More recently, women’s movements have made remarkable contributions to many participatory efforts and empowerment strategies for promoting health in poor communities as is illustrated by several experiences like the one of Villa El Salvador in Peru.

In the Latin American context, it is important to recognize the Santafe de Bogota Declaration on Health Promotion and Equity (PAHO,Ministry of Health of Colombia, 1992). In this Declaration twenty-one countries reafirmmed the theoretical and practical proposals of The Ottawa Charter, and committed themselves to: "Strengthen the ability of the people to participate in the decision-making that affects their lives, and to choose healthy lifestyles" (p.4).