Finding Inner Strength in the Face of Adversity Kgopolano GROW Group Empowerment Journey: Botswana

E-ISSN： 2328-5508|4|3|37-52

ISSN： 2328-5494

Source： International Journal of Civic Engagement and Social Change (IJCESC), Vol.4, Iss.3, 2017-07, pp. : 37-52

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Abstract

This article describes how numerous studies in Botswana have found high levels of poverty among women, in particular, those in female-headed households. Extreme poverty among women continues despite government programme interventions designed to end poverty. This article reports the findings of an initially donor-funded women's empowerment project in an urban village, Molepolole, Botswana. At the center of this project are 14 women who are experimenting with the GROW model to transform their lives. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions the women's views on the past, present, and future of the project were solicited. Content and thematic analysis were utilized on the data. The results confirm the potential of the GROW model in transforming the lives of women facing insurmountable hardships. The Grow model inspired women to gather inner strength and break the cycle of poverty by continuing the project beyond donor funding.