The first time I thought I understood the word “empowerment,” I must have been about 10 years old. My late mom belonged to Soroptimist International — a service club of professional and businesswomen dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls by focusing on their education, empowerment, and economic and social development. I remember their programs for market women in rural areas, and I wrongly assumed then that empowerment was for market women living in rural areas.
So, I was somewhat confused when my mom’s group organized a career talk at my all-girls secondary school, Queens School, Ibadan — also my mom’s alma mater. There, she spoke about her career as a geologist, and I remember thinking, Wait — girls need empowerment too? Not just rural market women? Like my younger self, many of us still don’t fully understand what empowerment really means or how to live empowered.
So, What Does Empowerment Really Mean?
The word gets used so often that it can lose meaning. But I came across this one great definition.
Empowerment is the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.
I love that it’s described as a process. You see, empowerment isn’t a single event; it doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t wake up one day and suddenly feel empowered. Instead, empowerment begins with a quiet recognition that something within you needs improvement or growth. It starts the moment you decide, I want more for my life, and I’m willing to grow into it.
Empowerment Is an Inside Job
People can inspire you, teach you, and open doors for you, but empowerment can’t be handed to you. It only truly happens when you accept and act on it. Your pastor can pour into you, your friends can cheer you on, and your boss can promote you, but until you decide you are worthy, none of it will truly change your life.
Empowerment is active, not passive. It requires participation. I remember one Soroptimist event where the club offered resources to help some female local business owners market their businesses — only half showed up. Those who attended left with tools and training; those who didn’t show up unknowingly gave away their chance. Empowerment often begins with the simple decision to show up.
Steps to Becoming Empowered
1. Be honest with yourself.
Take inventory of your life. What’s working? What’s not? Identify the areas that need improvement, growth, or healing. You can’t grow what you refuse to face.
2. Release the victim mindset.
Yes, life may have been unfair — but you’re not powerless. Life happens, but we keep moving forward. Dwelling on what happened to you won’t help you become who you’re meant to be.
3. Believe in yourself.
Be confident that you can accomplish the things you set out to do. Let go of self-doubt and limiting thoughts that hold you back.
4. Anchor your faith.
Whether in God or in the divine rhythm of the universe, you need faith to sustain empowerment. For me, knowing that I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength, reminds me that I am not walking this journey alone or relying solely on my own abilities.
In Which Areas of Life do You Need Empowerment?
Empowerment isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shows up differently in every season and every aspect of your life. Here are a few examples:
1. Financial empowerment
I remember the gratitude of the market women helped by my mom’s club — women who learned to budget, start small businesses, and break cycles of debt and dependence.
2. Relational empowerment
When you learn to set healthy boundaries, avoid toxic relationships, and choose relationships that bring out the best in you rather than drain you, you are living relationally empowered.
3. Health empowerment
As a physician and certified health coach, I am partial to health empowerment. I believe we all have to take responsibility for our bodies and make choices that nurture our health and well-being. That includes exercising, eating well, and caring for our emotional and spiritual health. But it doesn’t end there. It involves understanding your health status and partnering with your doctor to make informed decisions about your health.
4. Spiritual empowerment
Spiritual empowerment may mean different things to different people. For me, spiritual empowerment is the quiet knowing that I’m never walking alone and that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. True spiritual empowerment is the quiet assurance that you are equipped for whatever season you’re in. It’s the divine enablement that allows you to rise after failure and to keep moving even when you feel weary.
Empowerment Multiplies
When you’re truly empowered, it shows in your actions — in how you treat others, nurture your children, encourage your friends and community, and so much more.
You don’t need a stage or a platform to empower others. Sometimes, it’s as simple as encouraging your child to make good choices, mentoring a young woman just starting her career, or reminding someone that they are more capable than they realize.
I’ve spent years seeking empowerment in the areas I once felt weak in. The growth has been slow at times, but it’s been worth every step. The mistake we often make is thinking we become empowered just to enrich and improve ourselves, but the reality is that a truly empowered person empowers others.
That’s why I wrote my book, The Empowered Introvert: A Guide to Self-Acceptance, Unlocking Your Strengths, and Living with Purpose. Because empowerment isn’t meant to be hoarded, it’s meant to be shared.
Final Thoughts
I hadn’t thought about Soroptimist International in decades, but writing this post led me to check on them. It warmed my heart to see they’re still active, transforming lives through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities. And before you ask, I am not a member and don’t plan to become a member anytime soon, but I applaud the organization and wish them continued success.
I also can’t help but applaud my sisters and friends who are climbing higher and higher in their various fields and callings — starting new businesses, shattering ceilings, earning well-deserved promotions, and stepping boldly into new seasons. Watching you rise is both inspiring and affirming. Keep going, keep believing, and keep pushing forward. The sky isn’t your limit — it’s only the beginning.
Back to what empowerment really means and how to live empowered. Empowerment is not a destination. It’s a daily decision to show up and believe again. It’s trusting that you are being shaped into who you were created to be and ensuring that you are occupying the spaces you were meant to occupy.
So I’ll leave you with this question: In what areas do you already feel empowered—and where are you ready to grow?
Take one small step toward your next level of empowerment today. You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just start. Because every time you choose to grow, to believe, and to trust, you are living empowered.
Finally, if this message spoke to you, share it with someone who might need a reminder of their inner strength today. And if you’re ready to start your own empowerment journey, I invite you to explore The Empowered Introvert — A Guide to Self-Acceptance, Unlocking Your Strengths, and Living With Purpose. The Empowered Introvert is your practical and faith-filled guide to living boldly and authentically.
Yours in health, fitness, and wellness,
Doctor Abi