Advancing Gender Equity Research Articles

Domestication of the Maputo Protocol in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Leveraging regional human rights commitments for abortion decriminalization and access.

The Maputo Protocol, adopted over 20 years ago, is a promising regional treaty for advancing gender equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights. This instrument has driven progress in women's health and rights across Africa, with much remaining to achieve to realize its full potential for women and girls, including access to safe abortion. The present paper shares the strategies and lessons from the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) reform centered on the domestication of the Protocol, specifically applying its commitments on abortion decriminalization and access. With a vision of addressing maternal mortality and rectifying the impacts of widespread sexual violence against women during war, abortion as a human right and health imperative was at the heart of the DRC's reform. Governmental commitment, broad coalition building, evidence generation, and an intersectional advocacy agenda were critical to overcoming opposition, stigma, and other challenges. This paper shares key learnings from the DRC's complex yet collaborative reform strategies and its processes. The strategy prioritized domestication of the Protocol for numerous reforms, including paving the path to legal abortion on the broad grounds of rape or incest, and saving women's health and/or life. With a commitment to maximizing quality, access, task sharing, and equity, progressive national comprehensive abortion guidelines were created alongside an implementation roadmap for accountability. The DRC's experience leveraging the Maputo Protocol's obligations to advance abortion rights and access offers valuable insights for consideration globally.

Empowering Undergraduate Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine: Exploring Experiences, Fostering Motivation, and Advancing Gender Equity

The representation and success of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) have sparked discussions, given their underrepresentation in these traditionally male-dominated fields. While women comprise 40% of STEMM undergraduates, senior-level positions see this figure drop below 20%. Research suggests that gender disparities in STEMM participation result from motivational differences, rather than competence. Exploring the reasons for these disparities are important as they can have significant consequences for the acknowledgement of women in STEMM, the maintenance of their STEMM discipline, and future careers. As such, this study explored how the experiences of 13 female undergraduates in Australian STEMM programs impacted their motivation and persistence in their degree. Through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, analysed via reflexive thematic analysis, five themes were constructed, encapsulating diverse experiences shaping female undergraduates in STEMM, influencing self-efficacy, determination, and well-being. Early exposure and environment were pivotal, acting as motivators or deterrents. Additionally, peer support was suggested as being crucial, fostering belongingness in the male-dominated space. Participants also grappled with recognition challenges, influenced by gender imbalances and a lack of role models. Intimidation was evident, leading to thoughts of dropping out, but passion drove persistence amid these challenges. The research increases awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by female undergraduates in STEMM, offering valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance their university experiences and promote success in future STEMM careers.

The future of gender research in small‐scale fisheries: Priorities and pathways for advancing gender equity

AbstractThis paper presents an agenda for the future of gender research in small‐scale fisheries (SSF). Building on expert insight from scholars who gathered during the 4th World Small‐Scale Fisheries Congress Africa (4WSFC) with a synthesis of existing literature, we identify six topics that warrant future investigation in SSF, along with methodological considerations for addressing them. Research priorities include identifying pathways towards (1) equitable participation in governance and decision‐making, (2) valuing all actors' contributions to aquatic food systems, (3) increasing access to financial services, (4) inclusive infrastructural development, (5) livelihood diversification and (6) reducing occupational health hazards. Several important methodological considerations include (i) using multiple methodologies, (ii) applying participatory methods, (iii) collecting gender‐disaggregated data, (iv) integrating gender into a food systems approach in fisheries, (v) engaging an intersectional approach and (vi) operationalising equity.

From Margins to Mainstream: Microfinance Strategy and Rural Women’s Economic Advancement in Kasese District’s Kyarumba Sub-County, Uganda

Rural women’s economic empowerment is a crucial element of sustainable development, as it strengthens their ability to support their households and contribute to their communities while advancing gender equality. This study explored the influence of microfinance strategies on fostering economic empowerment among rural women in Kyarumba Sub- County, Kasese District, Uganda. The research drew on Microfinance Theory and employed a quantitative research approach using correlation and survey designs. A sample of 197 respondents was determined from a target population of 390 through Yamane’s formula. Structured questionnaires facilitated the collection of primary data. Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling were used to select the sample. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to address the research questions, while simple regression, correlation, and multiple regression analysis examined the relationship between the variables. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between microfinance services and rural women’s economic empowerment (t=4.478; p=0.000; p<0.05). The findings affirmed the essential role of microfinance in empowering rural women economically, contributing to gender equity and broader socio-economic progress. The study recommended expanding access to microfinance services as a core strategy to enhance rural women’s economic empowerment and advance gender equity in rural areas. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, highlighting the importance of prioritizing microfinance services to drive gender equality and improve the socio-economic well-being of rural women.

Decoding the Reference Letter: Strategies to Reduce Unintentional Gender Bias in Letters of Recommendation.

There is a growing body of literature on gender bias in letters of recommendation (LORs) in academic medicine and the negative effect of bias on promotion and career advancement. Thus, increasing knowledge about gender bias and developing skills to mitigate it is important for advancing gender equity in medicine. This workshop aims to provide participants with knowledge about linguistic bias (focused on gender), how to recognize it, and strategies to apply to mitigate it when writing LORs. We developed an interactive 60-minute workshop for faculty and graduate medical education program directors consisting of didactics, reflection exercises, and group activities. We used a postworkshop survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze Likert-scale questions and a thematic content analysis for open-ended prompts. We presented the workshop four times (two local and two national conferences) with one in-person and one virtual format for each. There were 50 participants who completed a postworkshop survey out of 74 total participants (68% response rate). Ninety-nine percent of participants felt the workshop met its educational objectives, and 100% felt it was a valuable use of their time. Major themes described for intended behavior change included utilization of the gender bias calculator, mindful use and balance of agentic versus communal traits, closer attention to letter length, and dissemination of this knowledge to colleagues. This workshop was an effective method for helping participants recognize gender bias when writing LORs and learn strategies to mitigate it.

Gender (In)Equity in the Brazilian Paralympic Committee Coverage of the Paralympic Games

This study investigated the following questions: Was there gender equity in the coverage by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee of the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games? If not, what were the main differences in the treatment of male and female athletes? We compiled all of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee’s publications during both Paralympic Games editions, computed their distribution by gender, and assessed whether the newsworthiness criteria and aspects of text composition were consistently applied across genders. We conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis of all available publications on the committee’s website during both events. We found that women received less visibility, fewer speech quotations, and fewer protagonist roles. Additionally, we observed that the application of newsworthiness criteria favored men. Our findings reveal issues that can contribute to advancing gender equity in the coverage of national paralympic committees and other media outlets.

Commitment to inclusion: The importance of collaboration in gender equity work.

Despite decades of faculty professional development programs created to prepare women for leadership, gender inequities persist in salary, promotion, and leadership roles. Indeed, men still earn more than women, are more likely than women to hold the rank of professor, and hold the vast majority of positions of power in academic medicine. Institutions demonstrate commitment to their faculty's growth by investing resources, including creating faculty development programs. These programs are essential to help prepare women to lead and navigate the highly matrixed, complex systems of academic medicine. However, data still show that women persistently lag behind men in their career advancement and salary. Clearly, training women to adapt to existing structures and norms alone is not sufficient. To effectively generate organizational change, leaders with power and resources must commit to gender equity. This article describes several efforts by the Office of Faculty in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to broaden inclusivity in collaborative work for gender equity. The authors are women and men leaders in the Office of Faculty, which is within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine dean's office and includes Women in Science and Medicine. Here, we discuss potential methods to advance gender equity using inclusivity based on our institutional experience and on the findings of other studies. Ongoing data collection to evaluate programmatic outcomes in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine will be reported in the future.

The 30 × 30 initiative: Seeking to improve public safety and transform departments by advancing women in policing

Abstract Women make up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leaders in the United States, and these numbers have remained stagnant for decades. While this is concerning from a gender equity perspective, it is also concerning from a public safety perspective, as a growing body of research demonstrates the unique value of women officers - from fewer uses of excessive force, to improved trust with diverse communities, to better outcomes for victims of crime. The 30x30 Initiative is a national grassroots effort to improve both the representation and experiences of women in policing, with the ultimate goal of improving public safety outcomes across communities. After nearly three years of implementation in over 300 law enforcement agencies, 30x30 has produced a robust body of promising practices, demographic data, and lessons learned about what works and what matters for advancing women in the profession. In the coming years, these efforts will expand through support for the US Department of Justice to analyze agency trends, understand promising practices to advance gender equity in other industries, and develop an evidence-informed implementation guide for all public agencies seeking to address gender equity and improve inclusivity in the workplace.

Transfer-Intending Women in Computing: An Exploratory Analysis of Trends, Characteristics, and Experiences Shaping Women’s Computing Participation

Objective: Community college transfer pathways are critical for advancing gender equity in STEM. Yet, community college students are often ignored within studies of women’s participation in undergraduate computing. In a first effort to address this gap in the literature, this paper explores the composition of transfer-intending computing students over time (Study One) and gender differences in the characteristics and experiences of transfer-intending computing students (Study Two). Methods: This descriptive paper uses Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) survey data. Study One relies on a sample of nearly 30,000 transfer aspirants in computing across the United States between 2011 and 2019, allowing us to explore trends over time. Study Two examines a subset of over 9,000 students from the most recent survey cohort, providing a more nuanced snapshot of transfer-intending computing students. Descriptive statistics were used to examine how student experiences differ by gender and race/ethnicity. Results: Study One findings show that women’s representation among transfer-intending computing students has declined over time. Study Two results reveal that, relative to men, women spend more time caregiving, commuting, studying, in student groups, and utilizing advising services, pointing to unique demands on women’s time. We also identify significant differences in how Black and Indigenous women financed their college, relative to other women. Conclusions: While women are underrepresented among transfer-intending computing students, they represent a diverse group to support. We point to recommendations for policy and practice to support transfer-intending women in STEM and future research that considers intersectional identities among this diverse group.

Empowering Perspectives: Analyzing Gender Dynamics in International Politics

This study explores the complex world of gender dynamics in global politics with the goal of empowering different viewpoints and promoting inclusive government. The introduction outlines the growing importance of gender issues in international relations and emphasizes the necessity for a thorough understanding of how they intersect with other social identities. The study's dual goals are to first investigate how gender affects political involvement and representation while taking into account how race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation interact with gender experiences. Second, to examine how gender-sensitive policies affect international efforts at development, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution. A mixed-methods strategy is used, including research using qualitative data. Findings highlight the complex ways in which gender influences international politics' power structures, decision-making procedures, and access to opportunities. The report also highlights the significance of comprehensive gender-sensitive policy and points out shortcomings in addressing intersecting identities. In order to establish a more inclusive and equitable international political scene, more research and action are required, as this study emphasizes the significance of advancing gender equity in global governance.

'We are all women here in Canada': Intimate bargains in WASH spaces

In many parts of the world access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is entwined with gender relations. While there is emerging research on how gender relations intersect with socio-cultural practices and norms to produce gender-based violence in WASH, little is known about how these gender relations are intimately produced, reproduced and embodied in place. Drawing insights from feminist political ecology and gendered geographies of power, this paper uses retrospective narratives of Ghanaian migrants in Canada to advance this scholarship in three significant ways. First, the findings demonstrate how gender relations in WASH produce everyday vulnerabilities differently among women and men. Second, they highlight the complex ways women bargain with patriarchal structures to ensure their safety in WASH spaces. Finally, the findings show how gender relations and roles in WASH transform in transnational spaces in which gendered WASH roles and responsibilities are blurred. The findings draw policy attention to the interconnectedness of WASH and gender equality and the need for policy and practice change to advance gender equity in WASH.

In our responses to the overdose epidemic, we cannot forget pregnant and postpartum people.

In 2021, there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States (US). Death rates have increased faster among women than men, particularly among Black and Indigenous people. Although drug overdose is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths, birthing people are rarely emphasized in discussions of overdose and research and services remain limited. Data show increases in drug use and deaths among women of child-bearing age, with risks continuing in the postpartum period. Harms experienced by birthing people who use drugs occur in the context of broader inequities in maternal morbidity and mortality that lead to disparate reproductive health outcomes. Shared structural antecedents (e.g. intersecting sexism and racism, stigma, and punitive policies) underlie overlapping epidemics of overdose and maternal morbidity and mortality. Here we discuss the unique challenges placed on birthing people who use drugs and make recommendations on how to mitigate harms by improving access to and delivery of quality care and addressing unjust policies and practices. We highlight the need for integrated health services, clearer guidelines rooted in equity, and the need for changes to policy and practice that support rather than punish. To better serve individuals and families impacted by substance use, we need multilevel solutions that advance gender equity and racial justice to reshape and/or dismantle the systems that undergird oppression.

Women's participation in the mining industry: Tracing the business case across APEC countries

The role of women in mining economies is increasingly recognized in management and policy fora. Nonetheless, mining remains a male-dominated industry. In this paper, we examine how women's participation in the mining industry is commonly articulated through what we refer to as a ‘business case’ approach, and find that this approach is frequently adopted by both mining companies and gender-based interest groups. While the ‘business case’ approach facilitates the engagement with women's concerns regarding their participation in the workforce; we argue that it potentially sidesteps important social and political factors and thereby overlooks broader considerations for advancing gender equity in mining. The analysis draws on data collected in 2019 through a survey, as well as semi-structured interviews and workshops with representatives of mining companies and gender-focused groups across selected APEC countries. In our analysis, we found three overriding insights regarding the ‘business case’ approach, as articulated by key representatives. Specifically, it: 1) supports gender equity policies to validate women's place in the industry; 2) promotes a gender equality-friendly image, and; 3) considers only particular intersectional identities. Ultimately, these findings reveal the need for future research on how corporate initiatives and government policies could adopt a more inclusive gender-transformative approach that encourages the promotion of women, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented groups in the mining industry, including consideration of men and masculinity as part of efforts to promote gender inclusion in mining, while also supporting individuals with other intersectional identities (e.g., racialized and disability). We also consider other issues important from a gender lens beyond the ‘business case’ approach, including interactions with communities.

Advancing Gender Equity and Diversity in the Workplace: The Role of Allyship and Leadership

Advancing Gender Equity and Diversity in the Workplace: The Role of Allyship and Leadership

A Woman in Berlin: Reappraising Mass Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Public Health

Abstract Preventing sexual and gender-based violence—and mitigating its devastating impacts on individuals and societies—is a central challenge of public health. A Woman in Berlin is 34-year-old journalist Marta Hillers’s first-hand account of life during the 1945 Red Army occupation of Berlin at the conclusion of World War II, when Russian soldiers collectively raped 2 million German civilians. Reflecting upon Hillers’s testimony, I argue that historical narratives about large-scale acts of sexual and gender-based violence deserve a more central place in public health discourse. I also question how the ethical challenges of memorializing and studying mass crimes might inform future public health efforts to advance gender equity and mitigate sexual violence globally.

Equity in Public Budgeting: Lessons for the United States

There is a growing realization among both academics and practitioners that infusing government budgets with an equity dimension has the potential to provide a pathway to a more equitable society. This potential has already been realized by more than 80 governments worldwide that have been using gender-responsive budgets (GRB) to advance gender equity. GRB represents a specific example of the growing trend in budgeting, which sees government budgets as something more than a neutral process of resource allocation. Rather, budgets are instruments to influence the allocation of resources to advance equity. In this article, we look at how international experiences with GRB can inform recent efforts in the United States by governments at all levels to use their budgets to advance social equity, especially for historically marginalized groups. We identify five factors that have contributed to GRB success and discuss how each of the factors can inform these efforts.

Catalyzing Sustainable Development: Assessing the Impact of Family Plan-ning Programs on Population Control, Reproductive Health, and Gender Empowerment

Population growth is a global challenge with far-reaching implications for public health, sustainable development, and gender equality. Family planning programs have emerged as pivotal tools in addressing this challenge, facilitating informed reproductive choices, and improving maternal and child health outcomes. This research undertakes a comprehensive examination of the implementation of family planning programs and their effectiveness in controlling population growth. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of birth rate data, surveys, and spatial analysis with qualitative insights from interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The research encompasses diverse regions, cultures, and socioeconomic contexts, ensuring a holistic assessment of family planning program dynamics. The findings reveal a strong association between the availability and accessibility of family planning services and a decline in birth rates. Regions with comprehensive programs have witnessed notable reductions in birth rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of informed reproductive choices in population control. Furthermore, the research underscores the critical linkage between family planning and improved maternal and child health outcomes. Lower maternal mortality rates, decreased infant mortality, and enhanced child nutrition are observed in areas with well-established family planning services, highlighting the broader public health benefits of family planning. Gender empowerment emerges as a key theme, with women in regions with accessible family planning reporting increased autonomy in reproductive decision-making, higher educational attainment, and greater workforce participation. This underscores the transformative potential of family planning in advancing gender equity and women's participation in societal development. Cultural norms and societal beliefs are identified as significant determinants of program success, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches and community engagement strategies. Disparities in access to family planning services are evident, particularly among vulnerable populations, highlighting the imperative of targeted interventions and equitable resource allocation. The research also highlights policy implications, advocating for supportive regulatory frameworks, education initiatives, and community-driven approaches to optimize program outcomes. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights to the fields of population control, public health, gender empowerment, and policy development. It reinforces the significance of family planning programs as catalysts for sustainable development and underscores the importance of informed policy decisions and program enhancements in addressing global population challenges.

Corporate Responses to Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is among society’s most pernicious and impactful social issues, causing substantial harm to health and wellbeing, and impacting women’s employability, work performance, and career opportunity. Organizations play a vital role in addressing IPV, yet, in contrast to other employee- and gender-related social issues, very little is known regarding corporate responses to IPV. IPV responsiveness is a specific demonstration of corporate social responsibility and is central to advancing gender equity in organizations. In this paper, we draw upon unique data on the IPV policies and practices of 191 Australian listed corporations between 2016 and 2019, that collectively employ around 1.5 M employees. Providing the first large-scale empirical analysis of corporate IPV policies and practices, we theorise that listed corporations’ IPV responsiveness reflects institutional and stakeholder pressures which are multifaceted and central to corporate social responsibility. Our findings identify greater IPV responsiveness among larger corporations, as well as those corporations with higher proportions of women middle managers, greater financial resources, and more advanced employee consultation on gender issues. This paper concludes that there is a need for further research on corporate IPV responsiveness, to further illuminate corporate motivations, organizational support processes, and employee experiences.

Impact of Sumadhur intervention on fertility and family planning decision-making norms: a mixed methods study

BackgroundMindful of social norms shaping health among women pressured to prove early fertility in Nepal, a bi-national research team developed and piloted a 4-month intervention engaging household triads (newly married women, their husbands, and mothers-in-law) toward advancing gender equity, personal agency, and reproductive health. This study evaluates the impact on family planning and fertility decision-making.MethodsIn 2021, Sumadhur was piloted in six villages with 30 household triads (90 participants). Pre/post surveys of all participants were analyzed using paired sample nonparametric tests and in-depth interviews with a subset of 45 participants were transcribed and analyzed thematically.ResultsSumadhur significantly impacted (p < .05) norms related to pregnancy spacing and timing, and sex preference of children, as well as knowledge about family planning benefits, pregnancy prevention methods, and abortion legality. Family planning intent also increased among newly married women. Qualitative findings revealed improved family dynamics and gender equity, and shed light on remaining challenges.ConclusionsEntrenched social norms surrounding fertility and family planning contrasted with participants’ personal beliefs, highlighting needed community-level shifts to improve reproductive health in Nepal. Engagement of influential community- and family-members is key to improving norms and reproductive health. Additionally, promising interventions such as Sumadhur should be scaled up and reassessed.

Gender inequities in the workplace: A holistic review of organizational processes and practices

In this paper, we provide a broad, integrative review of the degree to which gender inequities exist in organizational domains and practices covering areas such as performance evaluation, compensation, leadership, work-family conflict, and sexual harassment, spanning the employee lifecycle from selection to exiting the organization. Where the literature allows, we review intersectionality findings. We also review the factors and processes that facilitate and hinder gender equity in the workplace, by drawing on the most robust empirical evidence. Throughout the paper, we distinguish between findings that allow us to infer gender inequity versus gender equality. Consolidating these disparate literatures allows us to develop a model that explains how gender inequities cumulate across the employee lifecycle and are reinforced across multiple levels (i.e., societal, organizational, interpersonal, and individual). We also identify important gaps in the literature, suggest next steps for research and highlight practical implications for organizations aiming to advance gender equity.