Father’s Role in Enabling Daughters to become Truly Empowered Women
Fathers play a pivotal role in shaping their daughters’ sense of self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-motivation, crucial components of their empowerment from childhood through adulthood. Research published in the Journal of Family Psychology in 1997 underscores the profound impact of involved fathers on their daughters’ lives. Daughters raised by engaged fathers are more likely to achieve higher levels of education and exhibit confidence in decision-making.
In this blog, we delve into five impactful ways fathers can actively contribute to their daughters’ empowerment, nurturing their growth and development into truly empowered women.
1) Celebrate her achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate her accomplishments, whether big or small, as this fosters a sense of pride and competence within her. These achievements can range from acing a test to mastering a new skill. Research conducted by Teresa Amabile from Harvard Business School reveals that our brains are wired to respond to rewards. Thus, individuals who track their small achievements daily and celebrate them tend to accomplish bigger goals in life.
By actively celebrating your daughter’s small wins, you are effectively motivating her to strive for larger accomplishments. This encouragement instils confidence and a belief in her ability to tackle more significant challenges.
2) Encourage and Support Independence
Encourage healthy risk-taking: Encourage your daughter to step outside her comfort zone and try new things, even if there’s a chance of failure. This fosters resilience and teaches her to learn from setbacks. For example, Arunima Sinha, a national-level volleyball player, faced a significant setback when her leg was amputated below the knee after an accident, leaving her impaired for life. Despite this adversity, she went on to climb Mount Everest in 2013, becoming the first female amputee to do so.
This narrative demonstrates the significance of resilience and a willingness to accept changes to attain great accomplishments. Encouraging your daughter to accept challenges and persevere through problems can help her overcome hurdles and reach her full potential as an empowered woman.
3) Promote Open Communication and Emotional Support
Promote open communication by creating a safe space where she feels comfortable discussing her thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. According to a 2020 UK study, children emphasize the significance of feeling safe and being able to express themselves without fear of judgment, which makes them less stressed and more happy. This nurturing environment fosters trust and strengthens the bond between father and daughter, enabling her to develop self-awareness and emotional resilience essential for empowerment.
4) Model Positive Relationships
Set a positive example by treating your partner with respect, kindness, and equality. This demonstrates healthy relationship dynamics and empowers your daughter to expect the same in her future relationships. Because kids (male/female) don’t do things they’re told to do, they do that which they watch their fathers (& mothers) do. How they interact among themselves.
5) Admire different role models
Introduce your daughter to diverse female role models who have made significant contributions in various fields. Like Deepshikha Kumar Entrepreneurship, Women Business Leaders, Corporate Consultant and Women Speaker) and Ananya Birla (Artist and Businesswoman, India’s biggest-selling English language global popstar and Mental Health Advocate). This broadens her perspective and demonstrates the possibilities and opportunities available to her.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, fathers have a unique and powerful opportunity to empower their daughters to become strong, confident, and successful individuals. By Celebrating her achievements, encouraging independence, promoting healthy communication, Promote Open Communication and Emotional Support, and modelling positive Relationships fathers can play a vital role in shaping their daughters’ lives and ultimately, contributing to a more empowered generation of women.
So fathers, what in your view helps kids feel empowered?
