Mutually reinforcing economic, social and political aspects of empowerment allows people to move out of poverty through participating in, contributing to and benefitting from growth processes on terms which recognise the value of their contributions, respect their dignity and make it possible for them to negotiate a fairer distribution of the benefits of growth. Growth rates have risen and the incidence of poverty has declined. They are able to invest in their own health and education, as well as in that of their children.