Power To: Local Action

Abstract

The empowerment of women is seen as a critical element of resistance, and is a key step in the transformation of relationships of unequal power. The power to resist and transform comes from a process whereby individuals shift from unconscious to conscious and from inaction to action. Resistance can be an individual or a collective act. Whilst many organizations working in HIV and AIDS focus on addressing imme di-ate, short- term needs, such as access to services that tackle practical needs, there are very few organizations that address the longer term and important goal of transformation.