of equality in the society? I’m afraid, I
can’t say that. Today the importance of women in the society is beyond any suspicion. In today’s world,
women with their ambitions, intelligence and strength have proved that the word “inferior” has nothing in
common with their gender.

The traditional and stereotyped approach towards women as wives and just reproducers of generation is
extinct. It’s not a secret, that besides being good mommies, cooks, and housewives, women are also as
successful in all areas as men. Women have proven that they’re not only a tool for bringing up children.
They can also be full members of society having their influence on all areas unconditionally. Though
there are still some issues connected with gender equality. Some people think that the role of a woman
and a man are different in the society.

It was not until 1920 when women finally got the right to vote. This was 50 years after the male ex-slaves
of the United States were gaining the right to vote. Though women had already right to vote, the
stereotypes made women be restricted in their actions. During this period the major responsibility of
women was still considered to be “at home”.

Would you believe that women who were doing the same job as men were getting paid only the 60% of
what man wear to paint? In fact, they were getting paid differently for doing exactly the same work. In the
1930s there was not a huge choice of workplace for women. They could still work as secretaries, nurses,
teachers and social workers. These kinds of professions were considered typically female professions and
were paid much less than other professions. That kind of restrictions themed unbearable for some women.
They rejected to go on with these rules anymore. They changed their hair color, style appearance and
started to fight against the existing stereotypes.

Those women were named in history as “flappers”. The first time in history they started wearing short
skirts which were something shocking to the society. They also started driving cars, drinking alcohol,
which raised a huge boom. Those kinds of things were considered “Non-feminine”.
Actions of flappers were accepted as radical, though they had their influence on the society finally. The
heavy restrictions started disappearing every year and today we have what we have.

2.3 Related Studies

The Importance of Women in Society & ECONOMY

One of the key components of a very strong economic growth is the financial empowerment of women.
Unfortunately, the financial empowerment of women still remains something not common in many
countries of the world. However, it is essential to realize that enriching the role of women in the economy
will lead to the country becoming more stable. It will help to reduce the poverty.

The Importance of Women in Society & AGRICULTURE

Don’t know why, but the word “farmer” is very often associated with a man for many of us. So, will you
be surprised to know that the vast majority of agriculture workers are women?
Yes, exactly thanks to them you have the opportunity to eat healthy today.

The Importance of Women in Society & POLITICS

For a very long time, women and politics were standing far from each other and all was because of deeply
rooted stereotypes, which excluded the role of women in any political affairs. There was a strong belief
that women have nothing to do with politics. Facts, however, come to prove the opposite. Women in
politics are not a bit less successful than men. The number of women politicians and political leaders is
increasing every day. The political empowerment of women can become a powerful tool for increasing
the importance of women in the society, as this let women raise their voice for a large audience.

They will have the opportunity to talk about such issues as gender inequality, women healthcare and the
protection of the rights of women and girls.

The Importance of Women in Society & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A lot of cool startups small businesses are established by a number of women. Many of them appear to be
successful enough to boost the economy. Women in entrepreneurs form their roles and emphasize the
importance of women the society. Though even today number of gender-based issues make it hard for a
woman to establish her own business. Very often this happens because this sphere is considered a man
possessed. It requires huge efforts for a woman to enter the sphere where she is not welcomed. That is
also essential to state number of social entrepreneurs which reflect on today’s society in an extremely
positive way.
Their main aim is to raise the problems of society and help people in need to deliver their message
expecting a better life. By the steps, we are making huge efforts to change the world for better.

The Importance of Women in Society & FAMILY

Though today women are striving for being appreciated not only as wives but also for their professional
skills and qualities, there can’t be even any suspicion one of the most significant roles of women is
keeping up family values. Let’s imagine a woman is the chief executive of the family. She’s the one who
assigns tasks to family members and is responsible for them to fulfill it. Let’s agree every enterprise
comes to total destruction without a chief executive. So, the same problem is in the family as well. It’s
impossible to imagine it without women!

CHAPTER III

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

As it is indicated in the title, this chapter includes the research methodology of the dissertation. In more
details, in this part the author outlines the research strategy, the research method, the research approach,
the methods of data collection, the selection of the sample, the research process, the type of data analysis,
the ethical considerations and the research limitations of the project.

3.2 Research strategy

The research held with respect to this dissertation was an applied one, but not new. Rather, numerous
pieces of previous academic research exist regarding the role of women in promoting the effectiveness of
the power of a woman in a society, not only for the woman inside the campus in specific, but also for all
of the woman ages eighteen and above. As such, the proposed research took the form of a new research
but on an existing research subject.
3.3 Research method – Qualitative versus Quantitative techniques

In order to satisfy the objectives of the dissertation, a qualitative research was held. The main
characteristic of qualitative research is that it is mostly appropriate for small samples, while its outcomes
are not measurable and quantifiable. Its basic advantage, which also constitutes its basic difference with
quantitative research, is that it offers a complete description and analysis of a research subject, without
limiting the scope of the research and the nature of participant’s responses (Collis & Hussey, 2003).
However, the effectiveness of qualitative research is heavily based on the skills and abilities of
researchers, while the outcomes may not be perceived as reliable, because they mostly come from
researcher’s personal judgments and interpretations. Because it is more appropriate for small samples, it
is also risky for the results of qualitative research to be perceived as reflecting the opinions of a wider
population (Bell, 2005).

3.4 Research approach

The research approach that was followed for the purposes of this research was the inductive one.
According to this approach, researchers begin with specific observation, which are used to produce
generalized theories and conclusions drawn from the research. The reasons for occupying the inductive
approach was that it takes into account the context where research effort is active, while it is also most
appropriate for small samples that produce qualitative data. However, the main weakness of the inductive
approach is that it produces generalized theories and conclusions based only on a small number of
observations, thereby the reliability of research results being under question (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005).

3.5 Data collection method and tools

For the purposes of this research, in depth interviews were used. In depth interviews are personal and
unstructured interviews, whose aim is to identify participant’s emotions, feelings, and opinions regarding
a particular research subject. The main advantage of personal interviews is that they involve personal and
direct contact between interviewers and interviewees, as well as eliminate non-response rates, but
interviewers need to have developed the necessary skills to successfully carry an interview (Fisher, 2005,
Wilson, 2003). What is more, unstructured interviews offer flexibility in terms of the flow of the
interview, thereby leaving room for the generation of conclusions that were not initially meant to be
derived regarding a research subject. However, there is the risk that the interview may deviate from the
pre- specified research aims and objectives (Gill & Johnson, 2002).

As far as data collection tools were concerned, the conduction of the research involved the use of semi-
structured questionnaire, which was used as an interview guide for the researcher. Some certain questions
were prepared, so as for the researcher to guide the interview towards the satisfaction of research
objectives, but additional questions were made encountered during the interviews.
Some sample questions that were included in the semi-structured questionnaire were the following:

 Are you aware about the power of a woman in a society?

 Do feel that the power of woman has been neglected?

 As a woman, do you have a situation that your power as a woman have been discriminate?

 Do you think that power of have aa effective solution in the problem society?
 CHAPTER I V

4.1 Analysis and Presentation of Data

Women in the most senior positions are more likely to have actual decision-making power, and there has
been some progress here too. In 2015, 10 heads of state and 14 heads of government were women, and
the number of women in cabinet between 1999 and 2010 had increased from 9% to 17% (Hughes, 2014).
However, it also the case that women are more likely to lead ‘soft’ ministries, such as health, education or
women/children’s welfare, and still only rarely get finance, home, security or foreign affairs portfolios
(Krook and O’Brien, 2012). In any case, when opportunities for political influence present themselves, it
is not just capabilities that matter but also what women do and how.

This is a fourth factor that explains women’s decision-making power in practice: how women negotiate
gendered institutions and decision-making processes and fora across politics, economics and society.
And, in particular, whether they are able to make the strategic decisions and build the relationships
necessary to work with and around political realities. Holding official power and positions is also only
part of the story: women with clout in business, professional, religious and other civic associations can
have significant indirect influence over politicians and other public officials. While women’s movements
have been central to advancing gender equality agendas, campaigning and advocacy are just the most
visible face of women’s political struggles. Whether they are business, civic or political leaders,
influential women (just like influential men) are those able to leverage informal relationships, build
alliances and convince others.

This is true of all societies, because personal relationships and the ability to bestow favors is the engine
of politics the world over. But the need for politicians and activists to be effective ‘off-stage’ as well as
‘on-stage’ is particularly acute in countries where the rule of law is weak, politics is patronage-based and
trust derives from who you are and who you know. Successful women’s coalitions in Egypt and Jordan,
for example, are those whose leaders have leveraged their informal relationships with key decision-
makers to lobby for controversial legislation, for instance on family issues or domestic violence. Behind-
the-scenes networking, combined with accepted credibility of these women important to women’s
effectiveness in such negotiations. Feminist lawyers have played a key role in developing gender-
sensitive legal and policy reform. In Colombia, the activism of experienced feminist lawyers has been
important to shape law on transitional justice and violence against women legislation.
 CHAPTER V

5.1 Summary

Women empowerment is women making independent and effective

decisions efficiently regarding their life choices within their capacity. The present
research study deals with finding the influencers of women empowerment in the
service sectors.

The objectives of the study are to find the level of women empowerment
among the women employees of various service sectors in Puducherry town, to
find the relationship between women empowerment and demographic variables, to
find the relationship between women empowerment and organizational profile
variables, to find the relationship between women empowerment and emotional
intelligence, work life balance and organizational commitment of the respondents,
to find the association between women empowerment and demographic variables,
to find whether there is significant difference in the women empowerment scores
for respondents with and without children, to find whether there is significant
difference in the women empowerment scores for respondents belonging to
various service sectors, to find the multiple correlation among women
empowerment, emotional intelligence, work life balance and organizational
commitment of the respondents, to find the extent to which women empowerment
is related to emotional intelligence, work life balance and organizational
commitment of the respondents.

5.2 Conclusion
• Around the world, women now have more influence over the decisions that affect their lives. In
even the most conservative societies, feminists and gender advocates have been able to forward more
equitable policies and outcomes.

• Important drivers of women’s political power and influence include improved access to education
and material assets, more equal and inclusive politics, strong women’s movements and women being
effective political operators.
• Increases in women’s political power are not uniform. Some women have more influence than
others, both within and between countries. Men continue to dominate some sectors and the most powerful
positions in society.

• Women in positions of power may not champion gender equality: women and their interests are
diverse.

• The international community can better support women’s political leadership by investing in
women’s education and economic assets, their organizations and their political apprenticeship; focusing
on political systems and not just elections; and supporting locally led and problem-driven responses.