Empowerment Of Groups Research Articles

Effects of Table Banking on Socio-Economic Empowerment of Households in Turkana County, Kenya.

Table banking is a concept that has gained popularity in the recent past in Kenya. The aim of this type of informal banking is to enhance the socio-economic status of citizens, particularly those from poor areas of the country. However, measuring and tracking changes in the levels of socio-economic empowerment of households through table banking is not well documented, although it is becoming popular, especially among women groups in Kenya. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of table banking on the socio-economic empowerment of households in Turkana County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: to establish the effect of table banking financial accessibility, table banking awareness, table banking group participation, table banking group credit risks management strategies on socio-economic empowerment in Turkana County. The study is guided by the theory of change by Loiseau and Walsh 2015, vulnerable group theory of financial inclusion and public good theory of financial inclusion. The study adopted descriptive survey design where questionnaires were used to get primary data. Secondary data was used to validate the primary data collection. The study involved a sample of 398 members drawn using simple random sampling method from a population of 60,500 Table banking members from Kalobeyei ward, Kakuma ward in Turkana West Subcounty in Turkana County. A total of 398 questionnaires were administered with a return rate of 97.0%. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study relied on Pearson’s correlation, linear regression and factor analysis to draw inferences from the responses. Statistical analysis was done with the aid of statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) software version 24. The findings of the study revealed a strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between access to finance and socio-economic empowerment of households. The findings of the study also showed a fairly, strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between table banking awareness on socio-economic of households. Besides, the findings revealed a very strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between Table banking and active group participation on socio-economic empowerment of women. The results of the study also revealed a very strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between table banking credit risk management strategies and socio-economic empowerment of women. According to the findings, this study recommends continuous, operative and thorough training of all groups involved in table banking to enhance their capacity in leading the groups and enhancing financial management capability and performance. Additionally, the study recommends creating a functional system for financial access through the use of several financial products at affordable prices, this focuses on government considering increasing the avenues and mechanisms for socioeconomic empowerment of women and special interest groups, especially in the rural areas. As shown in this study, findings provide evidence of active participating of women in the table banking compared to men involvement, based on this it will also be pivotal to further research the basis of men’s involvement in table banking and how affects their contribution to socio -economic empowerment at the household level.

Empowerment of Community Groups to Realize Food Security

The general background food security is a critical global challenge that influences community well-being and development. The specific background in rural contexts, community empowerment is vital for addressing food security issues; however, the mechanisms and dynamics of such empowerment are often underexplored. The knowledge gap while existing literature emphasizes the importance of empowerment, there is a lack of detailed studies focusing on specific strategies that effectively enhance community resilience in food security. The aims this research aims to describe and analyze the empowerment of community groups in achieving food security, using a case study approach in a specific rural area. Results the study reveals that key indicators—authority, confidence and competence, trust, opportunities, responsibilities, and support—play significant roles in empowering community groups, leading to improved food security outcomes. The novelty this research introduces a comprehensive framework that interlinks these indicators, providing new insights into their collective impact on community food security initiatives. The implications emphasize the necessity for sustained support from local governments and active community participation, advocating for collaborative efforts to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of food security programs in rural communities. Highlights: Community empowerment is essential for achieving food security in rural areas. Key indicators for success include authority, trust, and support from local governments. A collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of food security initiatives. Keywords: Community Empowerment, Food Security, Rural Development, Participatory Approach, Sustainable Agriculture

Challenges faced by international medical graduate (IMG) residents interested in hematology-oncology.

29 Background: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) comprise over one-third of internal medicine (IM) trainees and practicing oncologists in the United States. We aimed to examine challenges faced by IM IMG residents in pursuing hematology-oncology (HO) fellowship positions. Methods: We conducted a pilot survey using SurveyPluto to assess demographics and evaluate visa related challenges amongst ACGME residents interested in HO. The survey was disseminated through the ASCO IMG Community of Practice (CoP), the Heme-Onc Fellows Mentorship Empowerment (H.O.M.E) group and the IMG Oncologists social media homepage (@IMG_Oncologists). Results: A total of 59 IMG residents completed the survey (20% PGY-1, 36% PGY-2 and 44% PGY-3). The majority of trainees (88%) were from community or university-affiliated community programs. J-1 visa was the most common visa type (67.8%). The visa process was rated as difficult or very difficult by 36% of trainees. Annual visa renewal was required by 51% trainees and 55.9% reported visa related impact on plans for research grant applications (Table). The greatest challenges associated with visa status were disruption of travel plans and inability to unite with family (35.6%); obtaining documentation from home country (33.9%); visa renewal (28.8%) and lack of clarity in visa instructions (27.1%). Among resources that respondents wanted better access to, IMG networking groups (81.4%), legal/financial aids (47.5%), institutional visa seminars (45.8%) and flexibility from their program to visit family overseas (45.8%) were identified as priorities. Conclusions: Visa related barriers pose significant challenges to IMGs interested in HO. Policy changes, advocacy work and additional resources could be beneficial for future IMG oncologists. Challenges associated with visa status for hematology/oncology aspirants. Greatest visa related barriers during training % of respondents (n=59) Documentation from home country 33.9% Disruption in travel plans/ inability to unite with family 35.6% Lack of clarity in renewal instructions/ renewal process post document procurement 55.9% Ability to secure grant affected by visa 22% Non-monetary grant aspects affected by visa 13.6% Did not pursue grants due to visa 20.3% Desired resources during residency Institutional visa seminars 45.8% IMG network groups 81.4% Program flexibility to visit family overseas/ legal and financial aids 45.8%/47.5%

Effect of Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Program on Productivity and Income of Coffee Farmers in West Java

This study investigates the impact of Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Programs on the Productivity and Income of coffee farmers in West Java. The research utilizes a quantitative approach with a sample of 200 coffee farmers and significantly positively affect ploys Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) to analyze the relationships between the key variables. The results indicate that both Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Programs significantly positively affect Productivity and Income. However, Farmer Group Empowerment shows a stronger impact on productivity compared to training programs, emphasizing the importance of collective action in enhancing farming practices. These findings highlight the need for an integrated approach to agricultural development, combining empowerment with technical training to ensure sustainable improvements in farmers' livelihoods. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural development practitioners seeking to promote rural development and increase smallholder farmers' productivity and income.

Migrant traders, social capital, and the politics of local wisdom: A descriptive study of Warung Madura networks in Jakarta, Indonesia

This article examines the factors driving the survival and self-reliance of Madurese migrant traders in Jakarta, Indonesia. Specifically, it aims to refine the long-standing argument that minority migrant groups are forced to adapt, become marginalized, and shed their identities. By combining perspectives on social capital and the politics of local wisdom, this mixed-method study provides an in-depth analysis of how Madurese migrant traders establish and develop networks of small grocery stalls, known as “Warung Madura,” in Jakarta. Our findings reveal that social capital – through strong Madurese ethnic and religious values, norms, networks, and trust among members – is the main driving force behind the success of these traders in Jakarta. Furthermore, strict adherence to local wisdom, specifically Madurese culture and traditional Islamic teachings, significantly contributes to their survival and self-reliance. The results suggest that the survival strategies employed by Madurese migrant traders, based on certain social capital and local wisdom, could serve as a model for the socioeconomic empowerment of urban ethnic migrant groups.

Reproducing poverty through participation: examining the constraints of community development strategies in fostering empowerment and social change

Abstract Community participation is often heralded as a remedy to the disadvantages faced by marginalized people, with the assumption that it catalyses empowerment and social change. However, in development practice, this view may overlook the intricate power dynamics that reinforce marginalization and how they interplay within local communities and with external developers. This paper seeks to examine how power relations in and beyond the local level influence participatory community development initiatives and their potential to challenge or reinforce disadvantage. It focuses on the Rural Support Programmes Network’s much-touted ‘three-tier social mobilization strategy’ in Northwest Pakistan as a qualitative case study, using participant and non-participant observation, document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that active participation by local people in community development processes does not always catalyse empowerment and social change. Without a deliberate reconfiguration of traditional exclusionary power relations, participation in community initiatives may simply perpetuate social exclusion for disadvantaged groups. Existing social structures allow traditionally powerful people to use participatory processes to reproduce and/or further reinforce their power and control via ‘strategic compliance’. The study concludes that community development programmes require a nuanced understanding of power dynamics and a deliberate effort to reconfigure those dynamics to foster meaningful engagement and empowerment of disadvantaged groups.

Identifying pregnant and postpartum women’s priorities for enhancing nutrition support through social needs programmes in a resource-constrained urban community in South Africa

BackgroundMalnutrition remains a pressing public health concern for mothers and children in South Africa. Despite the government’s multisectoral response, unaddressed social needs prevent some mothers getting full benefit from interventions, spanning financial planning, income stability, housing, access to government services, social support, and provision of affordable, nutritious foods. Engaging with mothers and prioritising their concerns is important if we wish to overcome obstacles to women benefiting from government nutrition interventions. This study aimed to identify the programmes that women perceived as a priority in addressing the social needs of mothers of young infants and pregnant women to enhance nutrition in a resource-constrained urban township in South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional study employed a quantitative preference elicitation survey, administered to 210 mothers and pregnant women from five primary healthcare facilities in Soweto. The survey tool was developed with the community to identify unmet social needs and potential solutions, which were synthesised with findings from the literature. The survey described 15 programmes, grouped into three delivery levels: clinics, community, and government. Participants were required to rank programme options in two stages. First, they selected their top two programmes within each delivery level. Subsequently, they allocated stickers to indicate the strength of their preference among the top programmes across the levels. Rankings were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe highest priority was given to five programmes. Two delivered at the community level: Women’s economic empowerment groups and Job search assistance, two at the clinic level: Social needs assessment and referral, and Prescription-based food, and one at the government level: Free quality childcare. The lowest-ranked programmes were two clinic-based programmes, specifically Maternal nutrition groups and Couple antenatal education.ConclusionWomen expressed strong views about which programmes should be prioritised to support mothers and pregnant women in addressing their social needs and improving nutrition. Key areas included providing support with job searching and entrepreneurship, accessing childcare and the healthy foods recommended at clinics, as well as finding information on available community and government services. Leveraging multisectoral collaboration, aligned policy objectives, efficient public financing, and strengthened implementation capacity will be pivotal in delivering these programmes.

Menggali Penyebab Tingginya Kasus Penularan Penyakit Seksual di Kabupaten Kuningan Perspektif Ham dalam Peraturan Bupati No 362 Tahun 2022

Transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS is a public health problem that is still a global challenge. This article aims to analyze the factors causing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and stigma towards people with HIV/AIDS, and to examine solutions that support human rights. The results of the analysis show that social, economic, cultural, and structural factors, such as poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to health information and services, increase the vulnerability of certain community groups to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Meanwhile, widespread stigma and discrimination in society have robbed the basic rights of people with HIV, especially the right to health, work, and social participation. This article suggests a human rights-based approach as a comprehensive solution. Preventive and treatment interventions carried out, legal protection and anti-discrimination policies, empowerment of communities and vulnerable groups, and increasing government accountability. The implementation of these solutions is expected to address the root of the problem and encourage the fulfillment of human rights related to sexual and reproductive health. The conclusions obtained in this study include efforts to increase access to comprehensive health services, accompanied by effective public education campaigns. In addition, legal and policy reforms that respect the human rights of people with sexually transmitted diseases are also important steps to address stigma and discrimination.

An Assessment of Social Media Usage Patterns and Influences among Tribal Naga Women of North East India

Social media platforms have been acclaimed as providing immense potential for the empowerment of diverse societal groups regardless of gender, caste, class or race. But studies on women’s online experiences have authenticated the hindrances faced by women in access and engagement in social media discourses. This study aimed to assess the pattern of social media use, influences and hindrances faced by tribal Naga women of North East India in their engagement in social media public platforms. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey of 360 female respondents from the States of Nagaland and Manipur. The results showed that WhatsApp Messaging is the most popular platform (n=338) among Naga women, followed by YouTube (n=298) and Facebook (n=286). About seventy-four per cent (74.55%) of the respondents stated that they access social media several times daily. Using social media for news and information ranked the highest (95.93%) followed by social relationships (92.51%). It was observed that social media exposure and usage has positively increased Naga women’s gender awareness (97.16%) as well as their awareness of political and civic issues (96.15 %). However it has not significantly increased their public opinion expression (20%) on socio-political and civic issues. The main hindrances in engagement on social media discussions were Lack of Knowledge about issues (73.98%), followed by a Lack of Interest (71.13%) and a Lack of Time (62.14%). Based in the findings, despite the hindrances and low level of engagement in social media public discourses, it was concluded that Naga women’s information seeking behaviour being the main motivation behind social media could be a positive indicator for the development of their agency.

Empowerment of Women's Groups in Increasing Income through Nugget Businesses Made from Tilapia Fish in Macang Sakti Village Musi Banyuasin

Empowerment of Women's Groups in Increasing Income through Nugget Businesses Made from Tilapia Fish in Macang Sakti Village Musi Banyuasin

Character Development in Children of Baitul Hidayah Foundation (East Jakarta)

Character development education for children remains largely overlooked, with the majority only receiving instruction within elementary school classrooms, lacking practical activities to enhance their awareness. In our community empowerment project at the Baitul Hidayah Foundation, we endeavored to address this gap by providing materials, educational sessions, games, and project activities centered around children's character development, employing the 4-color character approach. Our efforts were guided by research focusing on children's character education and its impact on their comprehension of the significance of possessing good character to nurture positive relationships with peers, siblings, and others. Furthermore, following the outcomes of the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving the Baitul Hidayah Cijantung Foundation and Group 6 members, it became evident that the Baitul Hidayah Foundation had previously neglected character development education for its students, to the extent of never incorporating it into their curriculum. Therefore, our Community Empowerment Group 4 set out to rectify this deficiency by educating students at the Baitul Hidayah Foundation about the importance of character and providing guidance on its practical application.

Implementation of the ecohumanist concept in the Grand Maerakaca tourism space, Semarang, Indonesia

The aim of this study is to explain the implementation of ecotourism and the humanist (eco-humanist) perspective in the tourism space of Grand Maerakaca. This research has used qualitative methods to explore issues related to these concepts as implemented in Grand Maerakaca. Observations and interviews with tourists from various demographic segments were conducted to get information related to their ability to access ecotourism spaces. The results show that not all tourist providers in Grand Maerakaca implement the eco-humanist concept such as shown by the absence of local community participation and the empowerment of vulnerable groups. Besides, some tourist paths are inaccessible and dangerous for older tourists and children. Some of these are reasons why Grand Maerakaca is not attractive to tourists. The findings were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques to obtain a perspective related to ecohumanist implementation in Grand Maerakaca. The output of this research is to suggest forms of this implementation in tourist spaces in Grand Maerakaca that can accommodate all tourists and can increase tourist visits.

Exploring the Experiences of Regional and Rural Revictimized Women in a Group Empowerment Program

ABSTRACT Sexual revictimization can have a negative impact on many facets of women’s wellbeing, yet limited evidence exists regarding specific interventions that support healing and the reduction of further revictimization. This paper will explore regional and rural women’s experience of a group-based empowerment program, the Shark Cage program, in Victoria, Australia. The “Shark Cage” program aims to address revictimization by empowering women and girls to build personal boundaries and assertiveness within the context of gender equality and human rights. Data were collected via participant observations across the 8-week program, in combination with semi-structured interviews with participants (N = 11) pre and post intervention. All participants had access to therapeutic support outside of the program. Findings indicate that the program fostered connections among women with shared experiences of sexual revictimization, reducing feelings of isolation. Participants detailed the benefit of developing and practicing skills in reducing revictimization, such as assertiveness and boundary setting. Program learning and recovery was embedded within a network of embodied emotions, social connections, cultural norms and place-based relations that influenced how participants recovery could be understood, processed and addressed.

Peer Group Empowerment to Improve Teenagers' Behavior in Consuming Blood Supplement Tablets Through the Youth Integrated Healthcare Center Program

Peer Group Empowerment to Improve Teenagers' Behavior in Consuming Blood Supplement Tablets Through the Youth Integrated Healthcare Center Program

The sustainability of group empowerment and training for people with diabetes in South Africa.

Group empowerment and training (GREAT) for people with type 2 diabetes enables self-management and lifestyle modification. GREAT for diabetes was implemented in primary care facilities in five South African provinces in the beginning of 2022. The aim was to evaluate implementation and to particularly explore factors that influenced the sustainability of implementation. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 17 key stakeholders at the end of 2023. Interviews explored factors within a theory of change framework derived from an initial evaluation in 2022. Data were analysed using the framework method and ATLAS.ti. Implementation and scale-up was sustained in the Western Cape. Governance and financing at a provincial and district level were key to health system structures. Space, staffing, resource materials and monitoring of implementation were key to the inputs. Facility managers, training and performance of facilitators, including the whole team, selecting patients, patient flow and appointments, stakeholder support and clinical governance were key to service delivery. Facilities that had implemented, reported reaching 300 patients per year. A range of motivational, behavioural and clinical outcomes were reported. Future implementation could include community health workers and group empowerment for insulin initiation. Implementation and scale-up was only sustained in one province and a range of factors related to sustained implementation were identified.Contribution:The factors identified can guide the successful implementation and scale-up of GREAT for diabetes in South Africa.

Pemberdayaan Kelompok Hadrah Kec. Penengahan dengan Pendekatan Multikultural: Penambahan Shalawat Berbahasa Prancis

Hadrah groups in Penengahan District, South Lampung Regency have the potential to be empowered to improve their skills. This study aims to empower Hadrah groups through a multicultural approach by adding French-language shalawat. The research method used is qualitative through a participatory approach. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study showed that: (1) Hadrah groups in Penengahan District, South Lampung Regency have the potential to be developed. They have the enthusiasm to learn and practice; (2) The multicultural approach by adding French-language shalawat can significantly improve the artistic quality of Hadrah and increase Hadrah participation in Penengahan District, South Lampung Regency; and (3) The community and Hadrah groups responded positively to the addition of French-language shalawat. Therefore, it can be stated that the empowerment of Hadrah groups in Penengahan District, South Lampung Regency through a multicultural approach by adding French-language shalawat has proven to be effective in improving the artistic quality of Hadrah and increasing the attractiveness and participation of Hadrah in Penengahan District, South Lampung Regency.

Evaluating the implementation of group empowerment and training (GREAT) for diabetes in South Africa: convergent mixed methods

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes is a leading contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa. Primary care is struggling to support self-management and lifestyle change. Group empowerment and training (GREAT)...

Pemberdayaan Kelompok Wanita Tani Cendawan 31 Melalui Peningkatan Produksi Sayuran Dan Pendapatan Di Kota Pangkalpinang

The concept of urban farming refers to the practice of farming in urban areas, which is usually done on limited land such as house yards, rooftops or vacant lots in the city. Urban farming aims to meet the very high food needs of urban communities when there is a scarcity of land for food production in urban areas. The demand for vegetables is not matched by vegetable production, resulting in inflation. Some of the obstacles faced by KWT Cendawan 31 include: vegetable farming is not yet commercially oriented, management is still simple, motivation and awareness of members are still low, production patterns are not well planned, vegetable price information is still limited, marketing channels are not efficient and simple and limited promotion of vegetable products. This farmer women group empowerment program aims to increase vegetable production & income. The methods used in this program are active participatory methods, mentoring and counseling on vegetable production processes from upstream to downstream. The success of the work program carried out was able to overcome the problem of the lack of creativity and innovation of the Cendawan 31 Women Farmers Group (KWT) in developing the planting of types of vegetables, the low production of vegetables in the area of the Cendawan 31 Women Farmers Group (KWT) and being able to arrange a planting schedule, choosing the right type of plant and rotating the planter.

Exploring the Psychological Impact of Quarantine: An Investigation into Eating Patterns, Emotions, and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece.

The implementation of quarantine measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges linked to adverse psychological effects, notably affecting individuals' eating patterns. This study aimed to investigate the eating patterns of individuals during lockdowns compared across sex, age, and income levels, and examine the influence of positive and negative emotions, as well as loneliness, on these patterns. Across-sectional online studywas conducted with 450 participants (aged 18-74 years old). One questionnaire about demographics, the Demographic Questionnaire, and three validated self-report scales (Eating Attitudes Test, comprising the Dieting, Bulimia, and Food Preoccupation, and Oral Control subscales, the Modified Differential Emotions Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale) were employed. Convenience and snowball sampling were used. The data were collected between April and May 2021, primarily through social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The survey questionnaire was shared via these platforms and users could answer if they wanted. Also, they were asked to send the questionnaire to their closecontacts. Additionally, the survey questionnairewas distributedface-to-face to 80 participants. The statistical analyses included linear regression and mediation analyses. Abnormal eating patterns (e.g. eating behaviors that tend to have signs of diet such as constant avoidance of fattening foods, the individual's involvement with becoming leaner, extreme control or preoccupation with food, overeating and purging methods)were identified in 25% of the 450 participants participated in this survey, aged 18-74 years. Moderate levels of negative/positive emotions and loneliness were predominantly reported.Female sexwas significantly associated withabnormal eating patterns (p=0.010), particularly dietary behaviors (p=0.029).Negative emotions (p=0.032) and loneliness (p=0.001) emerged as predictive factors for overall eating patterns and bulimic behaviors. Negative emotions exhibited a direct correlation with eating patterns, while loneliness played a significant mediating role (p=0.032). Furthermore, the association between negative emotions and bulimia was partially mediated by loneliness (p=0.018). This study underscores the pivotal roles of negative emotions and loneliness in shaping eating patterns during quarantine.Multilevel public health interventionsare needed to address the negative effects of quarantine and pandemics in general. Screening tests for mental health in the school and job environments could highlight the need for shaping interventions, such as counseling, group empowerment, and family support in order to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating behaviors and mental health in general.

Political economy of farmer group empowerment policy to support the achievement of SDGs

The policy of forming and strengthening farmer groups is not a practical solution for advancing agriculture/improving farmer welfare. Strengthening institutions and empowering farmer groups is not merely a matter of agricultural economics, but of political economy. The problem is, there are many technical and non-technical obstacles that place farmer groups as actors in sustainable agricultural policy and development in accordance with SDGs #2. This study discusses the complexity of agricultural problems in Watu Lanur Village, Poco Ranakan Sub-District, East Nusa Tenggara. The less than optimal natural carrying capacity, the socio-economic conditions of rain-fed farmers and the lack of intensive assistance from the government are among the causes. Empowerment of farmer groups is hampered by subsistence ethics and socio-cultural issues (customs/traditions). This study uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews and observations of farmer groups. This study shows that the community is trying to empower itself by helping farmer groups. However, in the process, technical and non-technical obstacles are still found that do not support the community's innovation movement. The conclusion of this study is that farmer group institutions are weakened and less oriented towards implementing sustainable agriculture as a result of the establishment of farmer groups simply to fulfill formal aspects of empowering farmers in order to improve farmer welfare and less use of local knowledge in empowering farmer groups.