Empowerment Strategies Research Articles

PEMBERDAYAAN IMAN KELUARGA KATOLIK MELALUI KEGIATAN LINGKUNGAN DI STASI SUMBER BENING DAN WIDODAREN PAROKI ST. YOSEF NGAWI

Many Catholic couples and families today prefer to choose the easy and shortcut way to solve the problems and challenges related to the family and marriage life. For example, problems of infidelity, economics, domestic violence are often resolved by divorce. This settlement proved to have many negative impacts on the family life. Recognizing these various family challenges and problems, the Surabaya Diocese's pastoral activities during 2023 focussing on the pastoral theme: Living Christ in the Family". During this period, families were guided through various Basic Christian Community's pastoral activities to explore the said pastoral theme. Those activities were part of empowering the faith of Catholic families. The research was conducted with the aim to identify the perception of Catholics at Sumber Bening and Widodaren Basic Christian Communities at Saint Yosef Parish, about the meaning of the Catholic family, discipleship in the family, and empowerment of the Catholic family's faith. The research used a quantitative approach, and the research model used was a survey. The research respondents were heads of Catholic families in the said two Basic Christian Communities. Data collection was carried out using questionnaire techniques, and the data was analyzed descriptively-statistically. The results of the study revealed that majority of respondents said that family is a community and living relationships between individuals who are imbued with the spirit of wholeness, love and gentleness. Families need to have a mature faith in Jesus Christ, and this mature faith requires better and more varied faith empowerment programs and strategies.

Governance of the Gampong Owned Business Entity (BUMG) Jeulanga Mata Ie Bandar Dua District Pidie Jaya District: Study of Policy Implementation Based on the Pidie Jaya Regent Regulation Number 30 of 2020 Concerning the Establishment, Administration, Manag

The Ie Jeulanga Gampong-Owned Enterprise (BUMG) in this case as the party that manages the Bottled Drinking Water (AMDK) production business and the Jeulanga Mata Ie Gampong Government as the capital owner certainly requires in-depth research regarding the governance of the feasibility of the business or business being run so that the process AMDK business development can run effectively and can be useful for the development of the village economy. However, the implementation of BUMG is not without obstacles, there are still several problems in its implementation. Apart from that, the lack of capacity or ability of BUMG managers means that BUMG Ie Jeulanga’s institutional system is not running optimally and is dependent on government assistance so there is no spirit of independence. This research aims to describe and analyze the implementation of BUMG Ie Jeulanga governance policies based on Regent Regulation Number 30 of 2020 and to determine the factors that support and hinder the governance of BUMG Ie Jeulanga. The research method used was descriptive qualitative. Qualitative research was carried out to find information on the impact of empowerment strategies, obstacles, and solutions for BUMG Ie Jeulanga in improving the economy of the village community in Bandar Dua District, Pidie Jaya Regency. This model system regarding BUMG governance includes work plans, management aspects, business capital, human resources, and supporting and inhibiting factors for BUMG Jeulanga Mata Ie. In this research, BUMG policy implementation uses policy implementation formulated by Van Meter and Van Horn. Based on the results of data analysis, field findings, and propositions linked to theoretical studies, it can be concluded that BUMG Ie Jeulanga has significant potential for growth and development, but also faces challenges such as administrative management that has not been managed well, existing financial resources are still inadequate because the level of production capacity is still limited and marketing is still carried out in the sub-district area. Keywords: BUMG, Regent Regulation Number 30 of 2020, governance

Cultural bomb: Empowering non-military defense

This study delves into the concept of the “cultural bomb” within the framework of non-military defense empowerment strategies in Indonesia. This approach can potentially change society’s views and attitudes towards various security threats as a realization of strengthening the defense and security system of the universal people (Sishankamrata) per article 30 paragraph (2) of the 1945 constitution. By leveraging media, education, and information technology, the cultural bomb acts as a social weapon that operates powerfully in the “space of mind,” shaping behavior and actions nonviolently. The issue of cultural threats pertains to the infiltration and imposition of foreign cultural values and practices that undermine local traditions and national identity, leading to social fragmentation and weakness. This study proposes the concept of a “cultural bomb” as a policy framework to address and mitigate these cultural threats. The research employs a qualitative approach using the Delphi technique, engaging experts from cultural studies and defense strategies to reach a consensus on the strategic application of the cultural bomb. The results indicate that the cultural bomb can effectively strengthen national identity and awareness of national defense by promoting local values and cultural resilience, thus enhancing societal cohesion and mitigating the impact of foreign cultural influences. The paper outlines the components of a cultural bomb, analyzes its application in international contexts, and discusses its implications in efforts to strengthen national identity and foster a sense of national defense awareness. Focusing on the “war over space of mind” ideology, it introduces “cultural hacking” as a strategic initiative to address cultural power imbalances in the post-truth era.

Challenges Experienced by Women in Accessing Loan from Women Development Fund in Arusha: A Case of Arusha District Council

Various economic empowerment programs and strategies have been introduced to improve the welfare of marginalized groups, particularly women. One such initiative is the Women Development Fund (WDF) in the Arusha District Council, Tanzania, which was established to provide financial support to women in the region. However, despite its aims, women often face significant challenges when trying to access loans from the fund. This study aims to explore the specific challenges women encounter when seeking loans from the WDF in Arusha District Council. A sample of 60 women beneficiaries was selected as respondents for this study. Data collection methods included household surveys, with community development officers serving as key informants through interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered and analyzed, with findings presented in frequency tables and percentages. The results revealed that women beneficiaries faced multiple challenges in accessing loans. Loan delays were the most frequently reported issue, followed by other obstacles such as excessive bureaucracy, low risk-bearing capacity, sexual harassment, financial bribery, and erotic bribery. These barriers hinder women’s ability to secure the financial resources needed to improve their economic standing. Based on these findings, the study recommends that local government authorities, including the Arusha City Council, implement feedback mechanisms to address loan processing issues and support women beneficiaries more effectively. Additionally, women themselves are encouraged to improve their financial literacy and understanding of financial products and services, particularly those related to WDF loans, to increase their access to and success with such programs.

Barriers and facilitators of healthcare professionals in integrating shared decision-making in pancreatic cancer treatment: A network approach.

Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial in pancreatic cancer treatment due to its choice-sensitive nature and limited prognosis. Treatment of pancreatic cancer is organized in a network approach. Several obstacles exist on different levels-patient, healthcare professional, organizational, societal-that impede integration of SDM. This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to SDM implementation within a comprehensive cancer network. A qualitative research design was applied, involving interviews and focus groups on barriers and facilitators with healthcare professionals involved in the implementation of SDM. In one comprehensive cancer network in the Netherlands, including seven hospitals, a project was initiated with the goal of empowering patients and healthcare professionals in SDM throughout primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings. A total of 17 participants were assessed. Directed qualitative content analysis was performed by two researchers. Main findings revealed barriers such as time constraints, lack of priority of physicians, little involvement of general practitioners, and insufficient social context of patients in referrals, alongside facilitators including learning communities with practical SDM examples, metro mapping, involvement of case manager in implementation and patient empowerment strategies. Addressing cultural, systemic barriers and developing innovative strategies are of importance to enhance SDM in pancreatic cancer treatment in a network approach. This study provides understanding of SDM implementation in complex healthcare settings and offers valuable guidance for future interventions seeking to improve decision-making processes in pancreatic cancer treatment and beyond.

A Bibliometric Review of Creative Economy Entrepreneurship: Implications for Community Empowerment Strategies

This study presents a bibliometric review of creative economy entrepreneurship, focusing on its implications for community empowerment strategies. Using data from Google Scholar and Scopus, the analysis covers publications from 1997 to 2024. The VOSviewer software was used to conduct co-citation, keyword co-occurrence, and network mapping analyses to identify key research trends, influential authors, and emerging topics. Results show that "creative industry" is central to discussions, with frequent connections to themes like "local wisdom," "business development," and "digital transformation." The study highlights the growing importance of digital tools and sustainability in creative entrepreneurship, particularly in empowering marginalized communities. The analysis also reveals distinct author collaboration clusters, pointing to limited interdisciplinary interactions that could benefit from further exploration. Overall, the findings suggest that while creative economy entrepreneurship is a promising tool for community empowerment, more research is needed on digital inclusion, sustainability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This review contributes to the understanding of how creative industries can drive both economic growth and social empowerment.

Community empowerment through home care training to improve the quality of life of patients

Community empowerment is one of the effective strategies to improve patient's quality of life by increasing the capacity of families and communities to provide home care. This service aims to evaluate the impact of home care training on the quality of life of patients with chronic health conditions treated at home. The methods used in the training include theory, practical simulations, and group discussions. The evaluation results showed that the trainees experienced an increase in knowledge and skills in providing home care, which positively impacted patients' quality of life. The program empowers families to treat patients more effectively and reduces the burden on the formal health system by optimizing care at home. This activity concludes that home care training is an effective strategy for community empowerment to improve patients' quality of life and support the sustainability of health care in the community

Einleitung: Gewohnheit, Erfahrung und die ‚schreibende Frau‘

Abstract This introduction summarizes some of the main hypotheses that underly the contributions of this thematic issue of ARTES which is dedicated to the role of habit/custom and experience in the writing of some Early Modern women authors. One hypothesis is that references to habit and experience may have supported Early Modern women writers in their efforts to legitimize their arguments, knowledge and writing, the reason for this being that – due to various social restrictions and expectations – women were often denied access to other fields of knowledge, especially that of so-called book knowledge. Hence, the question arises to what extent the references to habit/custom and experience are connected to the question of female education and female strategies of (self-)empowerment. I will illustrate this using the prominent example of the medieval writer Christine de Pizan. Since the specific nature of female claims can only be assessed against the background of male writing practices, I will also make some introductory remarks on habit/custom and experience with reference to Early Modern male authors.

Unravelling elder abuse through a human rights lens: a case study.

This article examines the connection between human rights and elder abuse, employing a human rights-based approach. Through a critical examination of a fictional case study on elder abuse, the discussion highlights the vital role of nurses when safeguarding the rights of older individuals in residential care settings. The PANEL framework - encompassing Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Empowerment and Legality - is a comprehensive guide for safeguarding practice and is applied to the example provided. By applying this human rights-based approach, nurses can proactively address elder abuse, ensuring individuals' rights are protected, promoted and supported. Through accountability measures, non-discriminatory practices, empowerment strategies and adherence to legal standards, the authors advocate for a holistic approach to enhance the quality of care and foster a safe environment for older adults.

Strategi Pemberdayaan Kehidupan Sosial, Agama dan Ekonomi pada Keluarga Single Mother di Kelurahan Rojoimo Kabupaten Wonosobo

Single mothers in the Wonosobo area always increase every year, divorce is the main reason. The strategy of empowering social, religious and economic life in single mother families is very important for the life of single mothers in the midst of incomplete social and family life. The role of Islamic religious counselors is very much needed to realize the empowerment of social, religious and economic life in single mother families where they live among the majority of intact families. This research aims to find strategies for empowering social, religious and economic life in single mother families, especially in the Rojoimo sub-district. Wonosobo Regency. To achieve this goal, this research applies a qualitative approach to single mother families in the Rojoimo sub-district of Wonosobo. The findings of this research identify that Islamic religious instructors have a role in empowering single mothers. The empowerment strategy is carried out by applying social roles, economic roles and religious roles.

From desperation to best practice: Spatial decision-making in the regeneration of Gyldenrisparken

Post-war social housing estates in Europe have been undergoing wide-scale regeneration to improve the physical decay of these sites and address the concentration of vulnerable residents in these areas, which has resulted in their social segregation, marginalisation and stigmatisation. As these estates cover and affect quite large public spaces, holistic approaches have recently been adopted. Bearing in mind that each regeneration case is unique, this paper describes the collaborative approach taken in the regeneration of Gyldenrisparken in Denmark, which evolved from a desperate situation to a best practice case. The paper focuses on the spatial decision-making process — in particular, how the architectural quality of physical interventions was established and how participatory mechanisms were utilised and developed to enable liveable spaces and sustainable regeneration. Making use of a combination of qualitative documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with key actors, this study encompasses the whole regeneration process, including initiatives taken by the housing association and municipal agents, the methodology developed to collect ideas and implement them in the physical design of the public spaces, and the social effort to make the whole process sustainable and the estates liveable. It concludes that post-war estates have the potential to secure their future by embracing physical and social efforts through proactive empowerment strategies and creating new spatial identities.

From desperation to best practice: Spatial decision-making in the regeneration of Gyldenrisparken

Post-war social housing estates in Europe have been undergoing wide-scale regeneration to improve the physical decay of these sites and address the concentration of vulnerable residents in these areas, which has resulted in their social segregation, marginalisation and stigmatisation. As these estates cover and affect quite large public spaces, holistic approaches have recently been adopted. Bearing in mind that each regeneration case is unique, this paper describes the collaborative approach taken in the regeneration of Gyldenrisparken in Denmark, which evolved from a desperate situation to a best practice case. The paper focuses on the spatial decision-making process — in particular, how the architectural quality of physical interventions was established and how participatory mechanisms were utilised and developed to enable liveable spaces and sustainable regeneration. Making use of a combination of qualitative documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with key actors, this study encompasses the whole regeneration process, including initiatives taken by the housing association and municipal agents, the methodology developed to collect ideas and implement them in the physical design of the public spaces, and the social effort to make the whole process sustainable and the estates liveable. It concludes that post-war estates have the potential to secure their future by embracing physical and social efforts through proactive empowerment strategies and creating new spatial identities.

Encourage the participation of the Community in the Sustainable Education Project: Towards Human Resource Empowerment

This study aims to identify human resource (HR) empowerment strategies in educational management, focusing on optimizing individual potential to achieve sustainable educational goals. The research employs a case study method with a descriptive qualitative approach, gathering data through observation, interviews, and documentation at the Mujahidin Foundation. The findings reveal that HR empowerment not only requires strengthening individuals but also necessitates close coordination and collaboration among educational elements, including teachers, staff, and management. The implementation of a holistic and integrated empowerment strategy is key to creating an educational system that can endure and evolve with the changing dynamics of modern society. In conclusion, the success of HR empowerment in the context of educational management depends on a comprehensive approach that considers not only individual aspects but also integrates all educational elements to achieve broader and sustainable educational objectives.

The bamboo weaving training as a strategy for women's empowerment toward sustainability in rural revitalization: Practices, challenges and perspectives

The present study investigates the outcomes of bamboo weaving training programs in rural China from 2015 to 2022, employing ethnographic research methods to assess the impact of these programs on the well-being of rural women and their communities. The results indicate that the bamboo weaving training program has significantly improved the scientific literacy and technical skills of rural women, enhancing their self-confidence, income generation, and entrepreneurial endeavors. These improvements contributed to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, economic growth and rural revitalization toward sustainability. Additionally, several instances of constraints and challenges were observed from technical and economic perspectives. The study highlights the role of bamboo weaving training in poverty alleviation and sustainable development, promoting women's empowerment across technical, economic, psychological, and socio-cultural dimensions. Recommendations are provided for training institutions and organizations to enhance the well-being of rural women and foster sustainability in rural areas.

Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria: A Decadal Examination of Political Economic Forces and Implications for Future Initiatives, Spotlighting Microfinance Banks

This research investigates the impact of political-economic dynamics on the effectiveness of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) in Nigeria from 2004 to 2014, with a specific emphasis on the role played by Microfinance Banks (MFBs). Employing a phenomenological approach within the social constructionist tradition, the study utilizes both individual and focus group interviews, complemented by the analysis of official documents from Nigerian Federal Ministries and the Central Bank. The case selection centers on microcredit, an important component of the IMF country report for the specified period. The findings reveal that while the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) exhibits positive macroeconomic indicators, its alignment with the empowerment framework is nuanced. The study highlights the challenges faced by microcredit users, emphasizing the high interest rates, lack of government support, and inadequacies in the regulatory framework. Microfinance policy, as outlined by the Central Bank of Nigeria, is critiqued for its failure to provide safety nets and welfare benefits for microcredit users, exacerbating their economic vulnerabilities. This research contributes a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic impact of PRSPs in Nigeria, shedding light on the complex interplay between macroeconomic policies and micro-level dynamics. The policy recommendations provided aim to address these challenges, advocating for regulatory enhancements, targeted interventions, and inclusive economic growth to foster a more effective and equitable poverty reduction strategy.

Small Business Empowerment Strategy in the Agricultural Sector Through Digital Entrepreneurship

This study looks at how digital entrepreneurship is being used by small enterprises in the agriculture industry to empower them. It focusses on how this is affecting market access, production efficiency, and bolstering competitiveness. The advent of digital transformation has presented small enterprises with novel prospects to surmount customary constraints, including restricted availability of markets, finance, and technology. This research employs a qualitative methodology and a case study approach to investigate how small agricultural firms might use digital technologies, like e-commerce platforms and the Internet of Things (IoT), to increase market access and productivity. In-depth interviews with small business owners, technology suppliers, and other stakeholders were used to gather data. Direct observation and document analysis were also used. The results of this study show that small enterprises' operational efficiency and revenue are greatly increased when digital entrepreneurship is implemented. Collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including the government and academic institutions, and sufficient digital literacy have shown to be crucial for the effective execution of this plan. This study also emphasises how crucial it is to create both domestic and global business networks in an effort to increase market penetration and boost the competitiveness of small enterprises in the agriculture industry. In order to increase the sustainability and competitiveness of small enterprises in the agriculture sector, this study makes recommendations based on its results for policy makers and industry participants to assist the widespread adoption of digital entrepreneurship.

Understanding Youth Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Social, Economic, and Behavioural Dimensions

This review examines the multifaceted vulnerability of Ugandan youth to HIV/AIDS, emphasising the interplay of social, economic, and behavioural dimensions. Through a comprehensive analysis of HIV prevalence rates, trends, regional variations, and gender disparities, the review highlights key risk factors, including peer pressure, cultural norms, stigma, economic hardship, and substance use. It underscores the critical role of gender dynamics, with female youth facing unique challenges such as gender-based violence and economic dependence, while LGBTQ+ youth encounter compounded risks due to societal stigma and inadequate services. We also explore the disparities between rural and urban youth in access to information and services, uncovering significant barriers they face. Youth-led initiatives are critical in addressing these challenges, with peer education programs, youth-friendly services, and innovative digital campaigns all playing a crucial role in prevention efforts. We discuss barriers to youth participation, such as stigma, cultural norms, and educational gaps, and discuss strategies to overcome them, like culturally sensitive education and improved access to resources. We highlight the role of schools and educational institutions, emphasising the importance of integrating comprehensive sex education, school-based health services, and extracurricular activities to foster awareness and preventive behaviours. The review also highlights the importance of youth advocacy and leadership in shaping inclusive policies and driving effective interventions. We present economic empowerment strategies, including skills training andmicrofinance, as complementary to health-focused efforts by addressing socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The review concludes by advocating for a holistic approach that combines education, economic empowerment, gender-sensitive interventions, and collaborative partnerships among government, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector to effectively reduce HIV prevalence and improve the well-being of Ugandan youth. Keywords: Youth, HIV/AIDS, Uganda, social, economic, and behavioural dimensions

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and HIV/AIDS Prevention among Youth in East Africa

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a pivotal strategy for reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence among youth in East Africa, where the growing young population presents significant challenges for effective prevention. This review examines the role of CSE in equipping young people with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed decisions about their sexual health. We explore the importance of culturally relevant and evidence-based curricula, the impact of teacher training programmes, and the integration of CSE into both school and community settings. We highlight the crucial role of youth-friendly health services in providing accessible and confidential care and identify peer education and youth-led initiatives as key strategies for engaging and empowering young people in HIV prevention. We examine the role of economic empowerment strategies, such as microfinance and vocational training, in reducing HIV vulnerability. We discuss gender-sensitive approaches to address the unique needs of different genders, including LGBTQ+ youth. The review also explores the potential of innovative technologies and digital solutions, such as mobile health applications and social media campaigns, to enhance HIV prevention efforts. The review emphasises community engagement and support systems, policy advocacy, and research as essential components for a comprehensive response. By integrating these diverse strategies, the review underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to effectively address HIV/AIDS among youth in East Africa, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and achieve sustainable prevention goals. Keywords: Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), HIV/AIDS, Youth, East Africa

An Assessment of the Role of Economic Empowerment Schemes on Poverty Reduction among Youth and Women Groups: A Case of the Arusha Region, Tanzania

An Assessment of the Role of Economic Empowerment Schemes on Poverty Reduction among Youth and Women Groups: A Case of the Arusha Region, Tanzania

Formulating Community Empowerment Strategies for the Tourism Destination Program in Banyurejo Village, Sleman District, The Special Region of Yogyakarta

Formulating Community Empowerment Strategies for the Tourism Destination Program in Banyurejo Village, Sleman District, The Special Region of Yogyakarta