Empowerment: meaning, definitions and examples

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empowerment

 

[ɪmˈpaʊəmənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

women's rights

Empowerment is the process of increasing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes. It refers to the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.

Synonyms

empowering, enabling, strengthening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
empowerment

This term is commonly used in social and psychological contexts to describe the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. It is often used in discussions about social justice, feminism, and personal development.

  • The program focuses on the empowerment of women in rural areas.
  • Community empowerment plays a crucial role in urban development projects.
strengthening

This term is often used in contexts related to physical, structural, or organizational improvement. It refers to making something stronger, more resistant, or more powerful. It is frequently used in contexts like physical training, structural engineering, and organizational development.

  • The company implemented measures aimed at strengthening its market position.
  • Strengthening the immune system is important for overall health.
empowering

This word describes the action or process that makes someone stronger and more confident. It is often used in a positive sense when talking about actions, policies, or activities that help people gain control over their lives. It tends to focus on the act of providing empowerment.

  • The workshop was incredibly empowering for all participants.
  • An empowering leader motivates their team to achieve great things.
enabling

This term generally means providing the means or opportunity for someone to do something. It is often used in a technical or practical context. Be aware that in some contexts, 'enabling' can carry a negative connotation, especially when it implies allowing someone to continue a destructive behavior.

  • The software update includes features enabling faster data processing.
  • His actions were enabling her addiction, which is a serious concern.

Examples of usage

  • Empowerment of women is crucial for achieving gender equality.
  • Education plays a key role in empowerment, as it provides individuals with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions.
  • Financial independence is an important aspect of empowerment, as it allows individuals to have control over their own lives.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'empowerment' gained popularity in the 1960s through civil rights movements, emphasizing social change.
  • Originally derived from the verb 'empower', which means to give power or authority, reflecting a transformational process.

Social Movements

  • Feminism has played a crucial role in advocacy for women's empowerment, promoting gender equality around the world.
  • Community empowerment initiatives emerged in the 1980s, helping marginalized groups gain control over their resources and decisions.

Psychology

  • Psychological empowerment refers to the process where individuals gain a sense of control and confidence over their own lives.
  • Studies show that feeling empowered can significantly improve mental health and overall well-being.

Education

  • Educational empowerment encourages students to take an active role in their learning and decision-making processes.
  • Programs promoting youth empowerment often focus on skills development, critical thinking, and leadership opportunities.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Fight Song' and 'Roar' highlight themes of empowerment, inspiring listeners to overcome challenges.
  • Empowerment is a common theme in movies featuring strong characters who confront adversity and inspire others.

Translations

Translations of the word "empowerment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empoderamento

🇮🇳 सशक्तिकरण

🇩🇪 Ermächtigung

🇮🇩 pemberdayaan

🇺🇦 розширення прав і можливостей

🇵🇱 wzmocnienie

🇯🇵 エンパワーメント

🇫🇷 autonomisation

🇪🇸 empoderamiento

🇹🇷 güçlendirme

🇰🇷 권한 부여

🇸🇦 تمكين

🇨🇿 zmocnění

🇸🇰 zmocnenie

🇨🇳 赋权

🇸🇮 opolnomočenje

🇮🇸 valdefling

🇰🇿 құқық беру

🇬🇪 ძალაუფლების მინიჭება

🇦🇿 səlahiyyətləndirmə

🇲🇽 empoderamiento

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,635, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.