Need for Empowerment

Feeling empowered – that is, being capable and having the means to influence one’s circumstances – tends to make people more resilient and improves their life outcomes, including health. This need for empowerment may drive efforts like developing one’s skills, participating in decisions that affect oneself (instead of being a passive recipient), and knocking down unnecessary obstacles that limit people’s agency. Public health and community research has shown that when individuals or groups are empowered (given knowledge, resources, and a voice), they often experience better well-being and can cope with challenges more effectively. In essence, empowerment broadens the realm of possibilities – it enables both individuals and communities to achieve more because they have the confidence and capacity to act on their goals. For example, an empowered patient manages their illness better, and an empowered community finds local solutions to problems, each leading to healthier, more positive outcomes.