Perceived Stress among Gaborone North Women in Relation to Divorce as a Basis for Developing Women's Empowerment Programs within Social Support Groups

This study examines perceived stress levels among women in Gaborone North, Botswana, focusing on how the concept of divorce contributes to psychological strain. The goal is to inform the development of empowerment programs for women within social support networks. Using a descriptive quantitative design, researchers surveyed 46 randomly selected women aged 18 and above through a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), revealing a moderate average stress score (Mean = 23.15, SD = 4.695). Participants varied in marital status—single, married, or divorced—and although most had attained a high level of education, many faced unemployment. The findings indicate that social and psychological pressures stemming from cultural expectations about marriage and divorce significantly affect women's stress levels. The study emphasizes the need for targeted mental health and support interventions. It recommends a culturally responsive empowerment program featuring mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, access to professional counseling, and organized support groups. These initiatives aim to build emotional resilience and improve the overall well-being of women in the community.