Empowerment is the process of enhancing the ability of an individual or a group to make choices. Furthermore, it transforms these choices into positive actions and outcomes. Actions, which build individual and collective assets as well as improving efficiency and fairness, are central to this process.
Empowered people have freedom of choice and action. This enables them to better influence the course of their lives and each decision that will affect them. Perceptions of Empowerment vary across time, culture, and domains of an individual's life. For example; in Brazil, both men and women feel Empowered if they are able to engage in decisions on budget allocations. In the US, teenagers who come from lower income areas, feel Empowered when they realize that they can make positive decisions regarding their future without being berated by their peers. In India, a "low caste" woman feels Empowered when she gets a fair hearing in a public meeting consisting of men and women from different social-economic groups.
Empowerment speaks to self determined change. It brings together the supply and demand side of the developmental equation that changes the environment inside where less fortunate people live, helping them to build and capitalize on their own attributes. Empowerment is a cross-cutting issue. It encompasses; education, health care, government, economic policy, and any activities which seek to Empower less fortunate individuals. These activities are expected to increase development opportunities, enhance development outcomes, and improve their quality of life.
As we further discuss Empowerment, we will look at four areas of practice, as well as how Empowerment can be applied to different areas of practice. Until then...
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