ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses “Operation Empower” a so-called “gender-specific” empowerment and reintegration program that was implemented inside the institution. The author discusses how the program’s narrow conceptualization of empowerment contradicts its mission and purpose; rather than empowering girls who participate in it, the program further oppresses them by silencing their voices, quashing their dissent, individualizing the context of their delinquency, and reinforcing antiquated gender-normative ideas about what it means to be a woman. The hegemonic tone as well as content of the program increases feelings of inadequacy, self-blame, and helplessness. Dora, whose story is highlighted in the chapter’s introduction, is among the few girls who resist being defined by the program’s narrow standards, and clearly articulates how this type of program fails to help. This chapter raises questions with respect to gender-specific interventions’ goals in general and how accurately these goals are met on the ground, questions that the following, concluding chapter addresses more directly.
