EMPOWERING WOMEN AS LEADERS AMONG RELOCATED INFORMAL SETTLERS

Abstract

This paper explores the degree of empowerment among women volunteers in the Hope Day Care Center (HDCC) in the informal relocation site in Southville 8, Cabuyao, Laguna by determining the role of HDCC in promoting women empowerment; identifying women empowerment measured in the Familial, Socio-cultural, Psychological and Political dimensions; and, describing how HDCC teachers become empowered women leaders in the community. The study used the mixed method employing quantitative-qualitative approach. A survey was conducted to determine the impact of the program on the respondents. The findings revealed that HDCC plays a vital role in promoting women empowerment. It provides opportunities for simple women to become more confident among themselves and become trusted community leaders through trainings, on-going formation programs and experiences while teaching. Based on the four dimensions, the results showed that in terms of the familial dimension, women volunteers have become a source of pride among the family members and are treated with more respect and equal dignity. In the socio-cultural dimension, the women feel the value of empowerment and the need to share it because of its positive impact on them and the community. In the psychological dimension women shared their dreams for a better future and acknowledge the values of unity, cooperation, role modelling and wholehearted service as the key to achieve this. In the political dimension, the volunteers believed that they possess the necessary skills to become good leaders. Women volunteers are empowered through the HDCC program. Despite attaining lesser than the required college education, they have been empowered to teach basic education, are more self-confident, have a voice in decision making and are independent-minded.