Evaluation of the Social Impact of Shahr-Banoo Complexes on the Empowerment of Women in Tehran

Wide presence of women in society has an important role in the development and progress of the country. In this regard, the establishment and development of Shahr-Banoo Complexes with goal of empowering women in social, economic, cultural, and athletic areas may be helpful. This study is an attempt to evaluate the social impact of these centers on various aspects of women's empowerment. This study used survey research method and its statistical population consisted of all women who attended Shahr-Banoo Complexes in Districts 1, 2, 8 and 14 of the Tehran Municipality. Sample size of 237 patients was estimated using Cochran formula and the sampling was multilevel. The results indicate that the establishment of Shahr-Banoo Complexes has contributed to women's empowerment and the development of their capabilities and skills. The results of the factor analysis of different dimensions indicate that the average score for the personal empowerment of women is 4, for family empowerment is 3.61, for professional empowerment is 3.36, and for social empowerment is 3.43. Regarding the individual characteristics, one can state that homemakers and high school graduates are the main users of the complex and are influenced by the programs more than others are. Women's use of Shahr-Banoo Complexes and the increasing level of their capabilities may change their common values to noble ones, which in turn may give rise to an individualism of women in the society.