WECV sponsored a one-year economic literacy project to provide 10 women who were receiving social assistance with the opportunity to explore economic issues, employment options and alternative financing and lifestyle choices. The 10 women comprised a work group and directed their own research on poverty, economics and employment in partnership with the project coordinator and seven advisers.
The goals were 1) through participatory research, have work group members create a bridging experience for themselves aimed at moving beyond current circumstances and poverty; 2) produce resource material to assist others in developing their economic literacy skills; and 3) complement other materials already available.
Women living in poverty need to develop or regain their confidence and determine what they can do to encourage themselves to take the next step, rather than withdraw. The process of coming together, meeting on a regular basis and working as a team was significant in developing confidence and empowerment.
