preview

Women Poverty And Trauma Summary

Decent Essays

Intro: Jean Francis East and Susan J. Roll’s article: Women, Poverty, and Trauma: An Empowerment Practice Approach illustrates the benefits of applying empowerment theory in Social Work practice when working with women who’ve experienced poverty and trauma. Through their 20 years of experience in utilizing this approach, they learn that its effects have been rewarding and successful. The following paper is an analysis and critique of this intervention. The article focuses on the “feminization of poverty”, in which women are disproportionally living in poverty. This emerged from social and economic patterns that subject women to inequality. There is a significant relationship linking poverty to mental health and violence. Women …show more content…

The last components involve leadership activities, encouraging leadership roles and self-advocacy. The engagement process consisted of one-to-one interviews and story circles. The intent of this was to reduce isolation and increase social support. These two strategies provided a safe environment for women to share their stories in and connect to other women with similar experiences. This methodology gave them the opportunity to find their voice and to be heard. The leadership activities connected women to the mezzo and macro systems of their life. Women participated in trainings to learn more about their rights and how they can intervene in the legislative process. An important concentration of the leadership component is building self confidence. Helping recognize themselves as citizens of a community and motivating them to take control over their lives. This component taught women how to take action for themselves and for others. With this particular population, the agency adopted its own definition of empowerment as: “increased power and control at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community and political levels” (East & Roll, 280, 2015). These principles were supported by staff development, collaboration and leadership throughout the agency.
The leading theory behind this intervention is the empowerment theory. It is designed to enable individuals in trusting their ability to act on their own (self-efficacy), improve

Get Access