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…
Being an entrepreneur has given me a deep appreciation for individuals who are success oriented and never give up. The drive to always “push through” is a trait of successful people.
I have been fortunate to associate myself with many successful individuals over my life. It began with my father who instilled in me the ability to step outside of the box…to create something out of nothing. He taught me the importance of integrity in business...traits that I have incorporated into the various business models I employ.
I spent the first ten years of my career in the medical field. I worked side by side with amazing individuals who put their own self-interests aside in order to nurture others back to good health. Many times I witnessed life and death situations. It was always humbling to experience the team-work that evolved around trying to save a lives.
As my career path evolved into the business world, not only could I bring those experiences into my persona, I saw a need to spread information…real information for real situations. A close friend of mine began to mentor me in aspects of blogging. He has given me incredible insight into how a blog should be developed…how to focus my passion for helping mentor people to becoming successful entrepreneurs. This passion for mentoring others began when I was a young child and continues today. It is not about me, but rather those who have influenced my life.
I am a work-out addict and a real “ski dog”. Sorry guys and gals…I do not “ride”. I live for deep powder and steep chutes. I love the feeling of looking over the edge of a steep run…feel my heart beat faster with that adrenaline rush and then “jump in”. I love golf…but I always wonder if I will ever break 100…lol! Most of all, I love my wonderful family…they are the best! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you feel empowered today.
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Martin Casper
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