Understanding the Impact of a Microfinance-Based Intervention on Women’s Empowerment and the Reduction of Intimate Partner Violence in South Africa

Abstract

Our findings, both qualitative and quantitative, indicate that economic and social empowerment of women can contribute to reductions in intimate partner violence.

Can social capital be intentionally generated? A randomized trial from rural South Africa

“…The combination of microfinance and training generated additional financial resources for participants, while simultaneously enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem. The positive effects of the intervention on numerous dimensions of empowerment have been highlighted elsewhere (Kim et al, 2007). Taken together, this expansion of financial and social resources seemed to improve both the quantity of social network membership as well as the quality of participation in these groups.…”

Relationship Power and Sexual Risk among Women in Community-Based Substance Abuse Treatment

“…Similar definitions of power were used to operationalize empowerment in a recent study of an economic intervention to promote gender equity and decrease sexual risk and intimate partner violence in South Africa. 24 Qualitative studies also corroborate the use of control and decision-making dominance as indicators of power (e.g., Harvey and Bird 25 ).…”

Desconstruindo expectativas de gênero a partir de uma posição minoritária: como dialogar com homens autores de violência contra mulheres?

“…Porém, este processo reflexivo só pode ocorrer na medida em que outras intervenções sociais, almejando as mulheres, já estiverem promovendo esses ganhos de poder. O trabalho junto aos homens não garante, por si só, avanços rumo à equidade de gênero; entretanto, faz-se necessário para prevenir reações violentas deles frente a avanços já empreendidos pelas mulheres 1,4,44 .…”