This statement defines empowerment, describes the challenges, identifies the
perspectives and the elements that comprise empowerment, and proposed action. It
identifies the multi-dimensional aspects of empowerment. Unless the individual, service
and societal levels are aligned, empowerment initiatives will not be effective and
stigma, discrimination and marginalization will endure. The lack of empowerment and
the need to strengthen user and carer empowerment needs to be accepted by everyone,
and respect and growth are essential challenges to be recognized and acted on by
everyone, everywhere.
Initial steps will be the identification and recognition of these challenges, the next the
actions that are specified in this statement, many evidence based, and finally evaluation.
WHO accepts the responsibility to advocate these initiatives, and will develop indicators
to steer this process. These actions will be taken forward in partnership with the
European Commission's Health and Consumers Directorate General. We believe that
initiatives embracing empowerment and inclusion will not only offer opportunities and
equality to the most vulnerable and discriminated groups, but will benefit communities
as a whole.