Definition of empowerment

The word "empowerment" originates from the verb "empower," which first appeared in English around the 16th century. It combines the prefix "em-" (meaning "to put into," "to make") with the word "power." The concept of empowerment, however, has a long history. Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau explored the idea of individual power and agency. In the 20th century, the term gained prominence in social justice movements, highlighting the importance of giving marginalized groups more control over their lives.