Monday, August 31, 2015

Thoughts on Empowerment

Since 1994, ASAP has been working to "empower" women and families with self-reliance. But what, exactly, is "Empowerment"?Jo Rowlands, in his book Empowerment Examined, identifies 'four powers' at work:

Women's Empowerment is serious business
Power within: personal self confidence and a sense of rights and entitlement
Power with: collective power, through organization, solidarity and joint action
Power to: the capability to decide actions and carry them out
Power over: the power of hierarchy and domination.

The African Development Bank is working to empower women to take a leading role in the business of agriculture. Click here to learn more.

There are still so many unanswered and difficult questions; Does women’s empowerment lead to increased domestic violence? Is power a zero-sum game? Click here to read a thought provoking discussion by Oxfam America's Gawain Kripkeon.

Monday, August 10, 2015

International Youth Day

August 12 is International Youth Day
August 12th is International Youth Day! Since 1994 ASAP has been working to empower youth through education and entrepreneurship projects.

You can participate in this very special day.  To see activities taking place around the world, click here.