Empowerment Of Girls Research Articles

Analyzing effective interventions against female genital mutilation across different regions

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a critical human rights issue affecting millions of girls and women. FGM is deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, posing significant challenges to its elimination. The trauma inflicted by FGM extends beyond physical pain, leading to severe psychological and emotional consequences. Addressing this complex issue requires a comprehensive approach that integrates legal, educational, medical, and community-based interventions. The paper examines the dynamics of FGM across multiple countries, utilizing third-party data from the United Nations Population Fund. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of these strategies, this paper aims to contribute to the fight against FGM, offering insights and recommendations for policymakers, activists, and practitioners dedicated to ending this practice. The eradication of FGM requires sustained, multi-dimensional efforts to ensure the protection and empowerment of girls and women.

Gender Budgeting in Higher Education in Odisha: A Comparative Analysis

"Gender budgeting aims to promote development and empowerment of girls and women through equal distribution of resources by providing equal opportunities for all. The participation of women in different sectors are increasing but the women are still now face various forms of vulnerability, discrimination, harassment, violence and abuse. They are neglected due to social prejudice and exploited physically, mentally, socially, economically and emotionally also. Gender Budgeting is a tool which can be used to address these issues through planning and budgeting. The paper analyzing gender budgeting in Odisha with focus specifically on higher education. Data were collected from secondary sources from the year 2019-20 to 2023-24. Governments total allocation of gender budget in higher education, gender specific allocations, Gender Parity Index in higher education are the major focus of the paper. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in India gradually decreasing according to the increased level of education. The participation of women in educationless than men. It emphasizes the need for implementing Gender Budgeting in higher education in Odisha with analytical planning and purpose to address gender disparities effectively."

Maria da Penha Law: Public policies in the fight against violence against women and the failures in the phases of enfronement

This article sought to identify in scientific productions the importance of the Maria da Penha Law in Brazil and its relevance to women and families, as well as its implementation in Municipal Public Security bodies. This is a literature review study, using a qualitative approach that surveyed 27 scientific productions, which were analyzed in terms of title, year of publication, journal, author and type of document. The 2030 Agenda includes 17 SDGs, including SDG 5, which calls for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and the elimination of all forms of discrimination, violence and harmful practices, guaranteeing and valuing women's rights and ensuring access to their rights and guarantees. It also encourages the adoption of solid policies to promote gender equality and SDG 16, which deals with peace, justice and effective institutions. Among the goals of this SDG, it is worth highlighting the reduction of the feminicide rate in Brazil.

Country Trafficking Protocol Compliance and the Empowerment of Girls and Women

Human trafficking is a gender-based crime of violence. The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Protocol) is one of the most important international means to counter human trafficking; however, the ability of the United Nations to enforce the Protocol is considerably limited. The primary purpose of this study is to theoretically and empirically explore the underlying societal factors that drive - or impede - a country’s compliance with the Protocol. We theorize that countries that have relatively fewer gender-based discriminatory laws, policies, and social practices place a greater value on the welfare of girls and women and are more likely to comply with the Protocol. This hypothesis is empirically tested using a cross-country dataset and a series of ordered logit regressions. Cho et al.’s 3 P index is used to measure country compliance. The degree of women’s inclusivity and empowerment in relation to laws and regulations is measured using the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law index. The level of socio-economic gender empowerment and inclusivity within a country is assessed using; women’s labor force participation rate, the percentage of parliament seats held by women, and the United Nation’s Gender Inequality Index. The analysis results offer empirical evidence that the degree to which girls and women experience inclusivity and empowerment is a predictor of country compliance. This study extends previous research exploring the relationship between gender inequality and human trafficking to examine how measures of gender inequality can hinder country Protocol compliance.

Early learnings from UNICEF's work to employ gender transformative approaches to advance adolescent girls' rights

UNICEF policies, plans, and strategies increasingly demonstrate that gender equality and the empowerment of girls are central to the organization's mandate to advance child rights. In its newest frameworks, UNICEF has pledged to practice gender transformative approaches to achieve progress toward advancing adolescent girls' wellbeing and agency, as well as a more gender equal world. Employing such approaches requires shifting power and resources to adolescent girls and girl-led organizations and networks. This means deliberate support for girls' capacities as leaders and changemakers; understanding and confronting the gendered and age-related power dynamics and norms that impede gender equality at all levels of society and stages of life; and working with girls and their communities to create more gender equitable environments for girls' rights (Rumble et al., 2022).UNICEF has seen some early successes, but also encountered challenges in applying these approaches. Gaps in expertise, restricted funding, and political sensitivities are just a few impediments to ensuring transformative action at scale. Yet, the potential impacts are enormous.In this Practice Perspective Article, we share our reflections on principles UNICEF is applying, implementation challenges it is encountering, early outcomes it is capturing, and lessons it is learning in its work to employ gender-transformative approaches to further adolescent girls’ rights.

Decoloniality and women's agency in sex education in Zambia.

In 2018, 22 teachers and four government officers started a six-month development process, designed to integrate a gender-equity lens into sex education in Eastern Province, Zambia. The initiative was funded by the Dutch Government. In this article, I explore the emancipatory potential and limits of this gender transformative approach. Civil society privileges the empowerment of women's and girls' voices through participatory methods. This situated women-led 'encounter of change' between men and women addressed the 'harmful practices' of Chewa initiation, transcending patriarchal opposition in the process. Using an applied anthropological lens, I explore what enabled this contingent change in narrative among teachers, but I also question the coloniality inherent in efforts to transform the gender and sexuality of others through the ubiquity of voice.

Albania�s path to Sustainable Development: A study on the identification and eliminating of �Harmful Practices�

Relevance. This study focuses on the identification and elimination of �harmful practices� in Albania, with a specific focus on early and forced marriages and gender-based violence.Purpose. The research aims to understand how Albania, as a post-socialistic state with its own social, cultural, political, and challenges faced by Albania in achieving the objectives of sustainable development, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The causes and consequences of these challenges are examined, as well as the strategies employed economic features, has integrated into the global trend of gender equality and women�s empowerment.Methodology. The study utilizes methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction, and analogy to explore the by the Albanian government to combat �harmful practices�.Results. The study finds that these practices have negative implications for the country, including poverty, limited access to education, and emigration of women. However, it also highlights the positive results of Albania�s efforts to eliminate these practices, particularly in terms of gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women.Conclusions. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable example for other countries and contribute to the global discourse on gender equality and women�s rights. Additionally, the results can be used to compare contemporary periods with earlier times, highlighting the progress made in supporting girls and women�s freedom from inequality, discrimination, and violence.

Perspective: Barbie: Food for the Soul or Fanciful Nostalgia?

This perspectives piece analyzes the “Barbie” movie and its impact on its viewership. In contrast to prior research demonstrating that images of Barbie objectified girls, lowered self-esteem, and promoted body dysmorphia, with social media focus on “Fitspiration” as well as “Thinspiration” amplifying the negative effect, the Barbie movie may have more positive impact than one might predict. As gleaned from an informal survey of patients, parents, and peers, the messages of the Barbie movie include a mix of body positivity, recognition of the impact of depression and other aspects of mental health, critique of the perceived societal patriarchy, and a message of empowerment for girls, females, and people otherwise unrecognized.

The socio-economic factors influencing adolescent childbirth in Indonesia

Adolescent childbirth (ages 15-19) is a global issue that can result in morbidity and mortality among adolescents. The rate of adolescent childbirth is of particular concern to the Indonesian government as it has not yet reached the desired targets. The aim of this research is to analyze the socio-economic factors influencing adolescent childbirth (ages 15-19) in Indonesia based on data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). This study utilizes secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey, with a sample size of 7,930 adolescents. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate descriptive statistical methods. Adolescent childbirth in Indonesia among ages 15-19 is observed in 416 adolescents (5.2%). Based on multivariate analysis, it was found that variables significantly associated with adolescent childbirth are educational level and economic status. Adolescents with low education are 27 times more likely to experience childbirth (aOR: 27.756; 95% CI: 12.007 - 64.163) compared to those with higher education. Furthermore, adolescents with the lowest economic status have a 2 times higher risk (aOR: 2.644; 95% CI: 2.014 - 3.470) of experiencing adolescent childbirth compared to those with the highest economic status. Adolescent childbirth is a health issue that warrants attention in Indonesia. Enhancing education, empowerment, awareness, and support for adolescent girls, along with policy implementation, is crucial for reducing the adolescent childbirth rate.

"My father insisted that I have the baby but not in his house": Adolescent pregnancy, social exclusion and (dis)empowerment of girls in an urban informal settlement in Kenya.

While the drivers of adolescent pregnancy are widely studied, few studies have examined the social exclusions associated with early and unintended pregnancy. Drawing data from a larger mixed methods study on the lived experiences of pregnant and parenting adolescents and guided by Amatya Sen's social exclusion framework, this qualitative explanatory study examines how poverty and the contestation around girls' access to comprehensive sexuality education hinder them from preventing unintended pregnancy. It also examines why adolescent pregnancy further results in girls' social exclusion with implications for their health and socioeconomic (dis)empowerment. We drew on data from in-depth interviews with purposively selected pregnant and parenting adolescents aged 15 to 19 (n = 22) and parents (n = 10), and key informant interviews with teachers (n = 4), policymakers (n = 3), community leaders (n = 6) non-governmental organization representatives (n = 2), and health workers (n = 4). Through inductive and deductive thematic analysis, we found that poverty and lack of access to contraceptive information and services contributed to girls' vulnerability to early unintended pregnancies. Becoming pregnant exacerbated girls' social exclusion, which is characterized by self-isolation, being disowned by their families, or forced to drop out of school. Shame, stigma, and discrimination of girls made girls seek antenatal care late. They also failed to complete the recommended number of antenatal care visits. Marginalization of pregnant and parenting girls results in them being out of school, vocational training, and employment, as well as experiencing mental distress. The analysis shows the social exclusion of girls is cyclical, beginning before their pregnancy and continuing into pregnancy and post-pregnancy. Their social exclusion has negative implications for their health and socio-economic empowerment. Interventions to address adolescent childbearing should holistically address the social exclusion that predisposes girls to unintended pregnancy and that follows during and post-pregnancy, as tackling this exclusion is key to improving their health and socioeconomic well-being.

Individual and community level factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among women in Ethiopia: Multilevel modeling analysis.

Modern contraceptive utilization is the most effective intervention to tackle unintended pregnancy and thereby reduce abortion and improve maternal, child, and newborn health. However, multilevel factors related to low modern contraceptive utilization and the robust analysis required for decision-making were scarce in Ethiopia. To investigate the individual and community-level predictors of modern contraceptive utilization among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. We utilized data from a cross-sectional 2019 Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia survey. The survey employed a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method to select households for inclusion. In Stata version 16.0, the data underwent cleaning, aggregation, and survey weighting, following which a descriptive analysis was performed utilizing the "svy" command. Subsequently, the primary analysis was executed using R software version 4.1.3. We fitted a two-level mixed effects logistic regression model on 6,117 reproductive-age women nested within 265 enumeration areas (clusters). The fixed effect models were fitted. The measures of variation were explained by intra-cluster correlation, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance. The shrinkage factor was calculated to estimate the effects of cluster variables using the Interval odds ratio and proportion opposed odds ratio. Finally, the independent variables with a significance level of (P<0.05) and their corresponding Adjusted Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were described for the explanatory factors in the final model. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization was only 37.% (34.3 to 39.8). Women who attained primary, secondary, and above secondary levels of education were more likely to report modern contraceptive utilization with AOR of 1.47, 1.73, and 1.58, respectively. Divorced/widowed women were less likely to report modern contraceptive utilization (AOR:0.18, 95% CI 0.13,0.23) compared to never-married women. Discussions between women and healthcare providers at the health facility about family planning were positively associated with modern contraceptive utilization (AOR:1.84, 95% CI: 1.52, 2.23). Community-level factors have a significant influence on modern contraceptive utilization, which is attributed to 21.9% of the total variance in the odds of using modern contraceptives (ICC = 0.219). Clusters with a higher proportion of agrarian (AOR: 2.27, 95% CI 1.5, 3.44), clusters with higher literacy (AOR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.09, 1.94), clusters with empowered women and girls about FP (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI 1.11, 1.93) and clusters with high supportive attitudes and norms toward FP (AOR: 1.37, 95% CI 1.04, 1.81) had better modern contraceptive utilization than their counterparts. In Ethiopia, understanding the factors related to modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age requires consideration of both individual and community characteristics. Hence, to enhance family planning intervention programs, it is essential to focus on the empowerment of women and girls, foster supportive attitudes towards family planning within communities, collaborate with education authorities to enhance overall community literacy, pay special attention to pastoralist communities, and ensure that reproductive-age women as a whole are targeted rather than solely focusing on married women.

Beijing 1995 and female terrorism in 21st century West Africa

This article examines the relationship between the 1995 World Conference on Women held in Beijing and the emergence of female terrorism in West Africa during the 21st century. It examines how the conference, which was intended to promote global gender equality and women's rights, unintentionally influenced the dynamics of female participation in extremist activities. This study provides insights into the motivations, strategies, and effects of female terrorism in West Africa by analysing historical events, regional context, and socio-political factors, casting light on the complex relationship between gender, empowerment, and violence. The gendered socialisation theory served as the theoretical framework for this study. Noting that the study is qualitative and non-experimental, a descriptive research design was chosen for this investigation. The qualitative method was used to generate data for this study, and the qualitative descriptive method was used to analyse the collected data. The study revealed a correlation between the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing and the rise of female terrorism in West African nations. The study recommended adequate public enlightenment, strengthened responsive counterterrorism strategies, enhanced women’s participation in counterterrorism efforts and genuine empowerment of women and girls through education and economic opportunities.

Analytical Study On Opportunities and Challenges for Empowerment of Rural Girls through Higher Education

Education is a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of gender. However, in India, girls have long been denied this right due to societal norms and prejudices. As the rapid development happened in the industrial sector also affecting on the education sector in terms of skilled manpower requirement. But the accessibility of the education is not easy for everyone, at the same time the higher education is still dream of the many girls in rural areas. Education plays a vital role in development of a country. Education is also significant in terms of the development of individual’s level of intellectual ability which in turn elevates chances of employability. 231 dropouts and 154 currently studying rural female students were considered for the study in the Prayagraj district’s rural areas. The study has revealed, that number institutions in the rural areas are comparatively less with urban area. In addition to this larger portion of the rural family have mindset in educating their children based on their genders. Most of the times male have been encouraged to pursue their education compared to female. The poor financial condition again playing a crucial role which restricts them to pursue their higher education in rural areas. Awareness about the opportunities from the higher education is comparatively less in the rural areas in parents and the potential candidates of the higher education. To reach education destination aren’t at acceptable condition in terms safety and frequency of the public transport vehicles. The present study focuses on challenges faced by rural girl students in the rural areas to pursue their higher education.

Knowledge and practice on menstrual hygiene among girl students of Balika Vidya Mandir School, Digboi, Tinsukia, Assam

: Effective menstrual hygiene is vital to the health, wellbeing, dignity, empowerment, mobility and productivity of girls and women. The inadequate knowledge and improper practice of menstrual hygiene among various age group of girls and women may affect their reproductive health.A descriptive study was carried out with the objectives to assess the knowledge and practice on menstrual hygiene and to assess the significant association between selected Demographic variables with knowledge and practice among the girl students of Balika Vidya Mandir School, Digboi, Tinsukia, Assam. The study was conducted in Balika Vidya Mandir School, Digboi, Tinsukia, Assam, among 60 girl students selected by simple random sampling technique. A self structured questionnaire and a checklist was used to assess the knowledge and practice on menstrual hygiene. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to find out the result of the study.Findings related to knowledge revealed that majority 82% (49) girl students had moderately adequate knowledge, 10% (6) had inadequate knowledge and only 8% (5) had adequate knowledge on menstrual hygiene.Findings related to practice revealed that majority 75% (45) girl students had moderately adequate practice, 17% (10) had inadequate practice and only 8% (5) had adequate practice on menstrual hygiene. Findings related to association between knowledge and selected demographic variables revealed that there is significant association between knowledge and age of girl students and family income. Findings related to association between knowledge and selected demographic variables revealed that there is significant association between practice and family income and religion. From the study findings it can be inferred that knowledge and practice of girl students of the school have moderately adequate. Therefore more emphasis should be given on providing knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among the girl students.

Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları Çerçevesinde Kadınların Güçlenmesi: “Kızlar Sahada” Örneği

In Türkiye, efforts to eliminate gender inequality, barriers to access to sport and cultural norms in sport are increasing by the day. The aim of this research is to the empowerment of girls and women through football within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 5) using the “Girls on the Field” platform as a case. According to the findings, the 'Girls on the Field' platform as been seen as an exemplary platform that "prioritizes sustainability in terms of its founding purposes" and adopts empowerment activities in sport through football. As a result, the “Girls on the Field” platform is seen as an exemplary organization in establishing similar platforms in Turkey and the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Keeping Girls in Schools Longer: The Kanyashree Approach in India

Regarding interventions aimed at preventing girls from prematurely dropping out of schools, this study shows that inducing economic empowerment of girls is possible with targeted policies that promote their reproductive empowerment. Using Kanyashree Prakalpa, a conditional cash transfer program implemented in West Bengal, India, that directly incentivized school attendance to delay child marriage, the study finds a strong association between program participation and successfully lowering the historically higher dropout rates post-middle school. Program-eligible girls are 12 percent (7 percent) more likely to be enrolled in or to complete secondary (higher secondary) school, respectively. Program participation is associated with approximately five more months of education. In fact, the efficacy of the program is highly correlated with the length of exposure, and the most benefits are reaped by children in the poorest households. The article discusses three policy interventions, including directly targeting girls as they transition from childhood to young adulthood. HIGHLIGHTS In West Bengal, Kanyashree Prakalpa, a unique cash incentive program, links educational empowerment with girls’ reproductive empowerment. Program participation is strongly associated with successfully lowering the historically higher dropout rates post-middle school. Policies directly targeting adolescent girls are fruitful compared to indirect influence. Policies complementing the cash transfer with other programs based on the girls’ academic achievement are useful.

Sexual exploitation of children and adolescents: a systematic review

The sexual exploitation of children and adolescents is a diverse criminal action, based on inequality of power and the violation of the bodies of girls and boys who are widely used as commodities in the sex trade. This systematic review study aims to identify elements related to sexual exploitation of young people. The PICO search strategy was used to carry out the systematic review on the Medline, BVS, PubMed and SciElo journals. The inclusion criteria were original articles on women who have been sexually exploited, published between 2010 and 2022, in Portuguese, Spanish and English. A total of 5218 studies were found, of which 256 were read in full by two independent examiners, resulting in the selection of 27 articles for analysis. There was a need for greater monitoring of the reality of children and adolescents, with the implementation of support systems. A debate on the objectification of the female body and the empowerment of girls and their sexual and reproductive rights is suggested, and the topic could even be included on school agendas.

Malala Yousafzai: promoting girls’ education in conflict-affected countries

Social implications Social implications are as follows: social activism; girls education; collaboration; collective action; and change agent. Learning outcomes Learning outcomes are as follows: evaluate the role of a change agent in a nonprofit organization; understand collaborative partnerships in a nonprofit organization; examine how a nonprofit organization is promoting education in conflict-affected countries; understand the importance of education for girls as a basic human right; understand and discuss the threats to girls’ education in conflict-affected countries; analyze the role of Malala Yousafzai in supporting girls’ education globally; identify the challenges unique to educating girls; and explore steps that Yousafzai needs to take to ensure girls have equal access to the knowledge and skills they need to learn and lead in a world affected by the pandemic and climate change. Case overview/synopsis The case discusses social activist Malala Yousafzai’s (She) diligent efforts to promote girls’ education in conflict-affected regions globally through her not-for-profit organization Malala Fund. Co-founded in 2013, Malala Fund worked to ensure every girl globally could access 12 years of free, safe, quality education. The fund worked towards this goal by building creative partnerships and investing in its global network of education activists and advocates fighting for girls’ education in communities where most girls missed out. Malala Fund supported girls’ education programs in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, Turkey and Lebanon. The Fund’s projects were aimed at addressing gender norms, promoting the empowerment of girls through education, imparting gender-sensitive training for teachers and raising awareness about the need for girls’ education. In 2016, the fund created the Education Champion Network to support the work of local educators and advocates to advance. Complexity academic level Post-graduate level students. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CCS 11: Strategy.

Black girl magic: Empowerment stories of black dual status girls

Youth formally involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, referred to as dual status youth-face unique challenges in their systems involvement. There is a steady increase of Black dual status girls. Black dual status girls experience compounding racially gendered discrimination and inequities in these systems, including occurrences of sexual abuse in out-of-home placements and harsher juvenile punishments for minor delinquent acts. These gruesome realities can be overwhelming for Black girls leaving them tasked to navigate toward positive outcomes independently or with limited positive support. Still, Black girls demonstrate a strong ability to overcome discriminatory adversities, through a relentless dismissal of narratives of racialized and gendered stereotypes; and using their empowered voices to recount personal stories of their lived experiences of dual system involvement. Theoretical frameworks for understanding the empowerment of Black dual status girls have focused on deficits, and disregarding the powerful intersectional, gendered systemic racism they endure. Thus, this study proposes a conceptual framework to view the protective factors and positive racialized and gendered identity of Black dual-status females. The approach in this study is to integrate Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Black feminism. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, six Black women, 18–36 years old (M = 25) with previous dual system involvement were interviewed with their responses explored in a retrospective analysis. The participants described obstacles related to their dual system involvement and their outcomes of living powerful and successful lives in adulthood. Key themes from findings are: 1) unveiling structural and gendered experiences of Black dual status girls; 2) trauma and triumph: navigating adversity through resistance, critical interrogation of oppressive systems, and engaging in collective responsibility; and 3) Black girl magic: celebrating the strengths and empowerment demonstrated by Black women and girls through centering their voices, raising the collective consciousness, and emphasizing collective responsibility. Illuminating the voices of Black empowered girls in this study is critical in interrupting racial and gender discrimination in these systems and will contribute to how anti-oppressive practices for Black girls are reimagined.

Learning System for the Empowerment of High School Girls Students

Currently, in the world there is a gender gap between men and women, this is manifested in gender-based violence and social injustice. An alternative to reduce this gap is the empowerment of women and girls through learning content that gives them leadership and independence, knowing their rights, and preventing acts of violence. There are few technological tools that support female empowerment, these are generally aimed at adult women. This study proposes an IT model for the empowerment of girls in high school education, and an EmpowerMe system, which implements the proposed model, using Moodle, digital library, chatbot, webinar and a game-based learning platform. EmpowerMe was validated through a case study and expert judgment. The results show that there was a learning improvement of 4 points. In addition, the usability, content, follow-up and satisfaction survey show an average rating of 4.4 out of 5.