Berkshire connected
Health & Food
23
EMPOWERING TO EMPOWER 2021: YOUR CHOICE By Dr Esther Oenga
Throughout Covid-19 pandemic, the word empowerment has been used more often than before. This was so because during the pandemic with social distancing and social isolation, many members in the communities, whether young or old became lonely than before. It became apparent that it was everybody’s responsibility to reach out in one way or another to their neighbours. Knowingly or unknowingly many men, women and young people have engaged in providing small and big services that have made a difference in people’s lives. One of the ways through which individuals have been empowered is through online services such as Zoom which Utulivu has used, and it has worked well for over 18 months. Utulivu knows and has experienced the importance of empowering others in order to empower. Utulivu Women’s Group has tirelessly on a week in and week out, run sessions on various topics to empower women, men and young people through ‘Let’s Talk’ empowering sessions on parenting, mental health, suicide, employability, parenting, ageing among others. Individuals and families have been empowered and they have gone ahead to empower others. In August 2021, Utulivu organised the annual conference and the theme was on “EMPOWERING TO EMPOWER”. One of the presentations given was based on the acronym EMPOWERING to reflect what Utulivu has done to empower as seen below: E-Explore: During the let’s talk sessions, individuals were reminded to explore who they are and what they can Do. Many people were re-energised and ignited to find out what they would do in the community and many people have not remained the same because they have explored. M-Motivate: In many sessions, many people were reminded that empowerment is about first being motivated and then motivating others. Once you are motivated, you always talk about positive things and encouraging other. Motivation is not an event but a daily practice of thinking and talking positive. P-Potential: In the Zoom talk, many were reminded that empowerment is about unleashing their potential. Many who felt that they would not talk and share their lived experiences that would impact other positively. Now, they attend the sessions weekly and contribute because they have realised their huge potential. Have you realised your potential? Challenge yourself to use it. O-Opportunities: Empowerment is about creating opportunities for others to maximise. A reminder that opportunities are created, and they are everywhere.
An example is that Covid-19 has been devastating on one hand, but it has created lots of opportunities. A simple advice FOCUS on the positivity rather the negative and you will create opportunities not only for yourself but for others. W-Worth: Empowerment is about changing the mindset. Rather than focusing on worry, you realise of how worth everyone is. The pandemic reminded all of us that we are worth, valuable no matter the current status. Your yesterday can never define your tomorrow. You are important to your neighbours. Change your mindset and start impacting others. You will smile and your smile will impact another. That is empowerment. E-Empower: Empowerment is about encouraging and empathising. Many who attended the sessions were empowered and they went to their communities and gave back in small and big ways. Standing in the GAP. R-Recognise: Empowerment is about doing right without anybody seeing or asking. In other words, being a role model that many can emulate your actions. Fir actions speak louder than words. N-Never give up: Covid-19 tested everyone, and many wanted to give up. Through the empowerment sessions, many realised that together we can SUCCEED. Everyone has a responsibility to make our communities better than yesterday. NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! GIVE UP. G-Give: The empowerment sessions reminded many of us that, yes, the pandemic is challenging but we have a lot to give. Just give! Just Give and Just Give. SUMMARY: Empowering to empower is a Daily business. It is a NOW business; it is Everyone’s Business. It is a Doable business. You have been empowered, just empower, and make this world a better place than yesterday. THAT IS THE POWER OF EMPOWERMENT.
