HeartTalk.
Interview
1.What is your definition of women empowerment?
My definition of women empowerment is:
Women empowerment to me is when women can be confident but still understand how to work as a team to bring other women along with them. Women understanding that we are better together and that they can learn from other women who have or are excelling in areas where they struggle.
2.What motivated you to get involved in being inspirational for change?
My involvement started after understanding that I wouldn’t be where I am without someone empowering and mentoring me. Paying it forward is important to continue to prepare the next generation of women leaders. We grow as leaders when others are growing that we have impacted or empowered.
3.What are some key characteristics of an empowered person?
- Confident
- Teachable
- Lifelong learner
- Giver
- Great listener
- Humble
4.What can leaders or individuals interested in advocacy do to facilitate empowerment?
- Ask questions and not always assume they have the answers
- Look for a person’s strengths and not just focus on their weakness
- Identify the greatest need in the focused community and not just assume you know the issue without knowing the people in the community or village.
- Model and teach the desired behavior and not just teach theory.
5.What advice would you give to those who want to give up due to a lack of empowered feeling, thinking and action? (e.g. What is an important first step)
- Helping them identify what is causing their lack of empowerment
- Have them journal their successes
- Have them help another woman that is struggling in another area that they are strong in. (This will assist them in seeing that they are still needed even while they are struggling)
