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EMPOWERMENT
As mentioned above, empowerment is about increasing the power of one more
ofthe disputing parties in the negotiation situation. This is done because the negotiation
goes better when the parties are at an equal level of power. Therefore the low power
group is empowered to the level ofthe high power group; otherwise it may be co-opted
or treated unfairly. This can be done by the mediator providing resources, training, and
advice to the low power group. However, this goes against the principle ofimpartiality.
To avoid this, transformative mediation is preferable, which empowers all the parties in
the negotiation process.
Empowerment also refers to the bigger group, or even society as III peace
building or the re-establishment of civil society. Here the disputing groups may be
having their traditional dispute resolution methods, which were disregarded during the
conflict. These methods may be re-applied, thus helping the parties to resolve the
conflict themselves. (http:// www.colorado.edu/ conflict! peace/ treatment!
newleadb.htmp.l)
For example, the church has played a mediating role in many
conflicts, helping the opponents to see one another as human and not as enemies. The
church can be asked to play this role although some political and religious leaders do
not agree with this role of the church. The extended family can also be asked to play a
mediating role in the conflict.
Sometimes new methods may have to be worked out because of the change in
the scenario. An example quoted is the former Soviet Union where with the fall of
communism new methods ofdispute resolution had to be worked out. This needs to be
done very carefully to satisfy the needs ofthe society.
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