A case study was conducted of the organized, cooperative efforts of women in six communities in Bolivia. From December 1978 through January 1988, visits were made to women's organizations called "mothers' clubs." Effects of club membership on members, their families, and their communities were examined. A research review showed that: (1) women can identify their own needs and solve their own problems; (2) women around the world have many of the same concerns; and (3) a definite, two-way process emerges from women's empowerment whereby their efforts to help others result in benefits to themselves. Data were obtained through talking with individuals in clubs, conversations and clarifications with interpreters, and participant observation. These data showed consistency among the six mothers' clubs in organization, running of meetings, concentration on activities to improve families' lives, and concern for sharing responsibility and taking part in joint efforts. Data analysis indicated the groups manifested the characteristics of self-help groups and were vehicles by which women empowered themselves in seven areas: self-esteem, health, political action, housing, economic well-being, literacy and education, and appropriate technology. Through the clubs, women raised the standard of living for their communities, their families, and themselves. (62 references) (YLB)