Issues Of Empowerment Research Articles

Academic Coverage of Online Activism of Disabled People: A Scoping Review

Disabled people need to be activists given the many problematic lived realities they face. However, they frequently encounter obstacles in traditional offline activism. Online activism could be a potential alternative. The objective of this scoping review is to examine the extent and nature of the coverage of disabled people in the academic literature that focuses on online activism. We searched the abstracts in Scopus, Web of Science, and the 70 databases in EBSCO-HOST for the presence of 57 terms linked to online activism or online tools or places for online activism, which generated 18,069 abstracts for qualitative analysis. Of the 18,069 abstracts, only 54 discussed online the activism by disabled people. Among these 54 relevant abstracts, only one contained the term “Global South”. No relevant abstracts were found that contained the terms “Metaverse” or “Democrac*” together with “activis*”. Only two relevant abstracts contained the phrase “digital citizen*”. Out of the 57 terms, 28 had no hits. The thematic analysis identified 24 themes: 6 themes in 30 abstracts had a positive sentiment, 7 themes in 30 abstracts had a negative sentiment, and 11 themes present in 23 abstracts had a neutral sentiment. There were three main themes: the positive role and use of online activism; the technical accessibility barriers to online activism; and the attitudinal accessibility problems arising from ableist judgments. The intersectionality of the disability identity with other marginalized identities and the issue of empowerment were rarely addressed, and ability judgment-based concepts beyond the term’s “ableism” and “ableist” were not used. The study underscores the necessity for further research given the few relevant abstracts found. The study also indicates that actions are needed on barriers to online activism and that examples for best practices exist that could be applied more often. Future studies should also incorporate a broader range of ability judgment-based concepts to enrich the analysis and to support the empowerment of disabled activists.

Determinants of rural women economic empowerment: the Case of Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The issue of women's empowerment has been a topic of ongoing discussion in developing countries, considering the complex socio-demographic and cultural factors at play. Women tend to face disadvantages compared to men across various human development indicators. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the different factors that influence women's economic empowerment within the specific context of Ethiopia. This study examines the factors that contribute to the economic empowerment of women in rural areas of Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The research employed multi-stage probability sampling techniques to achieve its objectives, resulting in a sample of 382 rural women randomly selected from seven selected kebeles. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the collected data. The study found that more than half of the women achieved a medium level of economic empowerment. The results revealed that age, educational status, income contribution, and ownership of property positively influenced rural women's economic empowerment. In addition, opening a savings account, information access, mobile phone accessibility, and membership of women's associations positively and significantly affect women's economic empowerment in the study area. Conversely, marital status, hours spent on unpaid work, and early age at marriage negatively.

Coverage of Women's Empowerment Issue in Pakistani Newspapers: An Agenda-Setting Perspective

In the current research, a quantitative content analysis of four leading newspapers Dawn, Daily Times, Nawa-i-waqt, and Daily Jang was conducted to investigate the patterns of coverage of women empowerment. The time period for this study consisted of November 2023 to April 2024. The results showed that Urdu newspapers gave more coverage to the issue at hand as compared to English newspapers and Nawa-i-waqt gave the maximum amount of news regarding women empowerment as compared to other newspapers. The outcome of this research revealed that Pakistani Urdu newspapers give suitable coverage to women empowerment-related news, although different newspapers use different agendas to portray news related to women empowerment, such as political empowerment, social empowerment, economic empowerment, and education empowerment. The results showed that more importance was given to political and social empowerment and the common agenda of these four newspapers was social and political empowerment.

Mapping the intellectual structure of microfinance and women's empowerment: A bibliometric analysis

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize promoting and protecting women's rights and privileges. As a result, an increasing body of academic literature describes the various actions taken by different stakeholders to empower women. Amongst the initiatives implemented in many nations, microfinance and financial inclusion programs play a major role. This article aims to present an overview and synthesis of the research on the notion and practices of microfinance and its influence on entrepreneur women's empowerment. In order to do so, this study uses bibliometric techniques over a selection of papers extracted from the Web of Science database, to disentangle the knowledge structure of this academic field. According to our findings, the study of microfinance and women's empowerment is growing, with 470 publications, 963 authors, 67 nations and 36 research areas. Research topics include poverty reduction, gender issues in entrepreneurship, microfinance and women empowerment, and women in microcredit. An additional bibliographic coupling analysis has revealed the hottest research topics, showing the main gaps in the literature that suggest potential directions for future research.

Women's Alternative Media: Agents of Change on the Issue of Women's Roles in Indonesia

ABSTRACTProgress in achieving gender equality and empowering women in Indonesia has been too slow and fragmented. The media can provide a voice and a platform for placing women's role issues on the development agenda. As in the education, health, economic, labor, and political sectors. However, in reality, there is a significant gender gap in mainstream media companies so that women are not represented optimally and steps to improve gender equality are limited. Alternative media is very possible to take a role in explaining issues of gender equality and women's empowerment. Because this type of media can connect various sectors, including trade unions, social movements, organizations and various elements of society. Researchers use the concept of gender and communication development, Standpoint theory, and alternative media. The approach used in this study is literature review research methodology. The results of this study explain that journalists in alternative media consider gender awareness and sensitivity important in themselves to be able to protect and defend women's interests. In fact, alternative media provide wide opportunities for journalists to raise strategic issues of equality and women's empowerment. Keywords: Alternative, Empowerment, Journalists, Media, Women Election

Reimagining the Classics: Feminist Perspectives on Canonical Texts

This paper explores feminist perspectives on canonical texts, reimagining classical literature through the lens of gender, power, and voice. “Canonical works have traditionally reflected patriarchal norms, often marginalizing or silencing female characters. Feminist literary criticism challenges these interpretations, offering new ways to understand these texts by reclaiming the voices of women and exposing the gendered structures embedded within them. Through the examination of key themes such as the male gaze, intersectionality, and the subversion of patriarchal norms, this paper seeks to demonstrate how feminist reinterpretations transform the reader's understanding of classical works. Case studies of iconic texts highlight how female characters are redefined, shifting from passive figures to empowered agents of change. The paper also considers the intersection of race, class, and gender in feminist critiques and how modern adaptations and retellings of canonical texts continue to challenge traditional narratives. By critically engaging with feminist theory and literature, this paper argues that these reimagined readings not only provide a more inclusive understanding of classical texts but also reveal their contemporary relevance in addressing issues of gender equality, empowerment, and social justice. This study contributes to feminist literary scholarship by deepening the dialogue between classical literature and feminist thought.

Challenges Facing Rural Women in Accessing Economic Empowerment Opportunities in Tanzania

This paper examines the challenges faced by women in accessing economic empowerment opportunities in Kahama Municipal, Shinyanga Region of Tanzania. Specifically, the study identifies the challenges facing rural women in accessing economic empowerment opportunities. The study used purposive sampling and randomly selected one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Data collection was done through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings indicate that financial empowerment services for rural women are severely limited by inadequate infrastructure, lack of knowledge, and financial constraints, hindering their economic progress. The fragmented nature of empowerment organizations also lead to unequal distribution of opportunities for rural women. The absence of specific legislation addressing women's economic empowerment further exacerbates the challenges faced by rural women. This study concludes that the lack of financial empowerment among women in rural areas poses a significant challenge, resulting in poverty, insufficient income, and impeding progress for both women and the nation. The absence of a law addressing empowerment issues has hindered efforts to achieve gender equality in supporting women in rural areas. This study suggests that the government, particularly the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and People with Special Needs, and the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC), should collaborate with women's forums, Civil Society Organizations, women's organizations and private sectors supporting women to develop the Tanzania Inclusive Women Economic Empowerment Model (TIWEEM). This model aims to promote economic empowerment and gender equality for women in urban and rural areas under a unified government framework. Additionally, the establishment of an Economic Empowerment Law (EEL) specifically for women is recommended to provide clear operational guidance on women's economic empowerment in the country

Efforts To Improve Alpinia Galanga Production Capability In The Prosperous Plantation Group In Red Mata Village, Banyuasin I Sub-District, Banyuasin District

This study aims to determine and analyze the improvement of alpinia galanga production capabilities in the Makmur Sejahtera Plantation Group, Merah Mata Village, Banyuasin I District, Banyuasin Regency. This program is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of PT PLN Indonesia Power Merah Mata Generating Unit called Kampung Alpinia galanga, which raises the issue of community empowerment. This program aims to develop management activities, production, and distribution of Alpinia galanga agricultural products and support government programs regarding food security in the communities around PLTG Borang. The method used in this research is a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The Alpinia galanga Village program has been running since 2021 by PT PLN Indonesia Power UP Merah Mata PLTG Borang. Initial planning was carried out to determine the program's roadmap to be implemented through collaboration between PLTG Borang and the alpinia galanga Village Group. The program scheme that is run together is a long-term empowerment program. After the development of alpinia galanga agricultural commodities and the manufacture of alpinia galanga derivative products, farmers are trained to market Alpinia galanga derivatives/product branding, one of the innovations of Alpinia galanga village. PT PLN Indonesia Power UP Merah Mata PLTG Borang runs the Kampung Alpinia galanga mentoring program for residents on an ongoing basis to encourage the economy of residents, as evidenced by the increase in average income from IDR 600,000 to IDR 3,438,679, which reduces poverty by 3.33% in Merah Mata Village in 2023.

Non-Govermental Organizations: Social mobilization and empowerment for community health promotion

The emergence of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Malaysia is important as they are part of agents for social mobilizing in the community development field. Those NGOs play a greater role in helping the government by encouraging civic engagement in terms of community health promotion. This qualitative content analysis, review the issue of social mobilization and empowerment. There are several roles of NGOs in Community Health Promotion (CHP) including advocacy and standard-setting, health service delivery, community mobilization, and information exchange. The roles by NGOs in promoting healthy lifestyles have a direct impact on the level of national health and morbidity.

Women Empowerment in India since 1947: A Critical Analysis

The issue of women's empowerment is not new, this is an early concept. To empower the nation, we should empower the women. Discrimination between men and women, domestic violence, lack of education, lack of awareness about the government's efforts for women's empowerment and sexual harassment are the most common problems faced by women. Although various measures have been taken by the government and supporting bodies. The purposes of this paper are to explore the various schemes, acts, and laws for women's empowerment and to identify the status of women at present. For this research, various secondary resources like research papers, reports by various ministry organisations and reports by government, non-government and international organizations are used. Government and other supporting bodies' role in women's empowerment is reviewed. Based on analysis, it was found that women are not aware of their social and legal rights, especially in rural areas. They feel inferior to themselves economically or socially or prestigiously compared to men. Though several steps have been taken by the government and other supporting bodies like NGO’s, still the women's condition in society is not satisfactory. Various rules and regulations have been formulated but the government must ensure that these rules are followed properly in the society. Women do not even know their rights; education can improve these inequalities. So, more efforts need to be made for women empowerment, so that women can use their full potential and contribute to themselves, family, society, and country. At the end of research paper, it was concluded that to encourage women empowerment women’s education, employment opportunities and support for self-employment must be promoted.

The Role of Iraqi Newspaper Websites in Enhancing Public Interest in Women's Empowerment Issues

The Role of Iraqi Newspaper Websites in Enhancing Public Interest in Women's Empowerment Issues

Digital platforms address women's empowerment issues and their relationship to the level of Contact presence of its users

Digital platforms address women's empowerment issues and their relationship to the level of Contact presence of its users

Mental Illness in Refugee and Immigrant Women: A Midwife's Perspective on Culturally Competent Care

The assessment, diagnosis and referral for mental illness management have been recognized as indispensable roles within midwifery practice both in the United States and in Canada. War, civil unrest and natural disasters, have made mental health assessment crucial for refugee and new immigrant women who present as midwifery clients. Since 1991, National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) had been conducted in cities across the United States and Canada using the Harvard Department of Psychiatry National Depression Screening Day Scale (HANDS©). It facilitates the diagnosis of depression based on DSM-IV criteria. The HANDS© tool includes a 10-item interview guide which is a “self-report scale”. HANDS© demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and was 95 percent sensitive.33 Responses could indicate the need for thyroid screening, referral for mental health counselling or psychiatric care. Strategies for transforming midwifery practice are explored: taking a holistic approach, communication strategies, continuing education strategies, documentation and empowerment issues, multidisciplinary team approach, clinic environment issues, resources and referral base. As we develop expertise in the care of torture and trauma survivors, it behooves us to identify the experts amongst our ranks and to refer our clients to these midwives who will best meet their needs. Further research is needed to guide our incorporation of the skills for treating survivors in our educational programs for the midwives of the future.

Beyond Language Proficiency: Raising Awareness of Women's Empowerment Through English Language Teaching

This article underlines the significance of teaching the English language to raise awareness of women's empowerment. It explores beyond the basic understanding of language proficiency to educate on gender issues and encourage progressive action. By reviewing the literature, the article identifies effective teaching strategies for discussing women's empowerment issues in the context of English language learning. This article aims to contribute to raising social awareness and inspire concrete actions towards achieving gender equality. In an increasingly complex and globalized society, understanding the importance of women's role in development is critical to achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

Setting up the Legislative Framework for the Introduction of a Regulatory Sandbox: the Czech Perspective

This paper delves into the intricate intersection of the phenomenon of regulatory sandboxes and public law and focuses on the issue of legislative empowerment for the establishment of a regulatory sandbox. Based on the example of the Czech Republic, which lacks a fully operational regulatory sandbox, the study investigates the legislative prerequisites for initiating such a framework. Using the qualitative doctrinal research, the authors examine diverse conceptual frameworks, aiming to identify the optimal legislative approach for implementing and sustaining a regulatory sandbox. Notably, the study scrutinizes the viability of constructing a regulatory sandbox under general administrative empowerment clauses within the Czech legal context, considering the principles of legality and intra vires doctrine inherent in continental administrative law. The research contributes insights to the ongoing discourse on regulatory sandboxes, providing a nuanced understanding of the legislative prerequisites for their operation, with a focus on the specific challenges and opportunities within the Czech regulatory landscape.

Integrating gender in microfinance: Identifying strategies for women's empowerment across different institutional models

The issue of microfinance and women's empowerment has been intensely debated in the last two decades or more. Most of the debates have been about whether microfinance leads to empowerment in the context of specific programmes. Many impact studies focus on specific quantifiable indicators, whether economic or social. This paper moves beyond such debates to understand which strategies work to create empowerment and how. It looks at three institutional models of microfinance across the minimalist and credit plus spaces to identify gender specific and other strategies which enable experiences of empowerment for members of microfinance institutions. Instead of quantitative indicators or specific achievements, the paper explores dimensions and processes of empowerment such as solidarity, leadership and challenge to patriarchal ideology. Although the study is located in a certain district of West Bengal, a state in India, the observations and findings have relevance globally because similar institutional models and strategies are present across the world, especially in the Global South.

Empowering Women in Agriculture: Assessing the Impact of the Food Acquisition Program (Paa) on Family Farming in the Western Region of São Paulo, Mirante do Paranapanema, Brazil

Purpose: The objective of the research was to analyze, based on the interfaces between gender and family farming, how access to a public policy, in this case, the Food Acquisition Program (FAP), influences (or not) the empowerment of participating female farmers. Theoretical framework: The methodology used in the research was a case study and interviews were carried out based on elaborate semi-structured scripts (Triviños, 1987). A bibliographical survey was carried out using HERÉDIA; CINTRÃO, 2006, BRASIL, 2011, HAESBAERT (2004), among other literature publications, and systematization of data from secondary sources with National Supply Company. Conception/Methodology/Approach: We took as empirical reference the “Associação Força Feminina” in the municipality of “Mirante do Paranapanema”, in the State of São Paulo. This Association participated of FAP between 2011 and 2016, and it was verified through data from secondary sources that there was growth in terms of values of approved projects. Findings: We consider that the PAA was an action that made it possible to expand the participation of family farming and that generated economic autonomy for women. The PAA provided advances in relation to the quality of life to the women farmers of the Associação Força Feminina, as it valued agricultural products, increased the diversity of production, brought producers and consumers closer together, offered sales guarantees and paid more advantageous prices. Research, practical and social implications: The study deals with issues related to public policies and issues of empowerment in the state of São Paulo – BR. Access to the Food Acquisition Program (SAP), aimed at rural women workers, intends to take into account the social and cultural specificities of family farming, and makes it possible to understand that public policies are an important instrument, that can change the living situation of the families involved and of their beneficiaries. Originality/Value: In this article, a careful case study was developed, based on research into the participation of women farmers in the Food Acquisition Program (PAF), establishing parameters for analysis of whether this participation increased their level of economic and personal empowerment.

Student Leadership on Community Empowerment: Study on Zero Waste Program in Lamongan Regency, East Java

<p class="TableParagraph"><strong>This article is about the role of college students as leaders in activities relating to public interests and problems, particularly on issues of community empowerment in Indonesia, and especially in an activity called the Desa Mandiri Sampah in Kediren Village Lamongan Regency East Java Province. This article aims to examine the role of college students as leaders through several aspects, namely personality, abilities, behavior, relationships with the people they lead, and processes. This article uses qualitative research methods, involving interviews and non-participatory observation of a group of students involved in community empowerment activities. Personality can be seen in students' friendliness to the village community and their attention to the existing challenges and opportunities. Such attention can also be seen as ability. Ability is also seen in the application of their skill to organize project and of their knowledge about waste problems. Such knowledge can also be seen as the power that leaders use to bring changes, as well as relating to the aspect namely relationship between the leader and the people they lead. Behavior can be seen in increasing understanding and motivation, providing facilities for the village community, activating existing resources in the village, as well as implementing cooperation and coordination. The transformational process of leadership can be seen in this series of activities, that these college students, as initiators and implementers, have raised citizen awareness, shared knowledge and carried out solution activities, as well as embraced members of village community to take part actively.</strong></p><p class="TableParagraph"><strong> </strong></p><p class="TableParagraph"> </p>

Family decision making for Madurese women with pregnancy complications: a qualitative study

Background/Aims A delay in referring women with pregnancy complications to medical care is a significant contributor to maternal mortality worldwide. In Madura, Indonesia, these delays can be exacerbated by the role of a woman's family in decision making. This study aimed to explore family decision making in seeking healthcare for women with pregnancy complications in Madura. Methods Using a descriptive qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the decision-making experiences of 12 pregnant women, 12 of their family members and 10 midwives. Results Three themes were identified: women empowerment issues, cultural factors, and important considerations in seeking healthcare for women with pregnancy complications. Conclusions Continuous health education is needed to increase knowledge of appropriate maternal care for pregnant women and their families. The involvement of religious leaders in programmes to enhance referral decision making would be beneficial.

Social Inclusion and Empowerment: Developing Local Potential in Bahu Palawa Village of Pulang Pisau Regency of Central Kalimantan Province

Government policy on village funds seeks to encourage village independence. Village independence can focus on development based on local potential. Studies on local potential-based village development have not yet explored the issues of social inclusion and community empowerment. This research analyzes the approach to social inclusion and community empowerment in developing local potential in Bahu Palawa Village. Social inclusion and community empowerment are important to study because these two aspects play a role in fostering more equitable, participatory, and sustainable development. This study uses Bennett’s theoretical framework (2003) regarding social inclusion and community empowerment. This study uses a qualitative approach using three data collection techniques: observation, in-depth interviews, and document and literature study. Research findings show that the Bahu Palawa Village Government has tried to foster social inclusion and community empowerment in developing local potential. Social inclusion and community empowerment have not been running optimally due to a lack of access to basic services, awareness and knowledge, limited infrastructure, economic inequality, and the ineffectiveness of community empowerment programs. This condition inhibits citizen participation and prevents them from being fully involved in village development. In conclusion, developing local potential requires holistic social inclusion and empowerment development. This can be done through collaboration with a focus on increasing local capacity.