DVA1502
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE: 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 (MEMO)
, DVA1502 Assignment 2 2025
DUE SEPTEMBER 20256
737754
Imagine a rural village where community members have long been excluded from
decisions about local water access, education, or healthcare. You have been asked to:
Discuss the relationship between participation and empowerment.
In many rural villages, communities remain excluded from decisions about basic needs
such as water, education, and healthcare. Exclusion undermines development because
it strips people of agency, dignity, and the ability to influence policies that affect their
lives. The concepts of participation and empowerment are central to addressing these
challenges, while the capability approach developed by Amartya Sen and Martha
Nussbaum provides a framework for enhancing freedom and wellbeing (Study Guide,
Learning Unit 1, p. 19). This essay will explain the meanings of participation and
empowerment, discuss their relationship, and show how the capability approach can
strengthen villagers’ participation and empowerment.
2. The Meanings of Participation and Empowerment
Participation refers to the active involvement of individuals and communities in decision-
making processes that affect their lives. It goes beyond consultation to include
meaningful engagement in governance, planning, and implementation of development
initiatives. According to Naidoo (2003), participation is not only about being present but
also about influencing outcomes and shaping development trajectories. The UNDP also
ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE: 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 (MEMO)
, DVA1502 Assignment 2 2025
DUE SEPTEMBER 20256
737754
Imagine a rural village where community members have long been excluded from
decisions about local water access, education, or healthcare. You have been asked to:
Discuss the relationship between participation and empowerment.
In many rural villages, communities remain excluded from decisions about basic needs
such as water, education, and healthcare. Exclusion undermines development because
it strips people of agency, dignity, and the ability to influence policies that affect their
lives. The concepts of participation and empowerment are central to addressing these
challenges, while the capability approach developed by Amartya Sen and Martha
Nussbaum provides a framework for enhancing freedom and wellbeing (Study Guide,
Learning Unit 1, p. 19). This essay will explain the meanings of participation and
empowerment, discuss their relationship, and show how the capability approach can
strengthen villagers’ participation and empowerment.
2. The Meanings of Participation and Empowerment
Participation refers to the active involvement of individuals and communities in decision-
making processes that affect their lives. It goes beyond consultation to include
meaningful engagement in governance, planning, and implementation of development
initiatives. According to Naidoo (2003), participation is not only about being present but
also about influencing outcomes and shaping development trajectories. The UNDP also
