Tokenization refers to the practice of giving a few individuals from a particular group or community opportunities or positions, often as a symbolic gesture, without addressing deeper issues of equality and empowerment. This can happen in various contexts, such as gender, race, or ethnicity.

For example, in a school setting, tokenization might occur if only one girl is chosen for a leadership role, while boys dominate most positions. This could give the appearance of inclusivity but fails to address the broader issue of ensuring equal opportunities for all genders.

The problem with tokenization is that it does not lead to meaningful change or empowerment. It may create a false impression of diversity or fairness without actually dismantling barriers or promoting genuine inclusion. Instead of genuinely empowering individuals from underrepresented groups, tokenization can perpetuate stereotypes and inequalities by tokenizing individuals rather than promoting systemic change.

True empowerment involves creating structures and opportunities that enable everyone to participate and succeed based on their abilities and merits, regardless of their background or identity. It requires addressing systemic barriers and biases to ensure that all individuals have equal access to resources, opportunities, and representation.

In essence, tokenization is superficial and does not address the root causes of inequality or promote substantial empowerment.