The recent media frenzy surrounding Katy Perry and a group of wealthy women taking an 11-minute spaceflight on Blue Origin was promoted as a feminist milestone. But critics argue it was more of a spectacle than a meaningful advancement for women. Instead of empowerment, it showcased privilege, environmental harm, and a missed opportunity to truly support women’s rights.
Why This Spaceflight Missed the Mark
The trip, funded by Jeff Bezos, whose company Amazon has been criticised for labour exploitation and environmental damage, cost millions and was accessible only to the ultra-rich. While marketed as a win for gender equality, it did little to challenge the real barriers most women face, especially in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), where women remain underrepresented and under-supported.
True feminist progress isn’t measured by celebrity stunts but by expanding access to education, opportunity, and leadership for women everywhere. Efforts that support women scientists, astronauts, and changemakers working under real-world pressures are far more meaningful.
There’s also an environmental cost. The emissions from private spaceflights contribute to climate change, which disproportionately affects women, especially those in low-income and Global South communities. This turns a feel-good media moment into a case of climate injustice rather than empowerment.
What Companies and Communities Can Actually Do to Support Women’s Rights
If we want to see real progress, we need action, not symbolism. Here are some ways businesses and individuals can genuinely support women’s rights:
For Businesses:
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Create inclusive workplaces: Prioritize gender equity, support women in leadership, and build respectful cultures. Companies like Accenture and Unilever have shown that gender-balanced leadership improves business performance and innovation
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Close the pay gap: Regular audits and transparent salary practices can ensure fair pay, like companies like Salesforce are doing.
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Back women entrepreneurs: Offer funding, mentorship, and exposure to women-led startups.
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Address workplace safety: Implement clear policies to prevent harassment and protect employees.
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Drive policy change: Partner with communities to advocate for stronger protections, like equal pay and reproductive rights.
For Individuals and Communities:
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Invest in education: Support programs that open STEM pathways for girls and women.
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Challenge norms: Be an ally in changing harmful gender stereotypes.
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Support grassroots efforts: Volunteer with or donate to organizations advancing gender equality.
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Demand accountability: Push for real enforcement of equity policies in business and government.
Support Women’s Rights Through Action, Not Symbolism
The space trip by celebrities might have drawn headlines, but it did little to support women’s rights. Real empowerment comes from dismantling barriers, investing in education, and creating systems that elevate all women, not just the privileged few.
Let’s shift the focus from performative gestures to meaningful impact. To support women’s rights, we need consistent, systemic action, from the workplace to our communities. That’s how we create lasting change.
For more reading about women’s empowerment, check out Fundsforngos.org, and the International Rescue Committee for practical tips on what you can do to help.
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