Women are the main actors in building a healthy community. They are strong business people, great household managers, and most importantly the agents of change in their community who have the biggest role in making decisions for their families through community participation. In many parts of the world, women's rights are still evolving, so women can play a major role in reducing gender inequality to better shape community development. The full and equal participation of women in society is one of the fundamental bases to achieve global peace and community building.   

Although women's rights are still evolving in many parts of the world, they can still play a major role in reducing gender inequality to shape better communities. Women's and men's equal involvement in society is one of the fundamental bases to achieve global peace and community building. 

So, what is the role of women in this ongoing process of community building and creating an equal space? A space that provides equal education, a healthy economy, and social prosperity. 

Women’s role in cultural development

Throughout history, the role of women in cultural development was confirmed mainly as the creator of the emotional space at home, taking care of the children and the family. But those days have almost vanished from many societies. 

In modern era, men and women together create their own lives and the emotional space of the home, which is necessary for cultural development. Modern society expects both genders to work shoulder by shoulder to provide the prerequisites of cultural development. Nowadays, women are involved in developing modern and traditional culture by entering the public sphere and taking on more responsibility. 

Rural women working in the field 

Women are very good at paying attention to details. You have probably seen how they maintain traditions and cultural values and pass them on from one generation to the next to keep knowledge and beliefs alive. Women are involved in cultural development everywhere, including customs, cuisine, art, clothing, language, technology, and many other traditions and institutions. 

The role of women in rural development

Rural women make up a large part of the agricultural workforce worldwide and are the catalysts for community development. They play an important role in food production, enhancement of economy, and effecting environmental, and social changes needed for eradication of poverty. Their access to education and health care is critical to individual well-being and community building. If rural women have equal resources as men in agriculture, “output in 34 developing countries would rise by an estimated average of up to 4%.”(1) 

Women can empower communities in several ways:

• Women are great teachers. They are passionate about transferring their knowledge to others. This ability is rooted in their nature and makes them great teachers for children and youth. Women can provide education and teach skills to others to help them build a life of vision and extend their skills as professionals so they act as agents for change to make a better community for future generations. 
• More and more women need to enter work and study fields such as agriculture and STEM that used to be male dominant. In this way, women can identify and remove social barriers surrounding professions as agriculture, to create sustainable livelihoods so residents can live economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable lives. 
• Women are advocates for social justice. They strive for equity in the community. They practice justice in their daily lives by standing up for each other, teaching children and adults in the community, advocating women's rights at meetings, and acting as ambassadors for human rights internationally. 

(You can read more about community empowerment’s importance here) 

Women Leadership and Community Development

The role of women in the development of society consists of many forms such as leadership, household management, economic, cultural, and national identity. In our time, women are striving to occupy positions in industry, engineering, pharmacy, and space exploration alongside men.

A teenage girl in high school

Over the years, more women have found their way into academic institutions, expanding their vision and action associated with the progress and health of communities. With the emergence of new leaders, women are increasingly raising the stand against inequality and discrimination. The world needs the effective presence of women in various fields so that more development can take place in societies in addition to equality. 

Maria Müller and Her Art of Sustainable Home Gardening

In our ongoing exploration of the role of women in building communities, we encounter compelling examples that translate theory into practice. Maria Müller, a passionate gardener and influencer, whose commitment to a sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle through gardening is not only inspiring but also life-changing, is one such example. In her extensive conversation featured in our post, 'Rooted in Sustainability,' she shares how gardening can lead to profound personal and communal transformations. Maria demonstrates how connecting with nature and nurturing the land enhances not only personal well-being but also the broader environment. Her commitment illustrates the powerful role that women can play in promoting sustainability and shaping resilient environments.

Conclusion

In the process of community building, women can play a big part toward progress. They are the initial agents for building a healthy community, raising great managers and wise leaders. No matter what way women choose to get involved in the process of community building, they can always join hands with men and collaborate in many ways. They can organize events, educate people, start community projects, or just change the room's atmosphere with their kindness and wisdom. 

A mother is taking care of the education of her two children

Women have tremendous power within them. Everyone around them needs to harness that power and bolster their self-esteem so they can reach their full potential, to strengthen women’s role in community building. Empowering women means empowering society because they are the change makers and major players in community building. With proper education, women can master new skills, break the cycle of poverty and create a self-sustaining future from which both the individuals and the community benefit.