Promoting assertive behaviours in traditional societies

Nurses have been encouraged to speak out, to exert power and to stand up for their rights as well as the rights of patients. Yet in many cultures strong assertive women are accepted less readily by both men and other women. The question then is: How can nurses in a traditional society be helped to develop assertive behaviours? Based on their experience in Malawi and Nepal, the authors identify the factors influencing nonassertive behaviours and present a model to foster appropriate behaviours in nurses in these and similar countries.