Literacy Research Articles

Choice of poisoning agent and self-reported reasons for attempted suicide - A retrospective study

Suicide, a tragic loss of life, is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, presenting a significant challenge to public health efforts globally. The prevalence of suicide, particularly due to pesticide self-poisoning in rural areas of low and middle-income countries, underscores its significant impact. Despite efforts to understand suicide, little is known about the diverse range of poisoning agents used and the socioenvironmental factors surrounding their selection. To study sociodemographic profile, choice of poisoning agent, and self-reported reasons for attempted suicide.This was a retrospective observational study. All the case records of patients admitted for attempted suicide by oral poisoning in a tertiary care hospital were accessed and assessed in detail regarding sociodemographic profile, choice of oral poisoning agent, and self-reported reasons for attempted suicide. The present study, comprising 146 cases of attempted suicide, revealed a predominant age group of 18-27 years, with a male majority and a high illiteracy rate. The agricultural sector, low socioeconomic status, and unmarried status were prevalent among the participants. Herbicides were the most commonly used poisoning agents, followed by insecticides. Immediate precipitants for suicide attempts were family quarrels.The findings of the current study align with previous research, indicating a vulnerable demographic of young, unmarried males from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The predominance of agricultural sector involvement underscores the accessibility of pesticides as suicide agents. Family conflict was cited to be the immediate precipitant for suicide attempt. Thus, addressing underlying sociodemographic stressors and regulating pesticide availability could mitigate suicide risk. Moreover, interventions targeting psychosocial support and coping strategies are crucial for preventing suicide attempts.This study presents insights into the choice of poisoning agents and self-reported motives in suicide attempts, shedding light on the underlying sociodemographic factors and immediate precipitants driving these behaviours.

TREATMENT OF THE POETIC TEXT OF CRNJANSKI AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HARMONIC LANGUAGE IN THE SUMATRA SONG BY SVETISLAV BOŽIĆ

The inspiration of Svetislav Božić by the literary works of Miloš Crnjanski, which dates from 1989 to the present day, resulted in numerous works by which we can trace the connection between the two artists, as well as the style, aesthetics, artistic fantasy and creative credo of the composer. The subject of our research is a song for female voice and piano – Sumatra, the key poem of the cycle on which Crnjanski conceived an entire poetic-theoretical concept of the avant-garde literary program – Sumatraism. The work follows Božić's "librettistic" work on the poetic template whose continuity and integrity are retained by the composer using minimal interventions, additionally emphasizing the value of Sumatra, as well as other poems. Božić's creative path starts from a complete analysis of the poetic text, positioning the main points of emotional experience, the atmosphere of sensory images and the "space of happiness", and musicalisation of the literary source without transforming it. In the architecture of Sumatra, attention is drawn to the diversity of the harmonic palette: from consonant modal chords in triadand expressive seventh-chord forms to the particularly significant role of colouristic nuances of the minor ninth-chord in sporadic gradation to the eleventh chord and the sonority of the whole-scale feature on the stylistic basis of Debussy – Scriabin, but always in the strict function of musical dramaturgy with the preservation of tonality. In this context, the stylistic corridor of Sumatra follows a wide arc of intertwining of Romanticism and Impressionism origin with a national idiom of a wide range of means, radiating precious, complex meanings. Despite the accumulation of heritage of European music that belongs to him in terms of artistic freedom, Božić does not fall under its influence, since the dominant principle of his expression is created by national indigeneity in the use of modernized elements of national tradition, sometimes discreetly interwoven, thus confirming that "under other conditions, in another time, does the same thing as Mokranjac".

Public Health Outreach in Impoverished Areas of Cambodia: Addressing the Issues Related to Prescription Practices

During a two-week public health internship organized by Projects Abroad in impoverished areas in Cambodia, the authors participated in health check-ups and outreach activities. We identified issues such as polypharmacy and medication misuse. These problems stem from symptom-based prescriptions without considering individual patient conditions due to limited diagnostic equipments and medications. Our solution involved suggesting a documentation akin to Japan's prescription record books, and Drug Information Leaflets (DILs). Prescription record books would enable patients to record the medications they purchased at the pharmacy, so that physicians would know what medications patients are taking during their health checkups, and thus prevent polypharmacy. In addition, the DILs included medication details and illustrations, considering the low literacy rates in the areas. We emphasized the need for sustained non-communicable diseases (NCDs) treatment and the potential of external perspectives to introduce innovative healthcare approaches and improvements within local communities.

International Migration, Refugees, and Spread of Tuberculosis in Brazil: Analysis of Clusters, Trends, and Associated Factors (2010-2021).

International migration is a global phenomenon with significant implications on the health-disease process due to exposures along transit routes and local/destination epidemiological indicators. We aimed to analyze the transmission and spread of tuberculosis among international migrants and refugees from a spatiotemporal perspective and the associated factors. This was an ecological study of cases of tuberculosis in international migrants in Brazil, between 2010 and 2021. Annual incidence rates were calculated and spatiotemporal scan techniques were used to identify municipalities at risk. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with tuberculosis in international migrants. A total of 4037 cases of tuberculosis were reported in Brazil in international migrants. Municipalities at risk for this event were identified using the spatiotemporal scan technique, and a cluster was identified with ITT: +52.01% and ETT: +25.60%. A higher probability of TB infection was identified in municipalities with a TB incidence rate >14.40 cases/100 inhabitants, population >11,042 inhabitants, Gini index >0.49, and illiteracy rate >13.12%. A lower probability was found in municipalities with average per capita household income >BRL 456.43. It is recommended that health authorities implement monitoring and rigorous follow-up in affected areas to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment completion for international migrants, preventing disease spread to other communities.

An effective governance by India for improving the literacy rate, inflation rate and GDP growth rate by reducing the unemployment rate - A comprehensive study

An effective governance by India for improving the literacy rate, inflation rate and GDP growth rate by reducing the unemployment rate - A comprehensive study

The socioeconomic epidemiology of inherited retinal diseases in Portugal

BackgroundInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of rare degenerative disorders of the retina that can lead to blindness from birth to late middle age. Knowing the target population and its resources is essential to better plan support measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic characteristics of regions in Portugal where IRD patients reside to inform the planning of vision aid and rehabilitation intervention measures.ResultsThis study included 1082 patients from 973 families, aged 3 to 92 years, with a mean age of 44.8 ± 18.1 years. Patients living with an IRD were identified in 190 of the 308 municipalities. According to this study, the estimated IRD prevalence in Portugal was 10.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, and by municipalities, it ranged from 0 to 131.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. Overall, regions with a higher prevalence of IRD have a lower population density (r=-0.371, p < 0.001), a higher illiteracy rate (r = 0.404, p < 0.001) and an overall older population (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Additionally, there is a lower proportion of doctor per capita (r = 0.350, p < 0.001), higher social security pensions beneficiaries (r = 0.439, p < 0.001), worse water quality for human consumption (r=-0.194, p = 0.008), fewer audiences at the cinema (r=-0.315, p < 0.001) and lower proportion of foreign guests in tourist accommodations (r=-0.287, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe number of identified patients with IRD varied between regions. Using data from national statistics (PORDATA), we observed differences in socioeconomic characteristics between regions. Multiple targeted aid strategies can be developed to ensure that all IRD patients are granted full clinical and socioeconomic support.

Determining Spatial Distribution of the BSP Supervised Banks in the Philippines: A Multivariate Cluster Analysis

The goal of this study was to determine the significant variables that contribute to the number of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Supervised banks in the Philippine regions. A model that can predict the number of banks needed in the region was also presented. Spatial distribution of the banks was also analyzed. These analyses determined if the current number of banks in the region is sufficient to provide the financial services needed by the people. The ArcGIS Pro was used to perform Ordinary Least Square Regression, Global Moran’s I and Multivariate Clustering Analyses to the Regional Distribution of BSP Supervised banks in the Philippines and the categorized economic, demographic, labor market and potential market variables from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2020. Results of this study show that the population density, economically active population, functional literacy rate, and families’ ownership of personal computer are the significant factors, which represent every category of the independent variable, that contributed to the number of banks in the region. Using the chosen passing model, the difference between the actual and estimated number of banks was used as the indicator by which regions need more physical banks to promote financial inclusion. Regions X, CAR, and BARMM are the best locations for the future physical bank to be established. Furthermore, the results from Global Moran’s I analysis showed that there is a clustering of high number of banks in the Philippines. There were 7 clusters formed for the number of banks based on population density, economically active population, functional literacy rate, and families’ ownership of personal computer. Among these explanatory variables, population density is the greatest contributor in forming the clusters.

The rich-poor divide: Unravelling the spatial complexities and determinants of wealth inequality in India

This study presents the first in-depth analysis of spatial differences and factors influencing wealth distribution among households in India. It uses data from the latest National Family Health Survey, covering 707 districts. Techniques like the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, Location Quotient, Morans statistics, and Univariate and Bivariate LISA methods explore inequalities, concentration, and clustering patterns of rich-poor households at the district level. Additionally, spatial regression models such as OLS, GWR, and MGWR help to uncover spatial disparities and variability. Our findings demonstrate significant regional disparities, with the affluent household concentration being notably higher in north-western and southern India, while central, eastern, and northeastern regions exhibit greater inequality. Key factors impacting wealth inequality include rurality, low female literacy rates, educational level of household heads and prevalence of Scheduled Castes/Tribes. This study highlights the spatial dimensions of wealth inequality and provides a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to these patterns. The GWR and MGWR models prove most effective, explaining more than 90% of the variation in wealth distribution factors. This study sheds light on the spatial dynamics and factors behind wealth disparities in India, offering strategic insights for equitable growth initiatives targeting diverse socio-economic sectors.

Demographic and Health Profile of Tribal Population at Udaipur, Rajasthan: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: India is the second largest home for tribal communities, and they are distributed all over the country.One of the main public health concerns in our nation, which has a vast forest belt and numerous tribes living there, is tribal health and the problems encountered by tribal people.Objective: 1. To determine the Socio - Demographic profile of the tribal population.2. To estimate the health problems of the tribal population.Materials and Methods: The present study was a community based, cross-sectional, multicentric study carried out among tribal populations residing in Iswal, Gogunda, and Losing village from 1st November 2022 to 1st January 2023. House-to-house visits were done to collect socio-demographic data and health check-ups of all family were done to identify the health problems among them.Results: A total of 906 tribal people (160 families) were interviewed. Age ranged between 1 month to 95 years with a mean age of 30.05 ± 19.22 years, the majority were in the age group of 11-30 years. About 51.32% were males and 48.68% were females, and literacy rates were low. About 60.63% of family’s socioeconomic status was class IV and V, Hindu religion (82.45%) was most followed among them, and nuclear family types (45.63%) were more common. Overall housing conditions were good. Most of them had pucca houses (64.3%), consumed purified drinking water (73.1%), had separate kitchens (78.7%), used LPG as the major fuel for cooking (63.1%). While some practiced open-air defecation, and most of them dumped the house-generated waste (garbage) indiscriminately or on the streets 54.3). out of 906 individuals 714 individuals were apparently healthy whereas 192 individuals had certain health problems. Among them respiratory illness was the major problem affecting 52 (28.08 %) individuals followed by sexually transmitted infections 46 (19.86 %). Whereas injuries by wild animals / RTA were the least common health problem encountered among tribals 2(1.04%).

Impact of Financial Literacy on Financial Decision Making of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) during Crisis

The current economic crisis in Sri Lanka makes the MSME sector even more vulnerable. This study intends to identify the level of financial literacy among MSME entrepreneurs and understand the impact of the current economic crisis on the financial decision-making of entrepreneurs of the MSME sector in the Northern Province. Based on a questionnaire-based survey of 150 MSMEs, the study reveals that the financial literacy rate of these MSME entrepreneurs is below 35% in the Northern province, which hurts financial decision-making and financial performance during a crisis. It was also identified that financial literacy is a better predictor of the financial behavior of MSMEs. Factors such as liquidity of the business, debt level, turnover, and profit have been negatively affected during the crisis, resulting from lack of financial knowledge, poor financial attitude, and financial behavior of the MSMEs. This study contributes to the existing literature on behavioral finance, which incorporates the level of financial literacy to the Prospect Theory, relating the two different stages of decision specifically to the MSME sector.

Contributions to a global understanding of socioenvironmental justice related to urban forest: Trends from Brazilian cities in the southeastern Paraná State

Global studies on urban forests (UFs) have extensively covered both environmental and social aspects, including concerns about public health and green solutions provided by trees and forests in cities. However, this trend has not been widely observed in South America, particularly in cities located outside and distant from capital cities and wealthier regions. So, this study examines disparities in socioenvironmental justice of cities in the poorest region of Paraná State, Brazil, comparing to Curitiba (CWB), the capital and one of the greenest cities of Brazil, and proposes a methodology to surpass the scarcity of adequate dataset. A four-dimensional analysis covers the configuration of UF landscapes, the provision of ecosystem services, accessibility to UF, and their interrelation with socioeconomic indicators. We used high-resolution multispectral images from PlanetScope Dove and employed a machine learning algorithm to accurately map UF. We quantified landscape patterns of UFs using a variety of landscape metrics (LM), including mean patch area (AREA_MN), percentage of the landscape class (PLAND), largest patch index (LPI), mean shape index (SHAPE_MN), and the percentage of similar adjacencies (PLADJ). Additionally, we estimated ecosystem services such as total biomass (TB), carbon stock (TCS), carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq), urban heat island (UHI), and available public green areas (PGA). We created accessibility maps to PGA at distances of 300 and 800 m. A Mann-Kendall correlation analysis was employed to explore the relationships between these variables and various socioeconomic indicators, including the percentage of people in households without adequate water supply and sewage (TAEE), the percentage of the population living in urban households without garbage collection service (TPSL), the illiteracy rate of the population aged 15 years or older (TANAL), the proportion of people with per capita household income equal to or less than half minimum wage at year of 2010 (TVULNER), the number of schools (SCHOOLS), and the number of permanent residents (MPERM). The Sen's slope test was performed to determine the magnitude of these correlations. Our four-dimensional analysis revealed significant disparities in the distribution and accessibility of ecosystem services within the cities of southeastern Paraná State when compared to CWB. Correlation analyses revealed significant discrepancies between different socioeconomic conditions and the availability of ecosystem services. Financial vulnerability is positively correlated with ecosystem services, while the lack of sanitation negatively impacts their availability. The results highlight the urgent need for equitable distribution of UF ecosystem services.

Identifying Factors Affecting Waste Generation in West Java in 2021 Using Spatial Regression

Responsible consumption and production is the 12th of the seventeen SDGs which is difficult for developing countries to achieve due to high waste production. Indonesia is the second largest producer of food waste in the world. Garbage is solid waste generated from community activities. Population density is an indicator to estimate the amount of waste generated in an area. The choice of West Java Province as the research area is based on the fact that this Province has the second highest population density in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the predictors/factors that influence waste production in the districts/cities of West Java Province. The data used in this study are total waste as a response variable and GRDP (gross domestic product), total spending per capita, average length of schooling, literacy rate, number of MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), and several recreational and tourism places, the number of people's markets, and the number of restaurants as predictors. The methods used in this research are spatial autoregressive regression/SAR, spatial Lag-X/SLX, and spatial Durbin/SDM. The results of this study show that the SAR is the best model with the lowest BIC (74.442) and pseudo-R-squared (0.7934). Factors that significantly affect total waste production are literacy levels, the number of MSMEs, the number of traditional markets, and the number of recreational and tourist places.

Measuring refugees’ capabilities: translation, adaptation, and valuation of the OxCAP-MH into Juba Arabic for use among South Sudanese male refugees in Uganda

BackgroundForcibly displaced populations are highly vulnerable to psychosocial distress and mental disorders, including alcohol misuse. In an ongoing trial that seeks to develop a transdiagnostic intervention addressing psychological distress and alcohol use disorders among conflict-affected populations, we will carry out a cost-effectiveness evaluation using a capability-based Oxford Capabilities Mental Health (OxCAP-MH) measure. The OxCAP-MH is a 16-item questionnaire developed from the Capability Approach, that covers multiple domains of functioning and welfare. The aim of the current paper is to present the results of the translation, cultural adaptation and valuation of the OxCAP-MH into Juba Arabic for South Sudanese refugees living in Uganda.We adhered to the official Translation and Linguistic Validation process of the OxCAP-MH. To carry out the translation, the Concept Elaboration document, official English version of the OxCAP-MH, and the Back-Translation Review Template were used. Four independent translators were used for forward and back translations. The reconciled translated version was then piloted in two focus group discussions (N = 16) in Rhino refugee settlement. A most important to least important valuation of the sixteen capability domains covered in the OxCAP-MH was also done.ResultsThe Juba Arabic version of the OxCAP-MH was finalized following a systematic iterative process. The content of the Juba Arabic version remained unchanged, but key concepts were adapted to ensure cultural acceptability, feasibility, and comprehension of the measure in the local context of Rhino refugee settlement. Most participants had low levels of literacy and required support with filling in the tool. Participants suggested an additional capability that is currently not reflected in the OxCAP-MH, namely access to food. Furthermore, discussions around the valuation exercise of the sixteen domains led to two separate importance scales, which showed relevant differences.ConclusionsIn this context, the OxCAP-MH was considered culturally acceptable. The valuation exercise proved cognitively demanding. Participants voiced confusion over how to answer the questions on the OxCAP-MH instrument due to low levels of literacy. These concerns invite consideration for future research to consider how measures such as the OxCAP-MH can be made more accessible to individuals with low literacy rates in resource poor settings.

A STUDY RELATED TO EDUCATION SYSTEM IN INDIA WITH GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES AND POLICIES

India is the world’s largest democratic nation and a rising star. The Indian Constitution stipulates that children between the ages of six and fourteen must receive free and compulsory education. Several initiatives have been launched on occasion to advance education. We become responsible, self-sufficient people as a result of our education. To encourage free and compulsory education and raise India’s literacy rate, numerous norms and standards pertaining to instructors and infrastructure are being modified. Despite all efforts, the literacy rate has undoubtedly increased, but the quality of education is virtually non-existent and the degree of education is declining. We hope to provide some insight on the current research being done on India’s educational system in this work. Examined are the role of the ministry and the social effects on the educational system.

Food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of meat handlers in Khulna City, Bangladesh

The research was conducted to identify the present status of the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of meat handlers in retail meat shops of Khulna City, Bangladesh. The research was performed through face-to-face interviews of randomly selected 65 meat handlers in six areas of Khulna City. Socio-demographic information of all respondents was collected. The illiteracy rate was 15.38%, while the majority (42.9%) of the respondents had secondary education. The highest proportion (43.07%) of meat handlers was low experienced in meat handling. Among the respondents, 58.46% were sellers, while no respondents had any training on butchery and food safety. All respondents worked at least three days a week and meat handling was the main occupation for all respondents. Most of the respondents (50.76%) had low media contact. The highest proportion (74.3%) of the respondents had medium (scores of 11 to 20) food safety knowledge. About 62.9% of the respondents had moderately favorable food safety attitude (scores of 28 to 54), while 60.0% of the respondents had medium food safety practices (scores of 15 to 28). The mean score of the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices was 18.65±3.81, 50.71±9.49 and 27.20±3.22, respectively. This study shows that there is an identified gap in knowledge and correct practices among meat handlers and that there is a need to raise awareness about food safety through education programs regarding food safety and safe food handling practices. These findings can help public health professionals in developing initiatives to improve food safety knowledge and practices of meat handlers and prevent foodborne diseases (FBDs). The government should pay special attention for improving knowledge and ensuring proper food safety practices to avoid the transmission of FBDs in Khulna City.

Comprehension of Long-Term Medications in Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Kap Study

OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the comprehension of long-term medications in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan, a region with potentially low literacy rates that could affect health outcomes. After acquiring approval from the Institutional Ethical Review Board, the study utilized an appropriately designed and validated questionnaire to collect data from 305 willing participants. The questionnaire assessed demographic information, comorbid conditions, and comprehension of long-term medications. RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 58.52 ± 10.3 years, with a mean HbA1c of 9.15 ± 2.1%. Regarding T2DM treatment, 55.1% used oral anti-diabetic agents, 34.4% used insulin, and 10.2% used both. The complications were diabetic retinopathy (40.7%), chronic kidney disease (28.9%), diabetic foot ulcers (24.9%), cerebrovascular disease (16.7%), and cardiovascular disease (16.6%). Over 50% had T2DM for more than five years. Regarding affordability and access to healthcare, 8.2% couldn't afford medications, 44.9% occasionally missed medicines due to cost, and 74.4% had easy access to healthcare. Comorbidities included hypertension (47.5%) and dyslipidemia (12.8%). CONCLUSION Medication comprehension is crucial for T2DM patients’ health outcomes. Tailored interventions can improve glycemic control and reduce complications risk.

A Study on the Method of Estimating of the Size of Literacy Population and Literacy Rate by Class in the Late Joseon Dynasty

A Study on the Method of Estimating of the Size of Literacy Population and Literacy Rate by Class in the Late Joseon Dynasty

The Effect of Differentiated Teaching in Enhancing Arabic Reading andWriting Skills in Third-Grade Students

خلفية الدراسة ومشكلتها: تعد مهارتيْ القراءة والكتابة من المھارات الأساسيّة لطلبة المرحلة الأساسيّة؛ فإذا لم یتقنھا الطلبة، فسیجدون صعوبة في إتقان باقي المھارات في المواد الدراسيّة الأخرى. وبعد اطلاع الباحثة على بعض الدراسات في القراءة والكتابة على وجه الخصوص، تبیّن للباحثة أنّ مھارتي القراءة والكتابة تحتلّ مرتبة الصدارة بالنسبة لباقي المھارات، وخاصة في المرحلة الأساسيّة، الأمر الذي يتطلّب استخدام طرائق جديد في التدريس لتحسين مهارتي القراءة والكتابة خاصة للصفوف الثلاثة الأولى. الأهداف: هدفت هذه الدراسة قياس أثر التدريس المتمايز في تحسين مهارتي القراءة والكتابة في اللغة العربية لطلبة الصّف الثالث الأساسيّ. الطرق المستخدمة: اختيرت(50) طالبةً من الصف الثالث الأساسيّ في مدرسة السعيديّة الثانوية للبنات، وتم توزيع الطلبة عشوائيًّا على شعبتيْن: ضابطة تدرس بالطريقة الاعتياديّة، وتجريبيّة تدرس باستخدام التدريس المتمايز. واستخدمت الباحثة اختبارًا من 20 فقرة موزّعة على مهارتيْن هما القراءة والكتابة. النتائج: أظهرت النتائج أنّ هناك فروقًا دالة إحصائيًّا بين المتوسطات الحسابية لدرجات أفراد المجموعتيْن لصالح المجموعة التجريبية التي تعلّمت باستخدام التدريس المتمايز، ووجود فروق دالة إحصائيًّا أيضًا في تحصيل أفراد المجموعتيْن لصالح المجموعة التجريبيّة في تنمية مهارتيْ القراءة والكتابة. الاستنتاجات (التوصيات والمساهمة): وقد أوصت الباحثة بضرورة استخدام التدريس المتمايز في تعلم مهارتيّ القراءة والكتابة للصفوف الثلاثة الأولى.

Harmonizing Progress: The Resounding Impact of Education on Women's Economic Empowerment

This study explores the transformative role of education in economically empowering women in District Dir Lower, Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The research delves into the correlation between women's education and economic well-being, emphasizing education as a gateway for women to compete in the labor market, strengthen earning possibilities, and gain control over resources. The methodology employs purposive sampling to engage with 20 educated and employed women, using open-ended questions in interviews to capture authentic narratives. Thematic analysis is applied to unravel insights, and ethical considerations ensure confidentiality and cultural sensitivity. The qualitative data analysis unveils a rich tapestry of themes, emphasizing education's impact on women's employment and productivity. Educated women emerge as pivotal contributors to family and national income, participating actively in legislation and policy-making. The study underlines the importance of women's education as a gateway to economic growth, with higher literacy rates correlating to stronger GDP and GNP. The symphony of women's education is portrayed as a transformative force, empowering nations and fostering a brighter, more inclusive future. The study calls for government prioritization of girls' education, implementation of skill development programs, and gender-responsive labor policies to foster gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

Assessing Teachers' Training Needs for Inclusive Education: A Qualitative Study of Teachers' Perception

Despite numerous interventions from the national and international governments and NGOs, the provision of education for children with individual needs has always been a challenge in Pakistan. Including children with particular needs in the regular education system is the first step towards achieving the target of a hundred per cent literacy rate. To achieve the target, teachers need to assess the training needs of including all the children with diverse needs. The current study comprises seven elements, including awareness, collaboration/relationship, curriculum, assessment, instructions, in-class support, and professional training (Jardí et al., 2021; Minondo et al., 2001). The phenomenology research design was used in this study to illustrate the training needs and get similar and contrasting patterns from responses of the four cases. Findings from all four participants demonstrated that teachers have a perception of commitment and high determination about inclusion. Still, there is a need for training teachers to differentiate according to the student's individual needs. All the participants were enthusiastic to include all the children with individual needs.