Remarks of UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon at the International Conference on “People’s Empowerment and Development”, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 5 August 2012.

DESA The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations Secretariat is a vital interface between This International Conference on People’s Empowerment and These aspirations are embodied in many national laws and global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. The Department works in three Development comes at a particularly opportune time. The international agreements. Measures to ensure compliance main interlinked areas: (i) it compiles, generates and analyses a wide range of economic, social and environmental recently concluded United Nations Conference on Sustainable with these laws and agreements should be an integral part of data and information on which Member States of the United Nations draw to review common problems and take Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, adopted an action-oriented development strategies. stock of policy options; (ii) it facilitates the negotiations of Member States in many intergovernmental bodies on outcome document on “The Future We Want”. Empowerment is joint courses of action to address ongoing or emerging global challenges; and (iii) it advises interested Governments critical for attaining that future. We must also harness the power of new communications on the ways and means of translating policy principles developed at United Nations conferences and summits into tools and technologies. Access to information is a key means programmatic frameworks at the country level and; through technical assistance, it helps build national capacities. Empowerment is not new to the United Nations. Our long-standing for enabling the citizenry to hold Governments and others efforts to protect human rights, promote job creation and obtain accountable. DSPD improved access to water, sanitation, energy, education and health The Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs care all have empowerment at their core — the goal of ensuring This international conference is an important opportunity to (DESA) of the United Nations Secretariat. The Division seeks to strengthen international cooperation for social that people have the opportunities they need to live better lives explore these and other issues. Your deliberations can also development, particularly in the areas of poverty eradication, productive employment and decent work and the in dignity and security. But we are also exploring new frontiers of contribute to those of the Commission for Social Development, social inclusion of older persons, youth, family, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in situations empowerment. With the establishment of UN-Women, the effort which next year will address the issue of promoting of conflict and other groups or persons marginalized from society and development. to empower the world’s women and achieve gender equality empowerment of people in achieving poverty eradication, social received an important boost. We are also focusing greater integration and full employment and decent work for all. attention on empowering the next generation through our work Note on youth. These are two critical planks of my action agenda for Empowerment is a key means to achieving sustainable The views expressed in the present report are those of the authors and do not imply the expression of any opinion development and other vital goals. But it also has a value in on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations, particularly concerning the legal status of any country, territory, and of itself. city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The term “country” Bythe looking next five at years. empowerment and development together, you are as used in the text of this report also refers, as appropriate, to territories or areas. Mention of the names of firms focusing welcome attention on issues that matter most in the lives Thank you for your commitment to this effort. I wish you a and commercial products does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations. of families and their communities — opportunities for decent productive conference. work, the chance to enjoy basic services and participate fully in the political life of their countries. Message from Mr. Wu Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Remarks at the “Expert Group Meeting on Promoting Empowerment of People in Achieving Poverty Eradication, Social Integration and Full Employment and Decent Work for All” New York, 10-12 September 2012.

Excellences Distinguished Experts Colleagues,

I am delighted to join you at this expert group meeting. Many of the actions set forth in this historic outcome will advance Normally, Under-Secretaries-General do not speak at expert group people’s empowerment and development …. through: meetings. They are for experts to attend. Many would argue that poverty reduction; USGs are no longer considered experts. Despite this, I took the job creation; decision to come and share with you a few personal thoughts, • improved access to water, sanitation and energy; because I think empowerment is an extremely important matter. • public services such as education and better health care; and • social integration overall. Empowerment is critical to poverty eradication and to development. • Indeed,It has significant I would even policy say implications. that any long-term solution to poverty This• expert group meeting is a timely opportunity for a thorough must start with empowerment. examination of how people can contribute to these efforts. The poor and vulnerable may need short-term assistance in times The UN System is now mobilized to work together toward a of crisis. But we should not underestimate the power of initiative future we want – toward a global agenda beyond 2015, with and ownership. More often than not, poor people do not need sustainable development at its core. In order to attain that future, charity. They need policies and tools that empower them to lead we need to ensure that people have the opportunities they need productive lives. to live better lives. In this regard, I want to compliment the organizers for selecting empowerment as the focus of this meeting. As a start, it is important to focus on actions that can institutionalize The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held measures for empowerment, through improved access to resources, in Rio de Janeiro in June this year, also known as Rio+20, adopted public services, including education and training, and through an action-oriented outcome document on “The Future We Want”. income generating opportunities, especially for women and youth. Message from Ms. Daniela Bas Director of the Division for Social Policy and Development of UNDESA

Indeed, people’s aspirations are embodied in many national laws I am sure that your conclusions will help the Commission advance When I was six years old, I became paraplegic due to a very rare tumor and in those and international agreements. Measures to ensure compliance our understanding of the role of empowerment even further. years children with disabilities were not allowed to attend ordinary school. I succeeded with these laws and agreements should be an integral part of because my parents and the director of the primary school understood that I was the development strategies. Going forward, let us be very clear: Empowerment is a key means same Daniela as before. They empowered me. At the same time, we must also harness the power of new to achieving sustainable development and other vital goals. But it communications tools and technologies. Access to information is also has a value in and of itself. We must not lose sight of the need Empowerment has many meanings. I think ultimately it is about people and the a key means in holding Governments and others accountable. to empower all individuals and groups on our shared planet. human potential. Empowerment does not have to be grand. Small successes can boost In the coming months, the United Nations will elaborate on a Other tools are vital in helping to engage people more directly. United Nations development agenda beyond 2015. Sustainable Micro-creditIt also helps levelprogrammes the playing are amongfield for these, the young which generation. help to facilitate development agenda will be at the core of this post-2015 agenda. wasyour not self-confidence easy but at that and point, really I beempowered empowering. myself. I became, and I wanted to be again greater empowerment opportunities for youth and women. As you know, sustainable development has three inter-linked independent. I had to fight again stereotypes and prejudices and trust me, employment Countries around the world continue to celebrate the 2012 dimensions – economic, social and environmental. The social Striving for development and seeking to empower others are very important. The dimension has been considered weak in relation to the other Commission for Social Development knows it and decided to focus its next session on cooperatives deliver to the communities they serve. The Year has two. Moreover, unlike economic growth, the social dimension is empowerment through the eradication of poverty, decent work and social integration. raisedInternational public awarenessYear of Cooperatives, of the power and, of indeed,cooperatives the benefits to advance that economic and social development. And it has been particularly expert group meeting will take this into account when you discuss We have a unique chance to contribute and to help share future policies that can have a successful in helping to promote cooperatives as empowering, empowerment.more difficult to quantify. But it is no less important. I hope this major impact on people’s empowerment across the globe. member-driven and community-oriented enterprises. Your deliberations on these and other issues can contribute I wish you success in your deliberations and I look forward to the Empower Yourself and Inspire the World! to those of the Commission for Social Development, which next summary of this meeting. I promise you that I will read it from year will address the issue of promoting empowerment of cover to cover. Daniela Bas, people in achieving poverty eradication, social integration Director and full employment and decent work for all. Thank you. Acknowledgment Introduction Empowerment is not a new term to the United Nations. The meeting has decided that the most appropriate The “Definitions of Empowerment” contained in this publication represent a collaborative effort, It is the process of enabling people to increase control Empowerment was as an iterative process made possible by the answers received from people across the world on the theme of Empowerment. over their lives, to gain control over the factors and with key components including an enabling environment Their invaluable contributions were essential for the preparation of this publication. decisions that shape their lives, to increase their resources thatdefinition encourages of popular participation in decision-making and qualities and to build capacities to gain access, that affects the achievement of goals like poverty In order to collect people’s ideas and experiences, the Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) partners, networks, a voice, in order to gain control. eradication, social integration and decent work for all as of UNDESA launched an on-line survey on “Promoting Empowerment of People”. well as sustainable development. Empowerment is now increasingly used and connected We were glad to receive tens and tens of responses from young individuals; persons with disabilities, older to social development groups such as poor people, youth, DSDP has launched an online survey from 8 August to persons, and people working for various institutions and organizations committed to social development older persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous 5 September 2012 on “Promoting Empowerment of issues. Their keen interest on Empowerment reminded us about the growing importance of this topic in Peoples and marginalized people. People”. It has received tens and tens of responses. our society. The Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) related to the enhancement of the capabilities of social We welcomed and carefully screened all the answers from the on-line community, but due to the large of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social groupsThe survey including featured youth, different older definitionspersons, persons of Empowerment with volume of contributions, we were unable to include all of them. Affairs (UN-DESA) has organized an Expert Group Meeting disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples to fully participate (EGM) on “Promoting Empowerment of People in in all aspects of society and promoting enabling social, They were all precious, since they provided a unique overview of what Empowerment means for people Achieving Poverty Eradication, Social Integration and economic, cultural and political conditions that can help with different origins, cultures and languages. Full Employment and Decent Work for All” them take control of their own development and future. from 10 to 12 September 2012 in New York at the United The Division for Social Policy and Development is grateful for the many contributions received, which Nations Headquarters. The meeting was convened to help enabled readers of the Empowerment survey, to share and learn from their experiences and beliefs. prepare the priority theme for the 51st session of the selected from our survey, which is available online at the Commission for Social Development in February 2013. followingThis publication link: contains definitions of Empowerment Thank you to all of you for making this possible! http://social.un.org/empowerment. “Allowing every individual to “Empowerment means that discovery/realization of ones “Power to achieve political, “Empowerment is the “A balance between liberty “Empowerment can be make free choices and achieve those who become empowered own capacities (based on the social, and economic equality...” process of increasing the and equality (one can understood in two different the full of their capacities.” have the ability to take control idea that absolutely everyone capacity of individuals or actually cancel out the other dimensions: 1. to develop the Kenneth Schadt of their lives and fortunes has something meaningful to groups to make choices and to when out of balance) and a competences and capacities Ignacio Socias History and Literature Tutor Director of International Relations with the help of government contribute). The discovery of transform those choices into freedom of expression and of of individuals: to educate International Federation for Family and civil society. In order to ones capacity and relevance desired actions and outcomes. participation.” and to qualify individuals, be empowered, both men and for others can trigger a This could be in various special target groups such Development “For me empowering means Moraig Henderson women must have the same desire to actively shape forms such as capacity as children, women, elderly people socially integrated and Deputy Chief rights and privileges and the ones environment. People building (trainings) as well as persons and / or families have economic, social and UNDP same opportunities, especially feel empowered, because provision of resources in form to improve their skills and political power irrespective of in employment and decent “To me empowerment is they realize that they can knowledge so that they are about three dimensions: their life situation, economic “Empowerment is a process work.” make a difference, which in support. It could also be the able to generate income a) how the individual or conditions and physical and an outcome. The process turn makes them want to givingof material or delegation and or financial of power “The respect of human dignity and improve the quality of Maryann Tarantula community perceive(s) and disabilities.” through which people attain make a difference. A feeling or authority to an individual and of all human rights; their everyday live and can United Nations Committee chairman judge(s) their capacity to knowledge and skills that of disempowerment often Sr. Ursula Khalkho or group giving them the meaningful participation in the contribute to the development Zonta International play a role, b) the desire to causes passivity. Moreover Ursuline Sisters of the Congregation ability/permission or planning, implementation and of the society. 2.The means play a meaningful role in acknowledge the need for empowerment is of course of Tildonk enabling them to embark on evaluation of the policies and to develop / to enable the society and c) the spaces and awill change, allow andthem then to first change related to the objective or execute various intentions.” programs that affect our lives.” preconditions for individuals: “Empowerment means that opportunities created and something about their lives. possibility and existing spaces basic requirements such people, individuals have a provided for the capacity to Martin Daka Cristina Diez Saguillo It is a process of awakening voice in making decisions for to play a role and to be heard.” “Strategies and actions Archdiocese of Lusaka Health and Director of International Relations as peace, gender equality, certain potentials that allow Gender Coordinator human rights, or available themselves and for society.” about making people realize Simona Costanzo SOW that increase peoples and/ Training people to take action, to come to play. The first step is or communities’ autonomy Caritas Lusaka International Movement Atd Fourth food, access to land and micro Donald Horowitz their potential, existing Project Manager for the MDG/post voice and formulate the need, World credits or adequate education Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs 2015 project and self-determination in to speak, to advocate for expertise and strengthen United Nations Volunteers improving their current and systems are necessary to themselves, or for others. theirspecific capacity knowledge in various and areas future life conditions, as well enable individuals, special “Empowerment is to give a The outcome maybe means in order for an individual as changing political and target groups such as women, “Empowerment is simply being able to recognize or community to play a socio-economic dominant elderly persons and / or supporting people in such “Empowerment is giving to education and where-with-all and know the moment when meaningful role in their own and oppressive structures/ families to improve their a way as to enable them to people or groups the strength toperson be all the that confidence they can be.” and and how to stand up for or their community/society’s systems.” wellbeing.” accomplish goals that will and knowledge needed to oneself or for others.” development and to make improve life for all.” help them overcome their Salvatore Romagna Sandra Lincoln Anne v. Laufenberg-Beermann (life) choices. It’s about the Bojana Beric obstacles.” Secretary General Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Executive Director Assistant Professor on Health Studies Eva Boone subjective feeling (trusting International Cultural Youth Exchange American Province International Federation for Home Monmouth University Ursuline Sisters yourself) as well as the Nick Penland - ICYE Province Leadership Team Member Economics

“I heard about empowerment “For me, being empowered “To me the term Empowerment “Empowerment is the own choice, life of dignity in “When I hear the word when I was working in means knowing and means that an individual or expansion of freedom of accordance with one’s values, Empowerment it means the STD/HIV Intervention trusting that you are in full the community having power choice and action. It means that I have been given the Program (Durbar Mahila control of your own destiny. and being able to use the increasing one’s authority and rights, independence, own tools, education, and support Samanaya Committee), Empowerment implies power in a creative way that control over the resources decisioncapable of making, fighting being for one’s free, to accomplish my goals. there I worked among the freedom to choose without fear.” enables a qualitative life for and decisions that affect one’s awakening, and capability—to When I am empowered, I can marginalized community/ oneself, community and the life. As people exercise real mention only a few. These Claudia LaRue accomplish these things on Sex workers, to make them choice, they gain increased First Secretary whole world including the my own without any major capable to voice their The Dominican Republic Permanent Planet Earth.” control over their lives. in local value and belief outside support, thus gaining rights, making them aware Poor people’s choices are systems.”definitions are embedded Mission to the United Nations Fatima Rodrigo the ability to feel good about about the HIV infection and extremely limited, both International Presentation Association my accomplishments.” implementing the preventive Henry Oriokot of the Sisters of the Presentation of by their lack of assets and Brianna Plaza measures. They raised the Blessed Virgin Mary by their powerlessness to their voice to legalize their negotiate better terms for Development and Communications “Empowerment is utilizing Specialist profession, voting rights “Empowerment means to themselves with a range of and right to healthy living. the skills, knowledge and International Institute of Rural enrich people with basic institutions, both formal and Reconstruction Empowerment means active skills of livelihood through informal. Since powerlessness “For me it conjures up images participation in decision- is embedded in the nature of make choices to maximize education, providing skilled “Empowerment is gaining confidence. You have to of people gaining greater making, equal opportunity, opportunities that help you based training to earn more economic independence institutional relations, in the control of their lives. It is a economic freedom, and the context of poverty reduction to realize your potential. No livelihood, empowering basic and having a broader control “Empowerment means to “Empowerment means process that helps to diffuse right to give opinion, access to one can empower someone knowledge about health, over one’s own destiny. help others in the community enabling someone to become power at the individual, the productive resources that Empowerment is appropriate. else, it is something you have hygiene and education to Having a true voice in your to adopt simple but powerful all and everything he or she group and community levels. can make enable to increase Thean institutional term empowerment definition of to do for yourself, but others those underprivileged section future and that of your family skills that helps them to was meant to be. It means The Empowerment process the earnings. It is giving the has different meanings in can help facilitate the process and community. Gaining hope.” change the quality of their helping an individual helps people to develop skills of the society whose right different sociocultural and or support you to develop lives, it also makes them take develop self-worth, self- and capacities, build self- any inequalities and getting is to get empowered with Thomas Thorfinnson political contexts, and does the skills, knowledge and strength to fight against these essential knowledge Past Vice President the responsibility and have an not translate easily into all independence in such a way Empowerment help to bring of leading a better life for a Rotary International to be empowered. Being active role in the society in a decisions thereby improving languages. An exploration of asconfidence, to live meaningfully self-reliance and and confidence and make better equality,self-respect it enhances and confidence. skills, better global world in near empoweredconfidence that is theyou ability need sustainable way. All this will their life chances and that of local terms associated with peacefully.” succeeding generations.” future where everyone Empowerment around the to dream dreams and strive, lead to build a better world and overcome any obstacles and to is equal.” over all the odds, to make make a positive difference.” world always leads to lively Maris Korb Anthony Pilgrim moveefficiency, ahead knowledge for development.” to those dreams reality.” General Manager Najma Begum discussion. These terms Zahra Hedaiety Sister Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union Nili Majumder Free Lancer include self-strength, control, Sian Arulanantham Executive Manager Presentation Sisters of the Blessed League Ltd. VSO UK Radio Jockey self-power, self-reliance, The Leprosy Mission Bahrain Women Association Virgin Mary “Post- 2015 Global a forum becomes the more it tears will be noticed and “Empowerment means “When I hear the term “Empowerment means to me “The term “empowerment” Development Framework becomes the game of bigger responded to. It is crucial helping people to participate “empowerment” it means is a psycho-social term which should be empowerment- voices. The small voices go fully in the production, the ability to achieve what way to reach their potential. stands for emancipation focused. Steps should be unattended and drowned. (i.e. neighborhood forum), culture, economy, and is necessary, according Whenthe people they whounderstand are finding their a and liberation of people taken to ensure that people, The need is for small-sized especially,that the first remains level forum accessible governance of the to my state in life in a rights and duties and start in different aspects of life. especially those most- forums of governance to, and within the grip of, the communities, state, and world constitutionally formed acting the way that they Empowerment aims to people at the base. If they affected, have power. Nobody participation and political in which they live.” democratic society, to live could achieve them. It’s bring the weaker sections could be more interested in participation. These forums socially and productively in understanding and acting.” of the society for instance ensuring the implementation have to be accessible to people forum of participation, and Rudy Cypser Newsletter Editor, UN Representative a society without fear and to minorities and women on an of the MDGs than people and include all. Hence they control,lost grip they on the have very lost first control Joel Kumpulainen “Supporting all persons Citizens United for Rehabilitation of equal plane with others, so themselves. They are the have to be neighborhood- on the entire process. They be encouraged by the society in basic human dignity Errants to work for and encourage that they can exercise their ultimate stakeholders in the based. We could call them will end up as mere helpless “Empowerment means through each ones access to the common good of all its choices in life as freely as process. If only people are neighborhood communities, and passive observers. Being that an individual can make participation, decision making, citizens.” majority of the population. powerful they will ensure neighborhood sabhas small–sized the forums at “Empowerment is the choices and decisions for every level can have also an education, being able to share Empowerment is especially that their problems are (assemblies), neighborhood process of allowing others the Gloria Coleman himself. Having the power relevant in a democratic solved. The power should parliaments or so. We could additional advantage in the opportunity to have input and Educator to decide whether to accept above-mentioned multi-tier setup like India for enforcing include governance power get them federated at various Clare Nolan decision making. It means a Society of the Holy Child Jesus the status quo or being able federated structure. When any in the benefits of society.” and political power. Power in levels like that of the village, International Justice Peace Training leader should not tell others to create change. Education Fundamental Rights of representative elected from terms of an ongoing say on panchayat, block, district, Facilitator what needs to be done, but is the key to empowerment. equality. Weaker and more one level of the federation Congregation of Our Lady of Charity how they are governed and state and the nation. Taking a leader should seek input Communication is another key. “ vulnerable sections of the how decisions and laws that special care to ensure that at to the level immediately of the Good Shepherd from different stakeholders society can be empowered affect their lives are made. each level of the federation, above doesn’t measure up to develop a consensus and “Empowerment can be Judith Horowitz through policy formulations This will not come about until they continue to remain to the expectations, they can respect the process as positive World Council of Conservative/ and subsequently their immediately recall the person Masorti Judaism people have on-going forums small-sized face-to-face and useful. Empowering for me it means motivation; enforcement through and send someone else “Building capacity in others communities. By small-sized others means a leader gives increasedefined in of many knowledge ways, butand formation of Constitutional decisions and policies. face-to face forums, I mean any day without the mind- up some sense of power education; recognition and laws and rules. One recent Unfortunatelywhere they could no suchinfluence forums forums where people could all boggling election expenses ownership for themselves but a leader enjoys more application of the basic example is the Right to are available for people. sit together in one circle and associated with elections in andto find their their future voice by and providing take power gaining respect and Education in Section 21 A The present forums for talk without a microphone. big constituencies. Thus the them with the skills and appreciation from others.” rights; and also it means the of our Indian Constitution.” participation – parliamentary In such a forum everybody, whole system could remain education that they need to psychological and physical Sharon Hatten constituencies, legislative even the last and the least, answerable to the people at do this.” boost...” the base. “ UN Committee Chair and Board Dr. N.K. Chadha constituencies - are too big will have a face, a name, an Paulette LoMonaco Member Ediola Pashollari Head of Department to be handled by the poor identity, attention and scope Edwin John Executive Director Associated Country Women of the Secretary General Department of Psychology, and the affected. The bigger to participate. Everybody’s Neighborhood Community Network Good Shepherd Services World (ACWW) World Assembly of Youth University of Delhi “Empowerment means “Empowerment means “Empowerment means: individual to take active the development of social giving people the tools and voice, recognizing the existing enabling individuals and 1. Enabling human beings to part in any aspect of his life policies, are actively involved knowledge they need to be problems“People finding and trying their to own have groups to achieve highest reach their full potential; in the society. It refers to with the European networks able to act on their own to potential by removing 2. Taking away barriers that giving the possibilities to a make truly informed decisions prevent them from being all barriers and increasing member of the society, in empowerment policies, about what is going on in their ownan influence voice takes on changing education, that they can be; operating in the fields of assets. Assets include general term of personal abilities social cohesion, integration lives. People who do not know formalcertain situations.or informal, To and/orfind one’s 3. Maximizing what they and knowledge, to have an and education: actually, the what their rights are often mentoring.” can be and do for their own opinion on more subjects, Veneto Region is holding intimidated into giving up skills and practices that may and specific knowledge, may they be civil and the presidency of ELISAN things that they are entitled Diane DalleMolle be applied across a range of “Empowerment for me Michele Morek political, and to be able to (European Local Inclusion “Empowerment means that to keep (e.g. possession of an Sister challenging situations. For benefit and for that of society.” means several things: Coalition Coordinator support that opinion in the and Social Action network) a person can chart their own apartment until a court orders Cabrini Ministries, Swaziland instance, providing equal - Allowing communities to Director, UNANIMA International appropriate place through and the general coordination course, no matter where they them to leave). If someone access to public education have more control on their the best means that can be of ENSA (European Network live, what they look like, or decides to leave after knowing for all learners is necessary destiny by being able to of Social Authorities), both how their brain is wired [e.g. what her rights are, because given at his disposition by to build a competent decide what is good and the authorities. Empowering operating with European Asperger’s] and so forth. It that is the right choice for appropriate for them and “The ELISAN network “Empowerment is the workforce. A second example people means to let them local authorities for the social means that opportunities her to make based on all the “The World Bank’s definition: their needs, to what extent emphasizes the need to process of enhancing the is training all to become have the full responsibility cohesion and cooperation circumstances of her living capacity of individuals or solutions brought forward by combine the concept of effective self-advocates, of their future, achievable in Europe. Within this situation, it will at least be a groups to make choices and external partners are relevant solidarity with the concept exist for everyone to find out who access and apply health through the possibility of framework, the activity knowing decision made not to transform those choices to their needs, aspirations and of subsidiarity. In this optic theyhow theyshine fit the and best, belong and into using all the valuable means. of ELISAN, as well as the from fear, but from choice.” into desired actions and information and obtain values. - Enabling the most the term “Empowerment” contributethe world, toto findthe worldout where and Moreover, empowering activity of Veneto Region in Kathleen Flaherty outcomes.” resonates with clinical care to enhance well- vulnerable groups to have is considered as a personal earn a living. It means that we condition that enables an people means to provide Staff Attorney me. The World Bank goes being and decrease illness. access to basic services, to fully in line with the Europe treat each other with respect, them with knowledge and Statewide Legal Services of CT, Inc. Individuals should not suffer have equal opportunities, to the field of social policies, is we teach each other, we focus skills, in order to have the of individuals and groups as discrimination based on age, be feel valued and included ambitious goals in the areas on the best qualities that the on to define the capacities chance to aspire and actually other person has. It means one assets. Empowerment is more gender, income, health status, and to be able to participate of2020 employment, strategy, focused innovation, on five in decisions affecting their have a better life, both at can go to school and not be than asset; it is a function of a physical or mental abilities.” education, poverty reduction lives. - Giving people a work and in the personal bullied or belittled, work and system that values all players and climate/energy.” as capable decisions makers.” voice and the capacity of sphere. The Veneto Regional not be shamed for every error, and honored for our talents, Brian Geiger Ministry on Social Services Ryan Smith Mario Modolo without needing to be perfect.” Presbyterian Representative to the Professor and the Regional Observatory Director of Social Services influencingDieudonne Mouafo policies.” United Nations American Association for Health Chief, Evaluation Unit on Social Policies, a technical- Veneto Region - Direction of Social Arlene Sobhani Presbyterian Church (USA) Education United Nations Volunteers Services - Presidency of Elisan network Registered Nurse

scientific support body for for what is yours. Ability to make“Ability own to stand decisions. and fight Ability to say Yes or No. Ability to demand for services from “Empowerment is giving “When I hear the term Government. Ability to people who are marginalized “empowerment” I think that contribute meaningfully to and even disenfranchised not there are people who want your community. To be in only a voice, but the means and need the power to achieve control of issues or challenges to determine their own goals...the power to be FREE that affects you. Not depending development. Enabling others to pursue those goals in their on others; having self power to live up to their potential. lives... empowerment is the and self strength; living a life This term may be applied taking of those steps that will of dignity.” to efforts by individuals to help the poor, the needy, the Nyesigomwe Lydia join with others to strive for immigrant, to achieve their Parenting Uganda greater social justice for a goals. To be free to pursue group or individuals. It may those goals. “To empower” be applied to individuals or someone is to take those steps organizations that work with to help the “other” be free. I the “powerless” in their own also think that the term may “Instilling in a person the area or nation to enable them be misleading. The people awareness that they have to attain their potential legally we are trying to “empower” the ability to take on tasks, and socially. It involves being already have that power to to make a difference, to be with the people and assisting achieve and be free. The real an example to others, to their efforts by guidance and question seems to be this. contribute their talents to a expertise. It does not mean How do we help others to controlling the process.” realize that they are already An important component of empowered?” cause that can benefit others. Philomena Grimley, Mary T. Currie empowerment is education.” and Mary Frances Nevins Marianne McGowan Kathleen Ries Sisters Education Coordinator Board President Society of the Holy Child Jesus Cabrini Immigrant Services Unanima International Department of Economic and Social Affairs Division for Social Policy and Development unsdn.or social.un.or g g 12-00096

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