Empowerment Theory Research Articles

Deciphering the crux of women's empowerment in agricultural value chains – A scoping review

This review paper highlights the essential requirement of women in agricultural practices and emphasizes gender equality and their contribution to household productivity and food security. The paper discusses the various stages of the value chain and identifies entry points for interventions aimed at enhancing women's participation and benefits and also evaluates the efforts meant to empower women within the agriculture sector, especially to determine women's involvement in the Agricultural Value Chain (AVC). Evaluation of women's empowerment using diverse approaches such as the REBT Framework, and WEAI in various countries was analyzed by using the PRISMA framework and concluded with the emerging new methodology of PRO-WEAI developed by IFPRI to focus on the empowerment of women relevant to the value chain. WEAI-type tools allow for direct comparison between men and women in the same households. This approach offers additional advantages, such as having an explicit link to empowerment theory and using both qualitative and quantitative data to develop and validate the Index. The paper concludes that the emergence of pro-WEAI offers a streamlined and improved tool for analyzing intrahousehold characteristics. It incorporates a gender parity index, enhancing the measurement process. This index is also utilized for calculating GDP per capita, providing a more accurate assessment of economic conditions. Overall, pro-WEAI's concise structure and comprehensive approach make it a superior choice for measuring women's empowerment in the agricultural sector.

From Tradition to Action: The Potential of Community Empowerment Through Local Wisdom for Sustainable Environmental Protection Practices

Local wisdom is the values, norms, and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation in a community group. This research aims to explore the potential for community empowerment through local wisdom values in the context of protection environmental practices in the community of Lawang Agung Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach with case study analysis techniques. Data collection was carried out by conducting systematic observations and in-depth interviews with participants and supported by documentary data to strengthen the results of research analysis. The informants in this study totalled 8 people consisting of 2 community leaders, 2 traditional leaders, and 4 people who play an active role in various cultural activities in the research locus area and have participated in cultural and environmental communities for more than 5 years. All research data were collected and reduced within the research boundaries so that the research results could be presented in accordance with the research objectives. The research analysis will be interpreted to develop a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study. The research results show several things including: (1) Lawang Agung Village has a long history of practicing local wisdom and using natural resources wisely. (2) The spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and community cohesiveness is starting to fade due to the impact of individualism and modernization, shifting collective priorities to achieve personal gain. (3) The potential for empowerment for environmental conservation practices can be optimized with the stages of identifying empowerment potential, planning and organizing, implementing, and disseminating results/experiences. (4) Integration of spiritual values is also an important step in strengthening the transformation of local wisdom values into concrete actions in sustainable environmental conservation practices. The implication of the findings of this research is the exploration of various potentials of local wisdom values to strengthen environmentally wise behavior by integrating them in people's daily lives. This research also contributes to the strengthening of the theory and practice of environmental empowerment that prioritizes the local wisdom of the community.

Construction and verification of rehabilitation nursing program for shoulder and neck discomfort after thyroid cancer surgery: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

To develop a nursing program for the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder and neck discomfort after thyroid cancer surgery based on the empowerment theory, and to evaluate the application effect of the program. The prevention and rehabilitation nursing program for shoulder and neck discomfort after thyroid cancer surgery was established by literature review and the Delphi method. Between July 2022 and January 2023, a total of 62 postoperative thyroid cancer patients were recruited and randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 31) or the control group (n = 31) in this randomized controlled trial. Comparisons of shoulder and neck function, self-efficacy, and quality of life between the 2 groups were performed using a 2-sample independent t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. At the end of the study, the control group and intervention group were 30 cases each completed the study. After the intervention, the self-efficacy score of the intervention group was higher than the control group (P < .05), and the score of emotional function, cognitive function, and overall health dimension of the intervention group was higher than the control group (P < .05). The pain dimension score of the intervention group was lower than the control group (P < .05). There were significant differences in the group and time effects of the total shoulder joint scores between the 2 groups (P < .05). This study demonstrated that the shoulder and neck rehabilitation nursing program can alleviate the symptoms of shoulder and neck discomfort and improve patients' self-efficacy and quality of life.

Parent Experiences of Empowerment: Understanding the Role of Parent Empowerment in Child Health Promotion.

Establishing healthy behaviors during a child's first 5years is essential for healthy growth. Parents are targeted as agents of change because they serve as primary models of behavior during this period. Although parent-focused interventions often target empowerment as a driver of change, our understanding of how parents experience the process of empowerment in the context of child health promotion remains limited. This qualitative study explored the process by which parents gain empowerment through participation in a health promotion intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 low-income parents who participated in Parents Connect for Healthy Living (PConnect), a 10-week empowerment-centered obesity prevention intervention. Data were analyzed using inductive-deductive thematic analysis and guided by empowerment theories. Most parents were Hispanic/Latino (41%) and female (97%). Five themes emerged that correspond to the process by which parents gained empowerment: (1) friendships formed and relationships strengthened during PConnect, (2) parents strengthened relationships with their children and believed in their ability to parent successfully, (3) the experience of knowledge led to behavior change, (4) parents used new resources to improve family health, and (5) parents took action. Empowerment theory should be a component of health promotion programs.

Unequal Autonomy: An Investigation of Individual and Societal Determinants of Individuals’ Sense of Autonomy in Europe

ABSTRACT This paper explores the social structure of individual autonomy in Europe. Drawing on the capability approach and human empowerment theory, it investigates how individuals’ sense of autonomy is structured by individual means and conversion factors as well as economic, cultural, and institutional context conditions. Using data from the European Social Survey and the European Quality of Life Survey, these relationships are analyzed for 107,070 individuals in 18 European countries and four points in time between 2006 and 2016. Multilevel analyses reveal financial security, health, and social connectedness as the most important drivers of individuals’ sense of autonomy. On the macro level, national wealth, civil liberties, and an emancipative value climate are all found to be positively linked to individuals’ sense of autonomy, albeit weakly. Considering the value individuals attach to leading an autonomous life and the beneficial effects autonomy has been shown to have on people’s well-being, these findings shed first light on the unequal distribution of autonomy and autonomy resources on the individual and macro levels. Concluding, the paper highlights the potential for future research and policy implications.

People Living With Mental Illness Perceptions of Physical Health, Mental Health and Well-Being.

Understanding the perspectives of regional people living with mental illness is crucial to adapting services, improving holistic care and meeting individual needs. This study explored people living with mental illness perceptions of physical health, mental health and well-being. A descriptive qualitative study design underpinned by empowerment theory was conducted. Qualitative data were collected verbally via semi-structured interviews, with demographic details provided verbally at the end of the interview. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify themes. The COREQ checklist was used for reporting. Fourteen participants admitted to regional mental health inpatient units aged between 25 and 84 years old were interviewed. Participants felt their overall well-being was good despite feeling their physical health or mental health was suboptimal, suggesting that their perceived well-being is influenced by factors beyond their physical and mental health. Most participants reported looking after their physical health, mental health and well-being and identified various behavioural lifestyle strategies they found helpful. Thematic analysis identified three themes: functioning well, feeling in control and meeting basic needs. Mental health services and clinicians play an important role in empowering people with mental illness to improve their physical health, mental health and well-being while admitted to inpatient services; however, it is acknowledged resources can be limited. Mental health services may consider referring people with mental illness to social prescribing programmes to meet their individualised needs on discharge.

From the periphery to inclusion within the health system: promoting community health worker empowerment as a way forward

BackgroundCommunity health worker programmes have the potential to contribute critically towards universal health coverage. However, CHWs globally have often continued to operate on the periphery of the health care system, viewed as a non-essential cadre. This results in a workforce that often remains disempowered and under-supported. This paper presents evidence from a study conducted in a rural part of South Africa, to better understand issues of CHW prioritisation, integration, and empowerment.MethodsWe applied an analytical lens based on empowerment theory and conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data emerging from a sub-study of a cRCT evaluating the effectiveness of supportive supervision for CHWs within a large-scale national CHW programme. The cRCT was conducted between 2017 and 2022, and 39 CHWs were included in the study.ResultsWe organised our findings across the four domains of structural empowerment; information, resources, support, and opportunity, and mapped these domains against the domains of psychological empowerment. Our findings show how CHWs are still working in the periphery of the healthcare system. Without sufficient prioritisation, high level-support from national and district governments, and sufficient investments in programmatic domains—such as training, equipment, and supportive supervision—it is likely that the CHW cadre will continue to be seen as informal health care workers.ConclusionsCHW empowerment could be a lever to potentially transform the current health system towards universal coverage; however, this process can only happen with sufficient high-level prioritization and investment.

Exploring the theory and ethics of autoethnographic social research with adult survivors of childchood sexual abuse (CSA)

This paper deals with the phenomenon of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) as an experience of those overpowered by it in the past: the survivors. It introduces on-going autoethnographic social research, on survivors of CSA by a survivor of CSA. The theoretical foundation and context of the research is delved into in detail, before giving an outline of ongoing research of the author. The empowerment theory is used as the main theoretical orientation, tagging other related concepts onto it, before linking it to the research methodology. This practice is autoethnographic and arts-based, as well as activist, as it has the aim at being a tool to empower both the participant and researcher alike. Ethics of such research are considered and ethical approaches are proposed, in order to strike a balance between protection and safety, as well as participation and visibility. This paper frames the act of abuse as overpowering, and focuses on the subsequent process of empowerment, post-abuse. The research has two main agendas: to keep the body in the forefront of the investigation, defined as every part of the human body, including the mind; and the survivors' process of empowerment. The paper ends with conclusions and considerations based on the theoretical framework but also the hypothetical, not yet conducted part of the research. This paper gives an insight into the process of research development, a snapshot of the journey of a novel researcher.

Empowerment of Local Communities in the Survival of Multicultural Values: Case Study in Tana Toraja Village, East Kutai

This study examines the empowerment efforts of the Tana Toraja community in East Kutai to preserve their multicultural values. Using a qualitative case study approach, we examine the empowerment strategies used by this community as well as the challenges they faced in the process. The results show that the Tana Toraja community has adopted various strategies, including cultural education, organizing cultural festivals, and collaborating with external parties, to strengthen cultural identity and enhance social cohesion. However, limited resources, internal conflicts, and the impact of modernization pose significant challenges to these cultural preservation efforts. Discussion of the findings emphasizes the importance of community empowerment in the context of multiculturalism and the need for greater support from multiple parties. This research reconstructs Zimmerman's (1995) and Freire's (1970) theories of community empowerment by extending their application to efforts to combine strategies to survive cultural diversity in the context of globalization and modernization as a process in which individuals and groups gain power to control their lives and influence their communities. Empowerment in Tana Toraja shows that collective control over cultural preservation can strengthen identity and social cohesion. This research shows that by strengthening cultural identity through empowerment, communities can become agents that promote inclusivity and tolerance between different cultural groups. The implications of this research include contributions to the understanding of local cultural preservation and sustainable and inclusive community development.

Research on the Construction of Competency Model for Empowered Reading Service Librarian Oriented to High-Quality Development

ABSTRACT Authorities in China have been actively involved in the high-quality development of libraries, with an emphasis on supporting and extending National Reading. Providing appropriate and successful reading services requires well-prepared reading service librarians, empowered to design and deliver services that make reading enjoyable and accessible for all. Based on competency theory and empowerment theory, this study analyses the competency features of empowered reading service librarians and constructs a competency model based on those features. Through literature analysis and Behavioural Event Interview, a preliminary competency model comprising 16 discriminative competencies and 20 benchmark competencies was constructed, subsequently refined through 4 rounds of expert consultation using the Delphi method and resulting in a model with 11 discriminative competency features and 6 benchmark competency features. A questionnaire survey of reading service librarians and library users was undertaken to extract common factors and develop an iceberg model. The iceberg model comprises 4 dimensions: knowledge, skills, self-concept, and motivation, with 11 discriminative competency traits and 6 benchmark competency traits. The model extends our understanding of the important competencies underpinning the work of reading service librarians and can support developments in their professional education, performance evaluation, recruitment, and selection.

Exploring new frontiers of experiential learning landscape: a hybrid review

PurposeExperiential learning is crucial in education, as it offers hands-on, practical experiences that enable individuals to develop their skills and knowledge more engagingly and interactively. In recent years, experiential learning has become a significant aspect of education. To provide academic scholars with a thorough roadmap for further investigation, this study aims to provide useful insights into the bibliometric and content analysis of experiential learning, including keywords, well-known authors, publications, nations and topics.Design/methodology/approachThis research does a rigorous bibliometric analysis to give a thorough and visually instructional assessment of the evolution and advancement of the literature on experiential learning. Its fast development between 1976 and 2022 is meticulously tracked in the research. By using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny tools, the present study presents a concise overview of 507 records retrieved from the Scopus database using the keyword “Experiential Learning”, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis protocol. Deeper text mining was done using Python libraries “Pandas” and “Natural Language Toolkit” and regular expressions.FindingsThe findings reveal a surge in the number of publications on experiential learning and provide insights, particularly using the theory, context, characteristics, methodology analysis, supporting researchers and practitioners to understand learning better and provide perspectives for future research. Descriptive bibliometric analysis showed that most contributions are from the USA, the UK and Canada. In-depth content analysis revealed five clusters: developments in learning, management education, engineering curricula, organisational learning and knowledge management and entrepreneurship education. The keyword co-occurrence analysis enabled linkages between relevant fields of study and significant research domains. The most commonly used theories were: experiential learning theory, social learning theory, relational coordination theory, empowerment theory, feedback learning theory, effectuation theory and human capital theory.Originality/valueThis study uses information from the Scopus database to do a bibliometric analysis of experiential learning from 1976 to 2022. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the field, helping them to position their work more explicitly within the existing literature and highlighting potential areas for future research. It does this by thoroughly analysing the literature on experiential learning using bibliometrics.

Home Industri Sebagai Pemberdayaan Perempuan dalam Meningkatkan Ekonomi Keluarga di Bandar Selamat Kecamatan Medan Tembung

This research aims to assess efforts to increase women's participation through home industry activities to improve economic welfare in Bandar Selamat, Medan Tembung District. It is noted that women's role in the family economy is often minimal and often depends on the husband's income. Based on Moser's empowerment theory, as quoted by Bogong Suyanto and Emy Susanti, women's empowerment is not about dominating men, but about increasing women's independence and internal strength. This research question covers the factors underlying women's empowerment in Bandar Selamat and the steps women take to improve the family economy. This research aims to identify these factors and evaluate the efforts made by women in the context of improving family economic welfare.

Youth–adult partnerships for youth activism: a critique of the utility of empowerment theory

This article examines empowerment theory (ET) for its applicability to adult work with youth activists. It argues that despite ET’s prominence within both youth activism and social work broadly, the theory lacks a universally accepted conceptual grounding. As such, adults working to support youth activists have interpreted ET’s tenets in significantly divergent ways, with implications for their work and its ultimate viability. By exploring the difficulties in delineating the substance of ET as a practical theory and outlining some of the common tenets of the theory, we make the case for adults working in partnership with youth activists to be more explicit about the ways in which they are drawing upon ET in their work.

A Sustainability Project: Collaboration of a Campus TV Station and a Great Mosque

Objective: As part of the mass media industry, the broadcasting industry has a strategic position as one of the stakeholders responsible for participating to reduce the social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic to the global economy. The broadcasting industry is expected to be able to participate directly. This participation does not only stop at fundraising actions and sporadic public donation management, but also plays a role as a representative of private corporate institutions that actively and continuously contributes to the support for achieving the national development goals through implementation of the so-called people-centered, participatory, empowering, and sustainable paradigm, within the context of a mosque organizational environment. Theoretical Framework: The community empowerment theory used in this research process was dominated by the resource mobilization theory. Viewed from the community empowerment framework, the mobilization theory was appropriate to be applied in this research, as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the ethical actions of companies or the business world that aim to improve the economy for the quality life of the employees, the communities, and the corporate environment. Method: This descriptive qualitative research employed a case study strategy which aims to analyse the da'wah activities in the mosque through TVKU CSR programs that support the transformation of the da'wah activities at the MAJT Great Mosque. Furthermore, the thematic interviews for data collection included the CSR program strategy carried out, the process and stages of the mosque youth empowerment, the mosque community, the mosque broadcasting community, and the independent mosque broadcasting-business unit. The collected research data were then analyzed by using the Corporate Societal Marketing (CSM) approach and through the application of the Atlas.ti software. Results and Discussion: Through the CSR program carried out by the Campus TVKU Semarang at the MAJT Great Mosque, the research findings showed a significant success in building an empowerment pattern entity that transforms innovative steps towards a positive impact for increasing empowered human development at the MAJT Great Mosque. From the convergence model pattern, several steps were then recommended based on the stages that occurred both in the application of technology (adoption process, new technology, and attitude formation) and media integration (computing, communication, and content) in the model. This is in line with the spirit of the emerging empowerment principles on people-center, participation, empowerment, and sustainability. Research Implications: This research theoretically develops the application of Corporate Social Responsibility and the society empowerment, while empirically, this research proposes to encourage the mosque youth comunity to be independent and creative in managing and producing contents of the significant mosque programs, and to encourage Campus TV’s to developp their innovative contents from the conventional practices into the digital practices. Originality/Value: The findings of this sustainability project research from the collaboration between a campus TV and a great mosque are expected to be able to build an empowerment pattern entity that transforms innovative steps and has the potential to have a positive impact in spreading the message of da'wah to the younger generation.

Lecturers’ Perspectives on the Relevance of Pedagogical Training Programmes offered at One Higher Education Institution (HEI) in South Africa

This article investigated how lecturers in one Higher Education Institution (HEI) in South Africa perceived the relevance of pedagogical training workshops offered to them. This investigation was premised on three features of Karl Marx’s Critical Theory, namely empowerment, transformation, and emancipation Marx critical theory, namely empowerment, transformation, and emancipation. An explanatory sequential mixed research method was chosen where questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The sample was made up of 51 academics. The target for qualitative data collection was to get 10% of the questionnaire respondents for the interview which consisted of 5 academics. The findings had negative responses like some lecturers feeling their academic qualifications were sufficient for their teaching and others valued research more than teaching. Nevertheless, most lecturers identified relevant areas of pedagogical training. They believe that training in pedagogical strategies empowers them as critical lecturers. In conclusion, pedagogical training empowers lecturers as HE teachers to facilitate better when they obtain better professional qualifications like PGDHE, and SETA accredited courses. The study recommends that to improve the shortcomings of academics who were never trained as teachers, all academics should be provided with proper pedagogical training that is discipline-based as they assume duties in higher education institutions and they should only be employed on probation until they pass these basic teaching modules. Keywords: Pedagogical Training, Critical Theory, Perspectives, Relevance

Empowerment Model for Coffee Farmers in Dogiyai Regency, Papua: Effective Strategies for Capacity Building

This study emphasizes the necessity of empowering coffee farmer organizations to improve agricultural capacity in Dogiyai Regency, Papua. However, this empowerment has yet to be optimized due to various restrictions. The study is based on the community empowerment theory, which covers enabling, strengthening, safeguarding, supporting, and maintaining elements. The research method adopted is qualitative, with a descriptive focus. The data were gathered by observation, interviews, and documentation with 25 informants. Data analysis involved data reduction, presentation, and verification. The findings demonstrate that local government policies prioritize infrastructure over improving farmer groups' capacities. This is shown by the low level of support for the community's potential and the culture of coffee farmer associations. Furthermore, a lack of problem-solving knowledge and farmer groups' confidence are hurdles. Local government protection is inadequate, and coffee grower groups face discrimination. The absence of helpful advice and a favorable environment for farming endeavors impedes effective empowerment. The proposed empowerment model entails providing researchers and extension services, helping with an emphasis on enabling aspects, altering knowledge, attitudes, and abilities, and boosting production and revenue. The goal is to empower and improve the welfare of coffee farmer groups in Dogiyai Regency.

The pathways to innovative work behavior and job performance: Exploring the role of public service motivation, transformational leadership, and person-organization fit in Vietnam's public sector

This study investigates the linkages among public service motivation, transformational leadership, person-organization fit, innovative work behavior, organizational commitment, and job performance in Vietnam's public sector, drawing on the literature on psychological empowerment and social exchange theory. Analyzing data from 464 individuals at public organizations, the study employs partial least squares–structural equation model (PLS-SEM) to reveal significant positive associations between public service motivation, transformational leadership, person-organization fit, and the impact of organizational commitment on job performance. The study highlights the pivotal role of person-organization fit as a mediator in the relation between public service motivation, transformational leadership, and innovative work behavior. Additionally, innovative work behavior, organizational commitment, and psychological empowerment act as mediators in the impact of transformational leadership on job performance. This study contributes new insights to the literature by explaining the importance of psychological empowerment in cultivating innovative work behavior. Moreover, it offers practical implications on enhancing job performance, public service motivation, person-organization fit, transformational leadership, and organizational commitment, in order to help foster a culture of innovation in Vietnam's public sector.

The EMERGE framework to measure empowerment for health and development

RationaleWomen's empowerment is a UN Sustainable Development Goal and a focus of global health and development but survey measures and data on gender empowerment remain weak. Existing indicators are often disconnected from theory; stronger operationalization is needed. ObjectiveWe present the EMERGE Framework to Measure Empowerment, a framework to strengthen empowerment measures for global health and development. MethodWe initiated development of this framework in 2016 as part of EMERGE – an initiative designed to build the science of survey research and availability of high-quality survey measures and data on gender empowerment. The framework is guided by existing theories of empowerment, evidence, and expert input. We apply this framework to understand women's empowerment in family planning (FP) via review of state of the field measures. ResultsOur framework offers concrete measurable constructs to assess critical consciousness and choice, agency and backlash, and goal achievement as the empowerment process, recognizing its operation at multiple levels-from the individual to the collective. Internal attributes, social norms, and external contexts and resources create facilitators or barriers to the empowerment process. Review of best evidence FP measures assessing empowerment constructs, social norms, and key influencers (e.g., partners and providers) show a strong landscape of measures, including those with women, partners, and providers, but they are limited in assessing translation of choice to agency to achievement of women's self-determined fertility or contraceptive goals, instead relying on assumption of contraceptive use as the goal. We see no measures on collective empowerment toward women's reproductive choice and rights. ConclusionThe EMERGE Framework can guide development and analysis of survey measures on empowerment and is needed as the current state of the field shows limited coverage of empowerment constructs even in areas which have received more study, such as family planning.

Peningkatan Kapabilitas Organisasi melalui Pendampingan Implementasi Gerakan Sumsel Mandiri Pangan (GSMP)

The South Sumatra Independent Food Movement (GSMP) Mentoring aims to improve the organizational capabilities of farmer communities in South Sumatra, through improving Organizational Capability. The main problem faced is the suboptimal field assistance related to plant and fish cultivation. A participatory approach is applied through socialization, formation of working groups, identification of needs, preparation of action plans, training, and technical assistance, as well as development of market access. The results of the study showed a significant increase in farmer welfare, marked by an increase in average income of 25%, an increase in food production of 20%, and strengthening local capacity. This program has also succeeded in increasing farmer access to agricultural technology and wider markets, in accordance with the theory of community empowerment, human capital, and market linkage. Recommendations for the sustainability of this program include the application of a participatory approach and ongoing assistance in other community empowerment initiatives

Non-governmental organizations’ development interventions and community empowerment in Kitui County, Kenya

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are crucial actors in international development, addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development in communities worldwide. Despite concerted NGO efforts, Kitui County in Eastern Kenya remains underdeveloped, grappling with significant challenges in education, healthcare, women empowerment, and food security. With 48% of its population living in poverty, surpassing the national average, and 39.4% facing food insecurity, Kitui County is in urgent need of intervention. This study investigates the impact of NGO interventions on community empowerment in Kitui County, focusing on education, health, and women empowerment sectors. Drawing on the Empowerment Theory and Sustainable Development Theory, a pragmatic research approach was adopted, employing a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 384 residents aged 18 and above, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings reveal that NGO interventions have positively influenced education, with 66% acknowledging improved access to quality education through provided materials and teacher training programs. In healthcare, immunization campaigns (65%) and maternal and child health clinics (65%) have significantly reduced mortality rates and increased health awareness. Women empowerment initiatives, including microfinance and leadership training, have empowered women economically (64%) and facilitated their advocacy for rights (69%). This study underscores the vital role of NGOs in enhancing community empowerment in Kitui County. It emphasizes the need for sustained NGO interventions tailored to local contexts to address multifaceted development challenges effectively.