The Women Empowerment Collectives (WEC) approach is made up of a collection of elements which combine to empower women socially, politically and economically.

The model consists of the following elements:

• Pooling savings and sharing risks
• Group Solidarity and networks
• Participatory learning and life skills
• Critical consciousness of gender
• Access to markets and services

The combined effect of all these elements leads to remarkable impact in women’s empowerment. From learning about new income-generating opportunities to acquiring basic literacy, women have been empowered in every area where they face social, economic, and political barriers.

Socially, women’s collectives can give women greater influence on issues like reproductive health and female autonomy. Economically, a poor woman gains strength as part of a group. Evidence shows that groups provide an effective platform for helping women access financial services. Women can gain more power to generate income and make decisions within the home. Women also benefit from the social networks, moral support, and mutual accountability offered by these groups.

Collectives can leverage these strategies—from social involvement to savings—to empower women on an even broader level: Allowing them to participate politically, hold their governments accountable, and lead collective action.

Whatever their objectives, these collectives give women opportunities to be heard. And they can play a central role in promoting gender equality, reducing poverty, and sharing prosperity.

The unique success of the WEC lies in its structure. Palmera follows an evidenced based Self Help Model advocated by KinderNoLife in structures our women collectives.