To anyone using the phrase "I empower XYZ (person)": Stop it! You can't empower another person, because the power is already in them.

You can help them recognise their own agency, so they feel more empowered in their life.

And if you think this is only semantics, remember that the words we use show our perception of the world and create our reality. Spelling comes from spell!

When working in the realm of empowerment, we have to navigate a fine line between our genuine wish to support people, having them feel like the powerful being they are, and perpetuating a world view that's heavily influenced by patriarchal-colonialist thinking.

What kind of spell do you want to weave?