Degree Name

MA in Conflict Transformation

First Advisor

John Ungerleider

Abstract

This paper is a program proposal for a pilot program designed for women and girls in Paynesville, Liberia. The program seeks to remove internal and external barriers to women’s empowerment, providing women with the skills to take charge of their lives, their bodies, and their communities. This paper draws on the feminist framework of Gloria Steinem as well as gender and identity in post-conflict society to demonstrate the importance of self-esteem building and trauma healing in women’s empowerment. Abraham Marlow’s hierarchy of needs is used to demonstrate to importance of this programs approach. The program will be experiential learning workshops that address domestic violence healing, self-esteem building, body image, positive risk-taking, hope for the future, goal setting, unity and teambuilding, health, as well as economic and social empowerment will be included as the first steps that empower the participants to take charge. The participants will then form Girls in Charge Action groups that identify concerns in their community and address them through policy advocacy.

Disciplines

Civic and Community Engagement | Community-Based Learning | Community-Based Research | Educational Sociology | Peace and Conflict Studies

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