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The Use Of Life History Collage To Investigate Significant Learning Experiences Of Woman Development Leaders From India, Susan Seymour

Adult Education Research Conference

The purpose of this study was to use life history collage to explore significant learning experiences related to the personal empowerment of female development leaders from West Bengal, India. Findings indicate a complicated understanding of empowerment - distinct and unique to Indian culture, customs and familial relationships. Central to each woman’s process of empowerment was contact with and the determination to fight against patriarchal norms. These norms were experienced in the brutality of village life and witnessed in dowry deaths, female infanticide, domestic violence, poverty and ignorance.