Sustaining Women Empowerment Community Extension Project: A Tri-Focal Partnership Model

Abstract

Abstract: Grounded from Theory of Change, this study aims to describe the impact of the extension project designed to empower marginalized women in Balamban Cebu, Philippines. Qualitative emerging themes obtained from interviews and focus group discussion revealed that women were empowered by nurturing positive emotions, enhancing self-worth, advancing environmental stewardship, and establishing accountability for sustainability, thereby improving the quality of their lives. A tri-focal partnership model as proposed that illustrates a dynamic interplay of the roles and functions among the University, local government unit, and other government agencies, which builds a sustainable community extension project in the community. Replication of an extension project would yield a good Return of Investment (ROI) to the University, which ultimately leads to a country’s more substantial economic growth and development. 
 
 Keywords: Women empowerment; a theory of change; extension project; tri-focal partnership model Philippines