Description
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this case study was to examine the efficacy and success of a model of sustainable empowerment of poor and abused adolescent girls and women. Their major drawback being early marriage, illiteracy, poverty, financial dependence on parents, husband and sons.
Design/methodology/approach: Post consent and briefing, detailed personal interviews were carried out with the respondents and management. The names of the respondents have been changed respecting privacy.
Findings: How education and skill training has helped them to gain self-respect, confidence, financial independence, to be role models for others in similar situations and become change makers in the society.
Social implications: The success of this model emphasises on educating and imparting skill training to adolescent girls and women to move out of a life of penury and abuse to lead a dignified life and fulfil their dreams. It envisions to make them feel responsible and catalyst change makers for the society.
Originality/value: DIDI’s (the model) has worked out a prototype of sustainable empowerment-educating the poor girls, making them aware of their rights, offering them avenues for higher education, employing women from poor backgrounds facing physical and sexual abuse and providing them with a skill set for financial independence.
Keywords – abuse, adolescent girls, women, sustainable, financial independence