Voice Strengthening and Interactive Theatre for Women’s Productive Income-Generating Activities in Sustainable Development

Abstract

This article introduces the importance of voice strengthening for women who are living in poverty and self-identify as wanting to pursue income-generating activities. Furthermore, it describes using interactive theatre to explore the various components of income-generating activities, which can support women in more fully participating in their own sustainable development. By focusing on the Voices for Change Workshop I developed and a specific application of this workshop for a group of women in Nicaragua, I offer practical methods for women to strengthen their voices, and methods for women to use their strong voices to explore possible income-generating activities. The workshop encourages women to critically engage with potential income-generating activities and to identify activities that could promote sustainability in their own lives, their environment and the world.