Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social or economic strength of individuals and communities. It often involves the empowering and developing confidence in their own capacities. Empowerment is probably the totality of the following or similar capabilities:
Figure 8.3 Means of empowerment
Figure 8.5 Dimensions of empowerment 8.5.1 Dimensions of empowerment
8.5.1.1 Economic--
Household--Women’s control over income; relative contribution to family support; access to and control of family resources.
Community-- Women’s access to employment; ownership of assets and land; access to credit; involvement /or representation in local trade associations; access to market.
Broaden Arenas-- Women’s …show more content…
Broader Arena--Women’s literacy and access to a broad range of educational options; Positive media images of women, their roles and contributions.
8.5.1.3 Familial/Interpersonal
Household--Participation in domestic decision-making; control over sexual relations; ability to make childbearing decisions, use contraception, obtain an abortion; control over spouse selection and marriage timing; freedom from violence,
Community--Shifts in marriage and kinship systems indicating greater value and autonomy for women (e.g. later marriages, self selection of spouses, reduction in the practice of dowry; acceptability of divorce); local campaigns against domestic violence.
Broader Arena--Regional/national trends in the timing of marriage, options for divorce; political, legal, religious support for (or lack of active opposition to) such shifts; systems providing easy access to contraception, safe abortion, reproductive health services
8.5.1.4 Legal
Household--Knowledge of legal rights; domestic support for exercising