O empoderamento das mulheres em vulnerabilidade social

Abstract

Background: Empowerment leads to personal freedom, encouraging individuals’ participation in collective actions, transforming them, as citizens in their own environment. Objectives: To identify women’s perceptions of their empowerment and autonomy after participation in the Thousand Women Program (Programa Mulheres Mil). Methodology: Qualitative study based on Paulo Freire’s research itinerary. The sample was composed of 9 women participating in the Thousand Women Program. Results: The problematization methodology used by nursing is a way of increasing women’s empowerment. The participants acknowledged their reality and identified topics related to violence against women and the teaching-learning process, reflecting on their perceptions of empowerment, autonomy, and overcoming their situation of vulnerability. Conclusions: Projects and programs with the purpose of promoting the educational, social, and economic inclusion of women in situations of vulnerability are important for improving these women’s professional qualifications and, consequently, their economic autonomy, quality of life, and empowerment