Promotoras: Economic Development and Empowering Women

Abstract

Every community is unique, and promotoras are uniquely positioned to work with what the community needs. Previous literature has looked at how promotoras programs effectively work in communities, but little literature has examined effects of training on promotoras themselves. The purpose of this study is to explore the life experiences (before and after) of promotoras. Using qualitative interviewing and grounded theory the narratives of ten promotoras were examined. The researcher focused on themes of empowerment and economic development and other themes that arose such as reasons for becoming promotoras, barriers and religious/spiritual beliefs. Promotora training and activity can positively affect the women in many areas.