Education Empowerment Research Articles

Investigating Pathways Linking of Women's Education Status and Empowerment to Intimate Partner Violence Among Married Women in Sri Lanka: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

In Sri Lanka, intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a major concern, particularly for married women. Women's education and empowerment are significant contributors to IPV. Despite this, there have been no recent studies exploring the complex relationship between education and multidimensions of empowerment in relation to IPV in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this research addresses this gap by exploring the complex pathways connecting married women's education and multidimensional empowerment to IPV. Using data from the 2019 Sri Lankan Women's Wellbeing Survey, this study included 1,165 married women. A path analysis based on structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the complex interplay between distinct empowerment domains and IPV. The SEM results revealed both direct and indirect effects of women's education and empowerment on IPV experiences. Education is positively linked to age at marriage, employment status, and husbands' educational level, while inversely associated with accepting attitudes toward violence. Age at marriage plays a major role as a mediator, mediating the relationship between women's education and their involvement in decision-making, and the relationship between husbands' education and women's IPV experience. Moreover, the relationship between women's age at marriage and their IPV experiences was fully mediated by their decision-making ability, highlighting the importance of empowerment in decision-making. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address the interconnected factors affecting IPV risk among married women in Sri Lanka, particularly focusing on education, empowerment, and marriage timing.

Evaluation of Clinical Education Based on Cognitive Apprenticeship Model Using Maastricht Clinical Education Questionnaire

Introduction: One of the main aspects of medical students is clinical education. The cognitive apprenticeship model is one of the principles of clinical education and contains six dimensions, including modeling, coaching, scaffolding, articulation, reflection, and exploration. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical education at Kerman University of Medical Sciences based on the cognitive apprenticeship model in 2021. Method: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional research, the Maastricht Clinical Education Questionnaire was separated among 150 students, and with a response rate of 74%, 112 of them completed this. Results: In the evaluation of the clinical education at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, the score of the articulation domain was higher than others, and the lowest score was given to the reflection domain. Clinical education in the internal medicine department was the most consistent with the cognitive apprenticeship model. Conclusion: Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of clinical education is the first step toward improving the quality of medical education. In the subsequent steps, the practitioners and planners of the faculty member empowerment programs should design, implement, and evaluate educational empowerment programs for clinical faculty members to improve their academic skills in the clinical education environment.

Determinants of access to rural financing in the democratic republic of Congo: The case of Kongo central

This article aims to identify the determinants influencing access to rural finance, focusing on a sample of 500 family farms in Kongo Central. This study revealed that membership in a financial solidarity group and awareness of the existence of a local development committee significantly influences access to credit using Probit and Logit regression methods. This study highlights the importance of supply and demand factors in accessing rural finance. Key demand-related determinants include gender, marital status, sector of activity, household size and high levels of education. This research suggests strengthening policies aimed at increasing financial education and women's empowerment to improve access to financing. These measures could enable more individuals especially women to effectively access and use financial services. By addressing these determinants can help policymakers better design interventions to support rural development in this province. The results underscore the need for a holistic approach considering both supply and demand factors to improve financial inclusion for rural populations.

Enhancing Professional Development for Science Teachers in Selected Elementary Schools in Suakoko Town, Bong County, Liberia

This paper probes into the multifaceted issues surrounding violence against women and challenges to girls' education in Liberia. Coomaraswamy's 2002 research underscored the role of cultural behaviors in family structures contributing significantly to violence against women. King and Winthrop's 2015 study explored factors such as poverty, gender norms, and cultural expectations, contributing to discussions on fair educational opportunities. Cunningham et al.'s 2023 research delved into gender disparities across economic, educational, healthcare, and political spheres, employing a women's empowerment perspective. Theoretical frameworks rooted in gender and social norm theories were employed to understand the impact of cultural identity on preschool girls' education in Liberia. The study focused on evaluating negative effects on preschool girls in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to create a supportive environment. Coomaraswamy's 2002 insistence on rejecting the use of cultural considerations to justify violence against girls resonates globally. The study also highlighted disparities in girls' primary school enrollment rates in the region compared to the global average, emphasizing the urgency of addressing educational inequalities. Overall, this paper contributes valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and communities, advocating for positive change in Liberia's educational landscape and women's empowerment.

Management of Muslim converts in Lebak Banten by YASMUI, Muhammadiyah, and Al Washliyah

The major challenges faced by Baduy converts in understanding and practicing Islam are due to limited access to formal Islamic education and the encroachment of Christian missionary activities. The purpose of this study is to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of Islamic philanthropy programs conducted by institutions such as YASMUI, Muhammadiyah, and Al-Washliyah in fostering the religious and social welfare of Baduy converts. This research uses a qualitative, descriptive-analytical research method, with a focus on the long-term sustainability of converts' development programs. Data collection was conducted through interviews, observation, and document analysis. The results show that Islamic education and social-humanitarian programs have had a positive impact on the religious understanding and social conditions of the Baduy converts. Collaboration between Islamic philanthropic organizations and the government is essential in providing free education facilities and social welfare services. The implication of the research shows that to optimize the sustainability and impact of these programs, continuous collaboration between the government and Islamic philanthropic institutions is essential. This includes the provision of formal education, health services and economic empowerment initiatives. In addition, this research highlights the need for improved infrastructure and support from the government to face the challenges posed by Christian missionary activities and to improve the overall welfare of the Baduy community.

Inside the homes, beyond the classroom: Teacher’s home visitation experiences

The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences, challenges, and insights of teachers in an elementary school in the District of Pandan, Division of Antique which were the basis of the proposed intervention program for teachers. On the other hand, the phenomenology research design was used in this study. The study utilized five elementary teachers as research participants. The data was analyzed and interpreted using the thematic analysis of Collaizzi’s method. The research instrument used was in the form of the interview guide. The teachers’ lived experiences with home visitation highlight three key themes: teacher’s commitment and mission, student’s struggles, and school-family connectedness. The home visitation challenges highlight three main themes: geographical problems, seasonal labor-dependent students, and personal safety. Support systems to address these challenges in home visitation programs. The study documents teachers’ insights in home visitation to improve academic performance. It identifies three key themes: innovation in teaching, conferencing, and parental involvement. The proposed intervention program was the Educational Empowerment for All (EEFA) Program.

The Employee Engagement’s Impact on Productivity and Motivation in the Private higher education Sector in Oman

Employee engagement in the workplace implies that employees are committed to their respective organizational vision, mission, and goals, thereby becoming more engaged, and motivated to contribute to organizational success. Similarly, engaged professional staff in Oman’s higher education sector experience job satisfaction, involvement, commitment, and empowerment, thereby enhancing education quality. Employee engagement has gained significant attention from scholars and practitioners due to its positive impact on personal and organizational well-being. Thus, this study aims to explore the effect of employee engagement on productivity and motivation in Oman’s private higher education sector and determine the success factors for organizations in maintaining employee engagement. The literature review reveals that the working environment, leadership style, and creative work approach tend to influence employee engagement in Oman’s private higher education sector. Therefore, secondary findings reveal the impact of different motivations and productivity on employee engagement through social exchange theory.

Abstract 27: A Randomized Clinical Trial for Asymptomatic Elevated Blood Pressure in Patients Discharged from Emergency Department

Introduction: Hypertension is a prevalent condition that is often asymptomatic. Emergency Department (ED) patients commonly present with underlying and undiagnosed hypertension. As EDs serve as critical access points for healthcare, they present a unique opportunity for hypertension screening and intervention, and ED-based interventions could target patients who are often missed in other healthcare settings. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that an Education and mHealth Empowerment intervention would be effective when compared to standard discharge instructions in reducing systolic blood pressure by 6-month follow-up among patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure discharged from the ED. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was designed to enroll patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure (> 140/90 mm Hg and ≤ 180/110 mm Hg) discharged from an urban academic ED that predominantly serves patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Patients were randomized to either usual care (standard discharge with outpatient follow-up referral) or the intervention arm (education and mHealth Empowerment intervention at discharge – the intervention included a consultation with a clinical pharmacist or an advanced practice nurse, and use of mHealth to educate on and facilitate self-monitoring and behavior change along with a primary care referral, and follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months). Results: Of the 574 enrolled, 289 were randomized to the intervention group. The mean age of the sample was 51.1 (±12.5) years, and 57% were female, 72% were Black, and 20% Hispanic. There were no statistically significant differences between the two arms by demographics or mean blood pressure at baseline. At 6 months follow up, the intervention arm showed a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to the usual care group, and the difference was statistically significant (mean difference: 4.9 mm Hg, 95% CI [0.8, 9.0], p=0.02). Conclusions: The Education and mHealth Empowerment intervention was more effective than standard discharge instructions in reducing systolic blood pressure in a predominantly Black and Latino patient population with elevated blood pressure discharged from the ED. This intervention, and other similar ED-based interventions could be a viable and scalable strategy for blood pressure control in asymptomatic patients for preventing secondary cardiovascular complications due to uncontrolled hypertension.

Multi-Dimensional Poverty in the Newly Merged Tribal Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Identifying The Key Areas of Priority

Poverty measurement is a complex global challenge and a key target within the Sustainable Development Goals. Poverty is not a unidimensional issue tied solely to income or consumption but is instead a multidimensional phenomenon. This study investigates multidimensional poverty in the economically disadvantaged province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with a specific focus on the newly merged tribal districts. Utilizing a nationally representative dataset, PSLM/HIES 2018-19, from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the analysis is based on a sample size of 4464 households from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study employs the Alkire-Foster methodology to measure multidimensional poverty, using dual cutoff points and constructing an index that incorporates nine dimensions: economic activity, living standards, environment, assets, education, health, food security, ICT access and women empowerment. The findings reveal a severe imbalance in poverty distribution across the province, with the seven recently merged tribal districts emerging as the poorest. Rural areas exhibit significantly higher multidimensional poverty compared to urban regions. Key covariates of poverty include remittances, the number of working household members, urban or rural location, and access to government canals for irrigation, all of which play a significant role in shaping household poverty status.

Conscientization and Education Reform: Applying Paulo Freire's Pedagogy to Al-Majirci in Northern Nigeria

Abstract: Northern Nigeria is a region where traditional Al-Majiri/Qur'anic schools have faced significant challenges despite several government efforts at reforms. Through Freire's critical pedagogy, particularly the concept of conscientization, this paper explores the potential for educational empowerment of critical stakeholders: parents, Mallams (teachers), Al-Majirai (pupils/students), and the authorities. By advocating dialogue among these groups, the paper proposes a transformative approach that not only addresses the immediate educational needs but also confronts the underlying social, economic, and political structures contributing to the marginalization of the Al-Majirai . The proposed reform aims to integrate the Al-Majirai with mainstream education that respects the cultural and religious significance of Qur'anic education while promoting critical consciousness, community involvement, and sustainable development. The article contributes to the discourse on educational reform in marginalized contexts emphasizing the pivotal role of pedagogy in driving social change.

Educational Empowerment vs. Workplace Realities: An Analysis of Women\'s Experiences in Jharkhand

Educational Empowerment vs. Workplace Realities: An Analysis of Women\'s Experiences in Jharkhand

An examination of the relationship between risk perceptions, cultural-religious beliefs and coping during COVID-19 pandemic control in South Asian countries: a systematic review

BackgroundCovid 19 was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its rapid spread and catastrophic effects on health. It affected around 119 M people with mortality rate of 0.27% worldwide, including South-Asians. This review aims to understand the risk perceptions, cultural religious beliefs and the coping mechanisms of South Asians during the Covid 19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following search engines were used: Medline, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Included studies investigated perceptions and opinions of individuals on knowledge, risk and protective factors, native faith based practices, and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe database search produced 282 articles to screen. The final narrative synthesis included five studies comprising of 13,476 participants from Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Ten studies, comprising 7,893 participants, were eligible and included for meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence with maximum heterogeneity for correct knowledge of symptoms, hand washing or use of sanitizers, face masking use of herbal or traditional remedies and physical distancing or avoidance of contact was reported through meta-analysis.ConclusionThe review brings forth a useful comparison of individual and cultural differences in KAP, risk perceptions and coping strategies. This review highlights the need for and importance of tailored information dissemination, culturally sensitive risk communication, targeted educational interventions, community engagement and empowerment, policy, and infrastructure improvements, as well as continued research and data collection. By addressing these implications, efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 can be more effective and equitable across diverse populations.Prospero registrationCRD42021246475.

Elderly Golden Age School (EGAS): a strategy to promote health and prosperity elderly in Indonesia

Most elderly citizens face health problems and difficulties although they are economically productive and independent. This study developed a prototype for promoting health and prosperity within the Elderly Golden Age School (EGAS) for ageing populations. EGAS activity is also one of the health counseling activities regarding seven dimensions of robust elderly (spiritual, physical health, emotional health, intellectual capabilities, social activities, vocational activities, and living environment). The quantitative data were collected using a validated questionnaire, which was administered to 60 elderly respondents. Qualitative data were also obtained, using focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews. Chi-square analysis was utilized to analyze the quantitative data while simple descriptive methods were applied for the qualitative data. Results showed there was no statistically significant association between any of the seven dimensions and acceptance of the EGAS, except the environmental. It was constituted by existing support systems, including program management of the region, sub-district, and village. Elderly education, health services, and community empowerment must all be promoted. The local government should objectify the program and activities of the EGAS.

Cash Waqf Management for Education: Challenges, Solutions and Strategies

In Indonesia, the potential for funding educational initiatives through the empowerment of cash waqf is considerable, with estimates reaching up to IDR 120 trillion annually. As of March 2022, cash waqf collections amounted to IDR 1.4 trillion, a notable increase from the IDR 855 billion accumulated between 2018 and 2021. Despite this growth, cash waqf collections remain far below their potential, limiting their impact on educational empowerment. While various researchers have proposed strategies to address these obstacles, there is a paucity of research on an ideal model for empowering education through cash waqf in Indonesia. This study aims to develop a model for the empowerment of cash waqf specifically for educational programs in Indonesia. The research utilizes the Analytic Network Process (ANP) methodology, aided by Super Decision software, which is a decision-making method based on priority scales. The study conducts a synthesis analysis of problems, solutions, and strategies related to this issue. The findings indicate that both internal and external challenges affect the empowerment of cash waqf in education, with management being the primary concern. Relevant strategies include waqf policy enhancement, nazhir (waqf managers) training and empowerment, strengthening educational programs, and promoting cash waqf. An investment-based model, coupled with partnerships, scholarships, and educational initiatives, offers insights into the management of cash waqf, from collection processes to empowerment within the educational sector.

Empowering women in academia: navigating institutional dynamics, gender roles, and personal pursuits among female researchers in Norwegian higher education

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have documented the widespread marginalization of female scholars throughout their professional journeys in various societies. It has been noted that women in academia are not given the same opportunities as men when it comes to advancement into professorship, leadership roles, productivity in research, and salary. The personal pursuits and willingness of female researchers, including how they self-activated to negotiate with structural empowerment factors, have been largely ignored in literature. This article uses empowerment as an analytical lens to look at how career advancement and recognition of female researchers have been influenced by a mix of structural and individual factors. Empowerment is a motivating process that places power at the centre of its conception and results in increased competence, self-efficacy, self-confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing. Therefore, empowerment is interpreted as cooperative and agreed-upon efforts by empowered agents to improve the career prospects of female researchers. This study explores the ways in which female researchers are empowered or disempowered as they advance in their careers, negotiating institutional policies and practices, gender roles, important relationships, and personal pursuits. Drawing upon interview data, this study intends to spark additional discussions and theoretical considerations on the intersections of gender, career advancement, and empowerment in higher education. It also asks for more culturally aware policy adjustments to empower female researchers inside the institution.

Investigating the role of women's education status and empowerment on accessing skilled birth attendance in Bangladesh: A structural equation modelling approach

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate the associations between women's education and access to skilled birth attendant (SBA) services mediated by factors of women's empowerment and sociodemographic characteristics using a path analysis through a structural equation (SEM) modelling approach. MethodsA sample of 4946 mothers from the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey of 2017–18 was used in the SEM analysis. Accessing SBA service at childbirth was operationalized as utilizing SBA during last childbirth. After extracting the relevant variables and cleaning the original survey data, a subsample of 4,946 women were eligible for analysis in the current study. ResultsThe SEM model revealed strong evidence of direct, indirect, and mediating effects of both education and empowerment of women in accessing SBA services. Educated women have more autonomy in decision making and are less susceptible to family violence and consequently are more likely to access SBA services during childbirth (β = 0.094, p < 0.001). In addition, age at first marriage, media exposure, husband's education, healthcare accessibility, decision marking, and household wealth index mediated the relationship between education and SBA service use. ConclusionBangladesh, a country that needs to improve several societal and health indices to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, need to prioritize women's education to increase accessibility to maternal healthcare services. Health education and mass-media-driven awareness may be potential interventions for LMICs to increase SBA coverage.

RABIES: UNITING FOR ONE HEALTH - PROTECTING HUMANS AND ANIMALS TOGETHER

This review article elucidates the intricate dynamics of rabies and its effects in the context of a persistent global threat using the One Health approach. This article emphasizes the inescapable link between human, animal, and environmental health by clarifying the complex mechanisms of rabies transmission, elaborating on its symptoms and course, and demonstrating its global occurrence and impact. This article highlights the crucial importance of zoonotic diseases, notably the reservoir role of animals in rabies transmission, and embraces the idea of One Health, which recognizes the symbiotic interactions between these domains. This study highlights the significance of unified control and surveillance systems from a strategic perspective. This emphasizes the value of vaccination as a cornerstone for safeguarding both human and animal populations. Additionally, it highlights the potential of interdisciplinary One Health initiatives to eradicate rabies through successful case studies. This article sheds light on the crucial role of international organizations, the significance of policy advocacy, strict regulation, and international cooperation while addressing socioeconomic consequences, implementation challenges, and the goals of a rabies-free world. Interdisciplinary research has emerged as a catalyst to develop innovative prevention and control methods that are strengthened by technology, shared knowledge, and resilient strategies to combat the effects of climate change and emerging diseases. Public engagement, education, and community empowerment should be implemented to establish a proactive approach to rabies prevention. It concludes with a loud appeal for coordinated One Health initiatives to build a safer future in the face of this ongoing issue.

Economic Institutional Empowerment Model as A Climate and Energy-Independent Village Based on Local Wisdom

Village development from the perspective of community empowerment is to increase community participation in institutions by utilizing economic potential resources and local wisdom. The purpose of the research is to analyze and design a model of economic institutional empowerment at the location of Sambak Village, Kajoran Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, Central Java Province as a productive and innovative village that was awarded the Climate Village and Independent Innovation Champion. The research used a qualitative method with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) which is relevant for constructing reality through observation, dialogical interviews, documentation, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Research informants were selected purposively, namely administrators and members of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) and Village-Owned Enterprises (VOE), village government, and empowerment activists. PRA research analysis obtains data construction, reduction, and categorization which can then design empowerment programs or models. The results showed that Village governments need to create and run economic institutional empowerment programs in partnership with educational institutions and empowerment activists so that VOEs and MSME’s become integrated institutions. The empowerment programs needed are institutional management, administration, finance, promotion as well as digital marketing. Sambak Village can become a model and destination for an energy-independent productive and innovative Eduwisata.

Determinants of Women Empowerment and Its Impact on Community Development in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The present study aimed to explore and evaluate the significant determinants of women empowerment and to examine their impact on community development in the Saudi Arabian context. Methods: The study employed a descriptive analytical approach using a distributed questionnaire. All the measurement items were taken from previous studies with slight changes in the statements to make them appropriate for the current study. A sample of 310 female faculty members in Jazan University was drawn using the convenience sampling method. For hypotheses testing, Structural Equation Modeling was mainly employed using Smart PLS. Results: Three determinants of women's empowerment—educational, economic, and social—were considered independent variables, and their impacts on community development were examined as the dependent variable. The findings of the study revealed that the educational aspect is the most influential factor that determines women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia and, thereby, connection with community development, followed by the economic and social domains of women's empowerment. Conclusions: The results of this study will enable other nations to recognize women's strengths and utilize them for national development and economic progress. This research can help policymakers and government officials develop targeted policies and strategies for educational, economic, and social empowerment that are consistent with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030. This can aid in the efficient allocation of resources and implementation of initiatives designed to promote community development.

Empowering Youths for Social Changes: Educational Initiatives in Gandaki Rural Municipality, Ward No. 6

The study aims to discern the role of education on youth empowerment to promote health and sanitation, gender equality and awareness to address social issues for social changes in Gandaki Rural Municipality ward number 6. The survey study identified various challenges related to education for youth empowerment. The descriptive research design was used. The focused group discussions using semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the seven youths of Chepang/Praja community aged 15-19 years old residing in the ward number 6. The sample was selected using purposive sampling technique. The education the youth of Chepang/Praja community empowered through education demonstrated the ability to promotes health and sanitation, gender equality and create awareness to address social issues within their society. Major challenges identified includes reluctance to change by the senior citizens, lack of priority to the training that didn't provide allowances, the voices of youth are unheard, remote geographical location, lack the access to transportation, lacks appropriate resources and migration. The study suggested that the education brings positive social changes through empowering the youth in the promotion of health and sanitation, gender equality and creation of awareness to address the social changes.