The objective of this paper is to identify conditions, factors, and methods, which empower women and mothers (WAM) for social action and health promotion movements. When empowered and involved, WAM can be effective partners in health promotion programs. The methodology includes a meta-analysis of eighty exemplary case studies from across the world, which meet predetermined criteria, to draw implications for social action and health promotion. The cases were chosen from four domains: human rights, equal rights, health promotion, and economic development. Analysis identified seven methods frequently used to EMPOWER (acronym): empowerment education and training, media use and advocacy, public education and participation, organizing associations and unions, work training and micro-enterprise, enabling services and support, and rights protection and promotion. Cochran's Q test confirmed significant differences in the frequencies of methods used. Media and public education were more frequently used by industrialized than non-industrialized societies, whereas work training was used more frequently by non-industrialized societies (Chi Square tests). Among the health promotion cases, those from industrialized societies used media significantly more than non-industrialized. While frequencies of methods used varied in all other comparisons, these differences were not statistically significant suggesting the importance of these methods across problem domains and levels of industrialization. The paper integrates key findings into an empowerment model consisting of five stages: motivation for action, empowerment support, initial individual action, empowerment program, and institutionalization and replication. Implications for policy and health promotion programs are discussed.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, the participant will be able to 1. Identify seven empowerment methods 2. Describe an empowerment model, and discuss its implications for planning health education programs
Keywords: Women, Community-Based Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.