The role of civil society organizations in women's empowerment : Imam Sadr Foundation as a case study

Abstract

This research paper investigates the role of civil society organizations in empowering women, taking Imam Sadr Foundation as a case study. The objectives of the research include assessing the availability of factors contributing to women’s empowerment, such as education, health, services, work and regulations at the Foundation. The research also aims at examining the various levels of empowerment for women and their families, as well as for society more generally, and the extent to which the enabling factors contribute to women’s empowerment and their capacities in terms of decision-making and social participation. The findings of this study show that women’s empowerment is virtually the raison d’être and the main purpose of Imam Sadr Foundation, as it can be observed at many levels: educational, psychological and social empowerment through the training and care provided for orphaned girls, as well as health and psychological empowerment through care services dedicated for mothers and children, including dialogue sessions and awareness activities. The nursing school graduates distinguished professionals in the field, as well. The Foundation also offers accelerated vocational training programs in various specializations, thus ensuring vocational and technical empowerment. Moreover, The foundation deploys efforts to achieve legal and political empowerment in order to effect deep social change, by reconsidering the roles set for both men and women and questioning their equality, as well as combating all forms of discrimination against women.