How Quality of Group Relationships Influences Empowerment among Members of KUNITA (Fishermen’s Wives Association) in Malaysia
Intan H.M. Hashim, Nor Hafizah Selamat, Salfarina Abdul Gapor, Juliana Abdul Wahab

Abstract
This study examined association between quality of group relationships and empowerment among 213 women who were members of KUNITA (Fishermen’s Wives Association) in Malaysia. Almost all of these women were Malays and Muslim and have low education level. Quality of group relationships was assessed in terms of perceptions of closeness and similarities and level of interactions. Empowerment was assessed in terms of selfdetermination, self-efficacy and self-esteem across various domains of life including economic and social. Findings indicated there was a general significant relationship between quality of relationships and empowerment, particularly with the esteem’s component of empowerment. More detailed analysis indicated that each element of quality of relationships had a significant correlation with each component of empowerment. This study found evidence on the benefit of joining an organization for women from the disadvantaged groups and contributes to the development of more localized theory and knowledge related to group relationships and empowerment.

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