The 21st century has witnessed an emergence of strategies in a variety of fields that promote empathy as a catalyst for change. This paper seeks to understand how, and to what effect these strategies have had on the realisation of women’s human rights. Guthridge et al. previously developed a model of affective empathy for advancing gender equality. The present study aims to understand the practical application of this model, which is based on three identified substrates of empathy: intersubjectivity, multisensory engagement and empathic embodiment. We interviewed 16 experts from eight countries about how their programmes used one or more of these substrates to bring about gender equality or other social justice outcomes. We found that programmes must first consider the context and the conditions of the problem they were targeting. Then, intersubjectivity, multisensory engagement and empathic embodiment were amplified by building a connection through empathising with others; where empathic experiences are achieved through embodiment and supported by ongoing dialogue . Further, we elucidate these seemingly ambiguous elements by providing real-world examples. Now, we must pioneer new ways to test and impart this emerging knowledge through cultural adaptations and intervention evaluations with the ultimate goal of achieving long-term impact on population-based behaviour change strategies, national policy and international human rights implementation for the advancement of women’s human rights.
Guthridge et al. (Wed,) studied this question.