Belonging to Something Greater Than Self: Flint Women Giving Back to the Community

Background: Having meaning in life promotes happiness and well-being across the lifespan. Methods: A community-based participatory qualitative study was conducted to understand meaning in life, having a voice and the different ways women give back to their community by serving others. Interviews were held with participants (n = 100) who were community residents, people serving women, or both. Results: Participants defined meaning in life as having a sense of significance, a deep connection to their community, and a sense of acknowledgement for their overall contributions. They emphasized the importance of opportunities for women to contribute to something greater than themselves. Participants suggested organizations would be responsive to the needs of women when women have a stronger voice. Conclusions: Women served their community in many roles. However, despite some societal progress, women continue to be underpaid and their contributions undervalued. Rectifying these inequities might contribute to better addressing the needs of women.

Automated summary

This study examines the impact of meaning in life on happiness and well-being, as well as the different ways women contribute to their community by serving others. The findings highlight the importance of a deep connection to the community and acknowledgement for one's contributions, as well as the need to provide women with opportunities to have a voice and contribute to something greater than themselves.