Justice For Wives Women Empowerment
One Year Journey
"Empowerment Journey for Women"
In Joliet, IL, Nikki is preparing to join our training program. Follow her journey over the next year as she embarks on a transformative path to build a new future for herself.
Nikki First Day
Nikki steps into the classroom for the first time and meets her social empowerment trainer, Nicole, who will guide her over the next year. As she takes her seat, Nikki joins a circle of 10 other women from her community—her new classmates and soon-to-be friends.
January
Nicole engages Nikki and her classmates as they embark on the first module of social empowerment, "Women’s Solidarity." Nikki explores the importance of social networks and the benefits of teamwork, while also taking her initial steps toward learning essential business skills.
February
As they advance through "Women’s Solidarity," Nicole leads the classmates in thoughtful discussions about emotional issues and conflict. They explore strategies for overcoming these challenges and engage in role-playing exercises to practice resolving emotional conflicts within their group.
March
Nikki completes her "Women’s Solidarity" module, and Nicole introduces the next module, "The Value of Women’s Work." Nikki discovers the significance of her unpaid work at home and explores how sharing household responsibilities between women and men can lead to greater achievements. As the module concludes, she and her classmates develop individual action plans for their personal growth.
April
With her newfound confidence, Nikki starts learning about emotional burdens and strategies for managing them both individually and within groups. A leader from a local women’s association visits the class to discuss how women are pooling their talents and resources. Inspired by the talk, Nikki begins to consider joining an association herself.
May
What are the common health challenges in our community?
Nikki’s class starts the third social empowerment module, "Health and Wellness." As they delve into the topic, her classmates share personal stories about dealing with sick children and pregnancy-related issues.
June
Nikki and her classmates open up about the challenges they face in their lives, discussing sources of stress such as harassment, family issues, and the loss of loved ones. “Before this, we were isolated from one another, even though we lived in the same city. Now, we’ve become like a big family.”
Encouraged by their shared experiences, Nikki and her classmates draw strength from their mutual support. Their trainer, Nicole, provides strategies for managing stress and resources for additional help. Six months into the program, Nikki feels a deep trust in her classmates and is comfortable sharing her personal story with them. As the lessons continue, Nikki delves deeper into business and entrepreneurship, learning about initiative and risk.
July
"How many of you are mothers?"
Almost all the women raise their hands. During their discussion on reproductive health, Nikki comes to realize how much she still has to learn, despite being a mother herself. Having had three children in four years, with her last pregnancy being particularly challenging, Nikki decides to discuss with her husband the importance of spacing future pregnancies for her health.
August
Nikki’s class starts the fourth social empowerment module: "Gender Equality, Rights, and Decision Making." They explore gender equality and discuss ways women can shift community perceptions, beginning with how they raise their children and address the different ways boys and girls are treated.
September
In the supportive environment of their class, Nikki and her friends are surprised to learn that they have the same rights as men. They share experiences of times when their rights were denied.
Inspired by their discussions, Nikki has gathered 10 women who are interested in starting a business association with her. In their final business skills classes, they delve into bookkeeping and business financing—concepts that are new to Nikki but crucial for the success of their association.
October
Nikki and her classmates reflect on the support they’ve provided each other throughout the year, from assisting with sick children to pooling funds for a friend in need, among other acts of kindness.
In a particularly challenging class, Nicole addresses emotional distress, prompting a discussion about its causes and effects. Several women share their experiences of verbal and sexual abuse, as well as emotional distress. Nicole speaks with each of them individually after class and offers guidance on accessing support services.
In her business skills classes, Nikki acquires practical knowledge on organizing and running an association. At home, she and her husband work through their marital difficulties, focusing on finding resolutions together.
November
As Nicole introduces the final social empowerment module, "Women Influencing Decisions in Their Community," she and her classmates discuss the significance of amplifying women’s voices in their communities.
"Women can do anything!"
Nikki and her peers learn that a former participant and trainer has become an Elected official, inspiring Nikki to participate in the upcoming election.
Nikki completes her vocational training in cosmetology and is excited to start working with her association. They choose the name "Incredible Creations" and elect Nikki as president. Observing Nikki’s growth and the strengthened family dynamics over the past year, her husband encourages her to continue her journey of learning and development.
December
In their final classes, Nikki and her classmates explore various ways women can drive community change and the fundamental components of an advocacy campaign, including how to identify pressing community issues.
Together, they determine that the most significant need in their community is a local women’s and youth center. They decide to organize a petition to urge the community to support the project.
As they celebrate their graduation from the yearlong program, Nikki experiences a profound sense of pride as she receives her first-ever educational certificate. With all she has learned, she is eager to embark on the next chapter, feeling hopeful and excited about the future
"Women’s Empowerment: A New Journey Begins"
A year after graduation, Nikki takes pride in her achievements and the positive impact they’ve had on her family and community. Her cosmetology association has expanded significantly, now bustling with orders from local businesses and saving funds to build a new facility.
With their earnings, Nikki and her friends are investing in their families, supporting each other through challenges and motivating one another to pursue new goals.
At home, Nikki and her husband collaborate on strategies to grow her business while saving for their children’s education. They are committed to raising their children with the belief that all individuals, regardless of gender, deserve equal treatment. Nikki has also developed skills to manage her emotional stress effectively.
Concerned by the absence of women’s and youth centers, Nikki is working with her association to petition the community for the establishment of such a center. Looking ahead, she feels confident in her ability to overcome future challenges and is determined to turn her dreams into reality.