The Impact of Women’s Empowerment and Craftsmanship on Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Case Study of El Centro de Formación Integral Öffentlichkeit

Wright, Imani (Spring 2022)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/9s161745s?locale=de
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Abstract

This honors thesis is a case study of a Costa Rican grassroots organization known as El Centro de Formación Integral. The organization aims to improve quality of life for women in the local community of Granadilla through a training program that teaches integral skills. The program focuses on craftsmanship, wellness, financial literacy, and women’s empowerment. This thesis looks at how craftsmanship acts as a tool through which the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved. I conducted an expert interview with the organization founder in addition to participant observation in San Jose, Costa Rica to determine the specific factors that make El Centro de FormaciónIntegral an organization with outstanding potential to impact its community. This thesis utilizes anthropological research methods, as well as development intervention practices on a grassroots level. The conclusions drawn from this study are that, if given the opportunity, women have the potential to be strong agents of change. It also concludes that craftsmanship serves as a modality to emotional healing, while also inspiring innovative solutions to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of women and their communities. Craftsmanship can be used as a tool to advance toward and eventually achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. This thesis also demonstrates the significant power and value in community-led initiatives that is unique to a small-scale design. Lastly, I conclude that creative expression is essential in forming a well-rounded person and acts as a threat to conformity in a way that encourages growth and innovation. 

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction........................................................................................2

Chapter 2: 2020 El Centro de Formación Background and Context....................................6

Chapter 3: Literature Review................................................................................11 

Chapter 4: Methods.......................................................................................... 27 

Chapter 5: 2022 Participant Observation ..................................................................31 

Chapter 6: Interview Interpretation and Coding Analysis...............................................35 

Chapter 7: Conclusion.......................................................................................46

Works Cited...................................................................................................51

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