Capacity Building For Women Research Articles

Empowering Muslim Women: Bridging Islamic Law and Human Rights with Islamic Economics

This intersectional study investigates the harmonisation of Islamic law and human rights in the context of empowering Muslim women through Islamic economics. This study applies an intersectional approach in carrying out the library research method with literature analysis carried out integratively and comprehensively to explore and review various literature sources relevant to the research topic, including journal articles, books, research reports, policy documents, and other related sources of information. The results show that harmonisation between Islamic law and human rights in empowering Muslim women through Islamic economics significantly impacts achieving gender equality and supporting sustainable development. The complexity of Muslim women's identities influenced by factors such as religion, gender, and social class demands a holistic and integrated policy approach in the economy. While the Islamic economy offers great potential to enhance the role of women as agents of change and key drivers of economic development, the incompatibility between Islamic law and human rights conventions and issues of gender inequality points to the need for more inclusive legal and policy reforms. Identifying and recognising these challenges underscores the importance of adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Specific measures that need to be strengthened include inter-agency cooperation, legal and policy reforms to support better gender equality, capacity building of women in the Islamic economic sector, and raising public awareness on the importance of women's empowerment. As such, this study enriches the academic literature and offers practical guidance for policymakers, stakeholders in the Islamic economy, and the general public in advocating and implementing effective and sustainable women's empowerment.

Improving household fish and vegetable availability through participation of rural women: A case study

Homestead integrated aquaculture has immense potential towards alleviating poverty andundernourishment. In order to have sustainable and equitable impacts through small holderaquaculture innovations, a focus on gender being included at the very start of the designand dissemination is required. The present case study showcases the impact of genderinclusive interventions in improving the participation of women in homestead aquaculture,thereby improving the household fish and vegetable availability and income. Conservation ofthe diminishing stock of small indigenous fishes by deliberately farming them along with theIndian major carps (IMCs) was also a focus of the study. A gender inclusive approach wasadopted in the capacity building of women on scientific aquaculture management practices.Twenty four homestead ponds having areas ranging from 0.17-0.22 ha in Puri District, Odishacovering a total area of 4 ha from four villages were selected to undertake participatoryaction research. The ponds were stocked with IMCs @10000 ha-1 and small indigenousfishes like Amblyphanrynogon mola and Puntius spp. @25000 ha-1. Several women friendlyinterventions like gillnets (mesh size 12 mm) a passive fishing gear and trellis systemaround pond bund for growing climber vegetables were introduced in the villages with anaim to improve the participation of women in homestead integrated aquaculture. As a resultof the interventions, the fish production increased from 0.75 t ha-1 yr-1 to 2.48 t ha-1 yr-1.The involvement of women in harvesting of small fish using passive gear like gillnets andtraps resulted in regular fortnightly availability of around 750 g of small micronutrient richfish to rural families. The utilisation of pond bund for growing vegetables following thecropping calendar resulted in production around 790 kg vegetables per hectare of pondarea. The study showed that women can immensely contribute to increasing and stabilisingfamily income and in improving family nutrition by participating in homestead integratedaquaculture. The research also proved that polyculture of IMCs with small indigenous fishesby following the scientific management practices will result in better yield, improved fishavailability to the house and better management of the household resources. Keywords: Aquaculture, Empowerment, Household, Horticulture, Participation, Women

Women and sustainable agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire: Challenges and perspectives

This article focuses on the challenges of building women's capacities to ensure sustainable agriculture in Cote d'Ivoire and the prospects for their empowerment. To achieve this objective, a literature review is carried out. The main data show that in Cote d'Ivoire, women are stakeholders in the strategies implemented for sustainable agriculture. Several actions are helping to drive a new era of gender equality in rural Ivorian areas. Conflict management, women's capacity building and the literacy policy have led to greater women's empowerment. In this set of actions, soilless cultivation is positioned as a real opportunity for women to revolutionize sustainable agriculture in Cote d'Ivoire.

Resources Distribution and Gender Development Among The Local Level in Lalitpur and Jhapa Districts

This article focused on resource distribution and Gender development at the local level.There are two objectives such as to find out the local resources distribution in the different local governments of Jhapa and Lalitpur District and to examine the involving the decision-making of council meetings and policy making process and practices in the gender development sector. Nepal highly prioritized gender development as well as at well budgetary policy formulation for adopting perception and concept of development. This paper is based on descriptive and analytical types of research design. It has used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and deductive and inductive approaches to the analysis of these collected data. Information is gathered and assessed on the process of resource distribution and Gender development at the local level. The elected local government bodies have formulated the income generated and skill development plans and programs around 5 times a year. Furthermore, the highest percent of respondents of all local areas of both districts, have a practice of allocating the gender-friendly budget in local government and budgets supporting women's capacity building and empowerment and 1-5 lakhs budgets are allocated for the above-mentioned purpose. But those allocated amounts are adequate only for one-third part of the women's development sectors. The local government have formulated the evaluation and monitoring committee for those types of program activities, male and female local government elected personnel are involved in monitoring and evaluating activities of such programs activities.

A thorough analysis on women’s disaster adaption techniques in climate change

Climate change has posed a serious threat to humanity, particularly to women, who are among the most vulnerable. Adaptation as a measure of disaster mitigation has received a lot of attention in the wake of climate change, but nearly all of it has disregarded women's contribution to disaster adaptation as a change agent. This research aims to review the available literature on women's adaptation methods in the face of climate-related disasters. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) technique was used to guide this research. With a thorough screening method, 19 articles out of 695 were selected utilizing two databases: Scopus and EBSCo discovery service. The findings are presented in a thematic way titled after the various adaption tactics employed by women across the world. The findings suggest that women have demonstrated their ability to use beneficial adaptation techniques in the face of several societal constraints, including reproductive responsibility. As a result of the findings, certain policy recommendations have been made, emphasizing the relevance of women's capacity building in disaster impact mitigation

INOVASI DAN PEMBANGUNAN DESA DI KABUPATEN GUNUNGKIDUL: INKLUSIVITAS KESEJAHTEERAAN DAN KESETARAAN GENDER

Nglanggeran Village, Gunungkidul Regency has high natural tourism potential which is driven by the innovation ability of its citizens in managing this potential. This study aims to analyze how the political aspect in Nglanggeran Village, Gunungkidul Regency is framing innovation in the tourism sector and how innovation in tourism in Nglanggeran Village, Gunungkidul Regency is able to encourage inclusiveness of welfare and gender equality. To do this, this research uses qualitative methods by conducting interviews and quantitative methods by conducting perception surveys to stakeholders. The results of this study indicate that development and innovation have been carried out by Nglanggeran village which have an impact on improving the welfare of the villagers. The initiation of this innovation comes from the ideas and ideas of community members. However, in its execution there is the participation of various stakeholders. Innovation in Nglanggeran village has a positive impact on people's income, especially for those whose livelihoods are related to tourism management and their MSMEs. However, for residents who do not work in this field, they still feel the benefits, one of which is the improvement of facilities or access to their village. In addition, female residents have the same opportunity to provide their views and opinions in the formulation of the tourism village activity program. In addition, capacity building for women is also well implemented.
 Keywords: Development and Village Innovation, Prosperity, Gender Equality

Women, ICT Usage, and Structural Transformation in Ghana: a Study of Manya and Yilo Krobo Municipalities

Purpose –– The study examines women's participation in structural transformation and how ICTs are used in processes that support business enterprise using the current penetration rate of (ICTs) in the Ghanaian economy. Methods –– A case study approach was adopted to investigate how women have used ICT to chart structural transformation in Ghana within the Manya and Yilo Krobo Municipalities. Findings –– The study identified that significant challenges confronted women in their quest to use ICT, ranging from the high cost of equipment and data, to a high illiteracy rate, and unstable internet connections, among other things. Conclusion and Recommendation –– The study's findings revealed that some female educators and entrepreneurs in municipalities had adopted ICT to advance their businesses. It is recommended that the Assemblies should invest in public education initiatives as well as in specific ICT training and capacity building for women.

A Systematic Review on Women’s Disaster Adaptation Strategies in Changing Climate

Climate change has posed a serious threat to humanity, particularly to women, who are among the most vulnerable. Adaptation as a measure of disaster mitigation has received a lot of attention in the wake of climate change, but nearly all of it has disregarded women's contribution to disaster adaptation as a change agent. This research aims to review the available literature on women's adaptation methods in the face of climate-related disasters. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) technique was used to guide this research. With a thorough screening method, 19 articles out of 695 were selected utilizing two databases: Scopus and EBSCo discovery service. The findings are presented in a thematic way titled after the various adaption tactics employed by women across the world. The findings suggest that women have demonstrated their ability to use beneficial adaptation techniques in the face of several societal constraints, including reproductive responsibility. As a result of the findings, certain policy recommendations have been made, emphasizing the relevance of women's capacity building in disaster impact mitigation.

Predictors of skilled maternal health services utilizations: A case of rural women in Ethiopia.

BackgroundMaternal health services are affected by complex factors from one setting to another. Consequently, health planners should prioritize different interventions and design appropriate programs to enhance maternal health services utilization. Results of prior studies are conflicting. Furthermore, only few studies were done from antenatal to postnatal continuum of care in Ethiopia.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess prevalence and predictors of skilled maternal health services utilization at Dale-Wonsho health and demographic surveillance site of the Hawassa University, South Ethiopia, in 2019.MethodsA community based cross sectional study was conducted from January 1–30; 2019. A total of 682 women who gave birth in the last twelve months were selected by using a two stage sampling technique. Data were collected through face to face interview. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1. Then, they were exported and analyzed by SPSS version 22. Bi-variable logistic regression analysis was done and variables with p-value less than 0.05 were considered as candidate for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were computed, and p-value less than 0.01 was computed to determine the level of significance.ResultPrevalence of antenatal care, institutional delivery and postnatal care utilizations were 69.1%, 52.1% and 32.7% respectively. Educated women (AOR = 4.72, 95%CI,2.82,7.9), household training (AOR = 8.52,95%CI = 5.5,13.1), middle wealth quantile(AOR = 0.8,95%CI,0.4–0.7), being richest wealth quantile (AOR = 0.16;95%CI = 0.06,0.41) and pregnancy plan (AOR = 3.65,95%CI,1.67–8.0) were factors positively associated with antenatal care utilization. Husband education (AOR = 4.96,95CI,3.08–8.0), and antenatal care (AOR = 5.9; 95%CI,3.87,9.1) were factors associated with institutional delivery. Maternal education (AOR = 2.5,95CI,1.4–4.4), information about postnatal care service utilization (AOR = 3.6,95CI,2.1,6.2) and women autonomy(AOR = 6.1,95CI,3.8,9.7) were positively associated with postnatal care service.ConclusionPrevalence of antenatal care, institutional delivery and postnatal care services were lower than the targeted plan. Policy makers should focus on capacity building of women both economically and academically. So, women should be more autonomous to utilize health services effectively. Moreover, awareness creation among women should be enhanced about maternal health service.

Capacity Building for Women in Disaster Management: Lessons from Super Cyclone, Odisha

Capacity Building for Women in Disaster Management: Lessons from Super Cyclone, Odisha

Enhancing Businees Capacity of PRO Women Program: Decision Making Roles in Family and Community

This research is an evaluation of the implementation of the PRO WOMEN Program carried out on Lombok Island, NTB, one of series of community empowerment programs carried out by Yayasan Rumah Energi (YRE). The study considers the effect of increasing business capacity on the role of decision making in participating families and communities. This type of research is quantitative descriptive research. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires, structured and unstructured interviews. The results of the study indicate that there was an increase in business capacity in pro-women program participants that affected their decision-making roles in the family and community. The results of this study will be put forward with a recommendation for the development of Human Resources in NTB Province and Lombok Island in particular.
 Keywords: social entrepreneurship, capacity building for women, pro women program, women empowerment, funded by Yayasan Rumah Energi

Biodiversity conservation initiative in Nepal

The study aims to assess the biodiversity conservation initiative in Nepal. The focus group discussion, score ranking, key informant interview, field observation methods were used to collect the information from the study areas. The study focused on Terai Arc landscape, National Conservation Areas and Sacred Himalayan Landscape of Nepal. In the areas around 5000 ha forests have been restored in different critical corridors and 1085 ha grassland had been managed across TAL which has supported in improving quality habitat for Tiger, its prey based species and other wildlife species. The overwhelming majority of the respondents (98.63%) have found happy with the programs because the improvement of sustainable livelihoods of the poor people, conservation of species and ecosystem conservation, sustainable forest management, alternative energy and conservation education and capacity building of women, men, youths, ethnic groups and conflict affected people. There has been increased species population like tiger, rhino, snow leopard, blue sheep etc; increased community stewardship, habitat restoration and livelihood enhancement. The program launched with government and civil society organizations that lead to sustainability of the program. There have been faced challenges in order to wildlife conservation that include human-wildlife conflict, limited resources, transboundary movement and wildlife trade etc.

African Women on the Film Festival Landscape

African Women on the Film Festival Landscape Beti Ellerson (bio) Click for larger view View full resolution Figure C. Women gather at FESPACO festival. Courtesy of FESPACO. [End Page 59] A vital function of the film festival is in its capacity to showcase on a local, continental and international level, the works of African women, and to serve as a networking space to professionalize their experiences as stakeholders on the global film festival landscape. As these entities proliferate on the continent and internationally, African women are leading the way, often at the helm of or in top-level positions at these institutions. The objective of many local film festivals is to facilitate an interconnected triadic relationship between the film, filmmaker and audience—especially with the organization of press conferences and panel discussions. Hence cultivating a critical audience via ciné-clubs and after-screening debates has been a long-standing practice of these local film initiatives. Drawing from this background and historical context, this article and the associated timeline, outline: women's film festival practices in Africa as a vehicle for promoting leadership and featuring women as role models; the cultural leadership functions that African women have taken on at the helm of film festivals on the continent and the diaspora; the diverse film festivals in Africa and their initiatives toward the empowerment and advancement of women in cinema; the showcasing of African women at African film festivals around the world; the flagship international film festivals and their interest in including African women in the global cinematic conversation. As there is an abundance of African and women-related film events, because of their obvious relevance they are described in the timeline that follows the discussion, while a few select festivals receive more detailed focus because of their historical importance, longevity and significance to this analysis of African women and film festival practices. Furthermore, this piece examines film festival practices and discourses to demonstrate the strategic function they have played in strengthening African women's participation in the myriad spheres of the moving image and beyond. Notably, Burkinabe Alimata Salembéré's trailblazing role in the creation of FESPACO carved a space for women who journey in her [End Page 60] path, as founders, organizers, curators, and stakeholders of film festivals (film events, screening venues, cinema conferences-symposia-colloquia). Likewise, it reveals the importance of film festival practices in the promotion, advancement, and visibilization of African women in cinema, visual media and screen culture over the past Fifty years. One of the particularities of the article is that it is informed by my primary-source based research derived from interviews with organizers, programmers, curators, festival planners, and other key players; the collection of posters, festival programs and catalogues; as well as my own participation at festivals as jury president and as member, as consultant, panelist, facilitator, and as festival participant. What inspired me to frame the film festival as a site of inquiry developed as I recognized the undeniable role that FESPACO—from its inception in 1969—and the cinema-related structures that it supports, have played in the capacity building of women in cinema as leaders. The interplay between FESPACO and the initiatives that derive from its prominence for a generation are now part of the cinematic landscape across the continent. The MICA marketplace, the Cinémathèque, Journées Cinématographiques de la Femme Africaine de l'Image (African Women Image Makers Cinema Days). This is the first mention of the JCFA, Institut Imagine, the historic film school INAFEC that existed between 1977 and 1987, all based in Burkina Faso, are important stakeholders in the country's cinema culture. While film festival scholarship highlights the significance of women's film festivals towards the global visibility of women in cinema since their rise in the 1970s, the emergence of continental-based film festivals/days in the 1960s marks the beginnings of an African-women presence in the milieu of the film festival event, notably the Journées Cinématographiques de Carthage (JCC), the Carthage Film Festival, created in 1966 in Tunisia and as noted, FESPACO in Burkina Faso. The JCC's recognition of women dates to its early history, particularly at...

Challenges of Capacity Building for Women’s Group in the Coastal Area

This study aims to evaluate institutional capacity building program and their impact on the welfare of coastal women. The study employed qualitative method and data was collected through structured interviews and observations on the lives of coastal women’s families. A total of 5 group leaders and 25 group members were investigated in this study. The study identifies four main finding. First, the capacity building program was carried out sporadically and unstructured so that it did not have a significant impact on the development of the group and its members. Second, the absence of mentoring and marketing assistance for group business products. Third, the training program was effective in increase the ability of women in groups to process seaweed into various types of processed food, but are constrained by capital and product marketing issues so that their skills cannot be utilized optimally. And fourth, capacity building programs give little attention to the socio-cultural problems of the community, even though Cultural issues are an important factor in increasing the capacity of women’s groups.

Women's Capacity Building of Informal Sector Workers in Rural Areas (Case of "Boiled Corn Seller" In Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province)

The number of women local workers in the informal sector increases. Most of the women are those who live and work in poverty. One of the informal jobs is seller of corn on the cob, which is known as Boiled Corn Seller (BCS) women. The study is a case study with qualitative approach. These BCS women sell their corn along the provincial axis road in Pondidaha Sub-district of Konawe District, Indonesia. The data collection techniques used were observation methods, indepth interviews, and FGDs. The results showed that (1) BCS women still had access to capital resources, production facilities and labor, but faced difficulties in production equipment, labor, training and money; (2) the processing, marketing and distribution of corn on the cob were dominated by BCS women; and (3) the conceptual model planned for capacity building was a local food diversification program.

Women, Culture and Africa's Land Reform Agenda.

Pre-colonial Africa prides itself on adherence to diverse cultural affinity and traditional belief systems, which defines the place of women in respect to land access, use and ownership. Land resources continue to play important roles in both agrarian and industrial societies; thus the absence of effective land management and gender construction in land allocations has deepened gender inequality, restricted women’s capacity building and agricultural development in Africa. This article explores the impact of traditional African practices and cultural beliefs on women’s land ownership and use, and also reconciles women’s land rights (access and control) with the realities of land reform in post-colonial Africa. It explores how gender inequalities, in terms of land ownership and rights, have jeopardized attempts at agricultural productivity and sustainable development in Africa. However, it is tasking to ‘universalize’ African culture and locate it in a center, due to the diverse cultural values found in Africa. However, there are certain belief systems that run through most African communities, such as the denial of women’s land rights and the patriarchal nature of societies. Thus, the article found that, despite the development of legal frameworks that expand women’s property rights, cases of cultural impediments to the exercise of land rights abound in Africa.

Protecting Women and Girls from Harmful Traditional Practices: Evaluating State Responses in the Bench-Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Protecting Women and Girls from Harmful Traditional PracticesEvaluating State Responses in the Bench-Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia Zelalem Shiferaw Woldenmichael (bio) introduction Admittedly, all practices that entail violations of women's and girl's human rights can be described as harmful. But there are particular forms of violence perpetrated against women and girls that community members in certain regions defend on the basis of tradition, culture, religion, or superstition. These are termed harmful traditional practices or HTPs, according to the elaboration made by the United Nations' Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights.1 The most widely practiced and documented HTPs that entail violations of women's and girls' rights include female genital mutilation (FGM), forced feeding of women, early marriage, nutritional taboos and traditional birth practices, son preference, female infanticide, early pregnancy, and dowry price.2 With a view to ameliorating the daunting consequences of HTPs, the binding international human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) included provisions that help to address HTPs. The CEDAW under Article 2(f), for example, requires state parties to take all appropriate measures to modify or abolish existing customs and practices that constitute discrimination against women. Given the fact that HTPs are forms of discriminatory treatment perpetrated against women, this provision is of great help in protecting women and girls from HTPs.3 The CRC also unequivocally obliges state parties to take all effective and appropriate measures to abolish traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children.4 Currently, most member states of the UN have ratified the international [End Page 297] human rights treaties mentioned.5 By way of passing laws that criminalize traditional practices harmful to women and girls and taking administrative and other appropriate measures, ratifying states have also made an effort to give effect to the provisions of the treaties.6 Though these measures represent a milestone in the protection of the rights of women and girls, recent studies conducted in a number of states have revealed that HTPs are still causing serious human rights violations on women and girls.7 The situation in Ethiopia is not an exception. The findings of various research initiatives and the concluding remarks of the monitoring bodies of the UN regarding the implementation of the CRC and CEDAW by the government of Ethiopia indicates that much needs to be done to protect women and girls effectively from HTPs.8 The Bench-Maji zone is among the areas in Ethiopia where HTPs are prevalent. In this study I have considered the most dominant HTPs affecting women and girls in the Bench-Maji zone of southwest Ethiopia. In so doing, I have analyzed the nature and consequences of the practices on women and girls. Furthermore, by examining the existing practical situation in the zone, I have evaluated whether the government of Ethiopia is discharging its international obligation of abolishing HTPs to the extent required. In conducting the study I have deployed mixed research methods. Hence I have used both qualitative and quantitative data. In so far as the qualitative data is concerned, I have conducted in-depth interviews with officials concerned, like the Women's Capacity Building Process chief for Youth, Child and Women's Affairs in the Bench-Maji zone, the head of the public prosecution department, and public prosecutors. I have analyzed documents incorporating pertinent information in relation to the issue under consideration gathered from the Culture, Tourism and Communication Bureau of the Bench-Maji zone. Regarding the quantitative aspect, I have utilized questionnaires to collect information from residents of the research site. In determining the sample size, I applied a purposive sampling technique. Accordingly, I distributed questionnaires to some selected members of the community having adequate information about HTPs pervasive in their respective areas. overview of the bench-maji zone The Bench-Maji zone is in the southwestern part of Ethiopia. Mizan-Teferi is the administrative center of the zone.9 It is located at 561 km southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa.10 Based on the 2007 census conducted by the Central Statistics Agency, this zone (19,252...

Empowering and Capacitating Women Facing Challenges in the Formation of Income Generating Projects in the Nkayi District of Zimbabwe

Studies indicate that most women living in the informal settlements are usually poor and financially excluded. As such, they rely on income generating projects for their financial upkeep. Given this backdrop, several income-generating projects exist for different purposes, and this study sought to establish challenges that women are experiencing in the formation of these income generating projects in Nkayi District, Zimbabwe. Consistent with Tashakkori and Teddlie (2003) recommendations, this study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The target population comprised of women engaged in income generating projects in Nkayi district. A stratified random sampling technique was employed in which questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 40 women participating in 5 different projects. An in-depth case study on challenges experienced by women in the formation of such income generating projects was needed, and to this end, the study purposively identified five key informants who included the District Social Services Officer, District Community Development Officer (Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development), two elders from the informal settlement and one Chief. Findings of the study revealed that some of the major challenges experienced by women in the formation of these income generating projects were patriarchal in nature, lack of financial support and role conflict in terms of chores and duties that these women carried out in these projects. The study recommended the Gender and Development approach in order to empower men with information on the importance of women participation in income generating projects. The study further recommended capacity building for women to help them understand how to apply for government loans and bank loans. Finally, the Ministry of small-medium enterprises should play a positive and practical role to ensure a country wide coverage of financial development fund reaching the most affected areas including women in Nkayi District.

Promoting Women's Capacity Building to Adapt to Climate Change in Uzbekistan

In developing economies, such as Uzbekistan, the state does not have adequate finances for environment and health protection and the situation has not improved over the years. There is a need for mobilizing the population to make an effort to protect local ecosystems and people's health. The goal of the local women's groups is therefore to ensure reduction of diseases in families and the negative impact of climate change on the environment by increasing levels of awareness, by providing appropriate training to women and youth. For this they need to make effective use of available resources, rather than demanding major investments, by using pedagogical and psychological methods to influence ordinary inhabitants.

Capacity Building for Women in African Countries: A Case Study of Sierra Leone

Capacity-building has become an attractive and important component of development planning and programming in Sierra Leone’s post-conflict rebuilding. The breakdown of socio-economic structures and infrastructure under conflict has warranted ongoing efforts to restore peace and promote development. Consequently, qualitative and quantitative measures at facilitating the process have become key in the capacity-building process. In the case of women this has further inured from histories of discrimination most of which stems from socio-cultural factors and forces. Ongoing efforts have thus targeted women’s capacity-building as part of efforts to empower them. This work examines capacity building efforts for the women of Sierra Leone. It focuses on how global and national efforts have served women’s empowerment needs socio-economically and politically and argues that socio-cultural factors have been critical in limiting benefits from the efforts. The paper is informed by conceptual analysis of existing literature and official documentation. It finds a trend of movement building, which has been championed by NGOs, whose efforts have been supported by global movements and yet impeded by the gendered socio-cultural contexts in which they operate.KEY WORDS: Women’s Empowerment, Social Movements, Non-government organizations, gendered socio-cultural system, capacity-building.