Female Workers Research Articles

Characteristics of Present Women-Owned Family Businesses in Vietnam: Present Condition and Policy Ideas

Purpose: The purpose of this essay is to study the business model and nature of women-owned firms in Vietnam today. Methodology:This article explores the characteristics of women-owned household businesses using secondary documentary data. The paper is based on a feminist approach to the Cedaw convention, to which Vietnam is a party. Equality rights, including gender equality, are entitled to access and assess the business activity of Vietnamese firms owned by women and legal representatives. Results: The essay discusses the current condition, possibilities, and challenges for female entrepreneurs in Vietnam. Feminist advances have not been able to close the stigma and reservations about women's mastery in society, especially business. Meaning/Value: The article claims that women's social position is improving, that they are truly emancipated, and that their work potential is being promoted. In addition to perks and possibilities, female workers frequently confront challenges and impediments, particularly in the fields of labor and employment. The article suggests various techniques for women to develop more substantial and sustainable enterprises.

A comparison of neck and shoulder postures in symptomatic and asymptomatic female office workers in the actual work environment

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to compare the static and dynamic sitting posture during computer work among symptomatic and asymptomatic office workers in actual work environment. MethodsSeventy female office workers were divided into two groups: asymptomatic (n = 35) and symptomatic (n = 35). Subsequent to this classification, adjustments to their respective workstations were implemented in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. The assessment of neck (CV) and shoulder (FS) angles were conducted during both a typical seated posture and at intervals of 20 min over a duration of 3 h of computer work. ResultThe asymptomatic group had a range of age from 26 to 40 years, a BMI of 21.11 ± 2.14, and a working experience ranged from 1 to 16 years. In contrast, the symptomatic group had an age range from 24 to 40 years, a BMI of 21.12 ± 2.27, and a working experience ranged from 3 to 16 years. During static sitting posture, significant differences were observed in both CV (p = 0.01) and FS angles (p = 0.00) between the two groups. Additionally, during computer work sessions lasting for 3 h, a significant time effect (p = 0.00) was noted for the CV angle. Furthermore, the FS angle exhibited significant group (p = 0.00), time (p = 0.00), and interaction (p = 0.00) effects during work. ConclusionThis study underscores the development of neck flexion during prolong working in both groups. In addition, asymptomatic group experienced a progression more rounded shoulder during a 3-h working period. Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use appear to have adverse effects on neck and shoulder health, underlining the importance of implementing measures to mitigate these effects.

The impact of inertial exercises performed in the workplace on shoulder muscles' strength and muscles' fatigue resistance in women with disabilities.

Workers who do monotonous and repetitive work in a static position often complain about fatigue and decreased work efficiency. Some studies indicate that to improve muscle fatigue, resistance strength training can be used. To investigate the effect of 4-week inertial training on shoulder muscles' strength and muscles' fatigue resistance 44 female workers with disabilities were examined. The participants were randomized into the training group (T) (N = 32) and the control group (C) (N = 12). Before the training and after that shoulder muscles' strength were tested at the start and at the end of the workday (Monday and Friday). The participants were asked to complete questionnaire concerning their fatigue at work (T and C), inertial training and work efficiency (T). The work performed during the last day of the workweek, i.e., Friday (before training) resulted in a significant decrease in shoulder muscles' strength in T and C. Muscle strength achieved at the end of the workweek (Friday afternoon) was significantly lower than achieved at the start of the workweek (Monday morning) in both tested groups (before training). Moreover, inertial training resulted in a significant increase in shoulder muscles' strength in T; 34-74% for different muscles. No changes in muscles' strength were noted in C. Increased muscle strength in T following inertial training effectively prevented muscle fatigue. After training the differences in shoulder muscles' strength noted in T during different times of the workday and workweek were insignificant. Moreover, 4-week inertial training increased significantly the work efficiency of women from T by 4%; no changes were noted in C. Inertial training was well tolerated by the participants. Using inertial training in women with disabilities to prevent shoulder muscles' fatigue during the workday and workweek is recommended. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):113-122.

Staycation Contract Renewal Terms: Twitter Users' Perceptions of Women Workers' Speak Up Action

This study aims to understand the perspectives and reactions of Twitter social media users towards workplace sexual harassment, using a perception analysis approach. The research collected data from the Twitter account @geloraco regarding cases of sexual harassment against female workers in Cikarang. The research method involved perception analysis approaches. The results indicate that Twitter is used as a means to access information about cases of sexual violence experienced by female workers, with various types of responses that can be divided into supportive and unsupportive responses. The main findings include supportive responses encompassing affirmation, validation, sympathy, and acknowledgment, as well as unsupportive responses consisting of denial, doubt, and belittlement of victims' experiences. However, this research has limitations, including limitations in data collection from a single social media source and potential biases in user response representation. The implications of this research include a better understanding of public responses to workplace sexual harassment cases and their potential influence in improving organizational policies and practices.

Unlocking the fish drying process: insights from Char Patharghata in Chattagram district and its distribution channels

The process of fish drying in Char Patharghata, Chattagram district, and its distribution channels serve as vital components of the local economy. This study aims to delve into the intricacies of this process, analyzing the activities of each value chain actor from raw fish supplier to dry fish consumer. Through the analysis of various value chain actors, from fishermen to consumers, the study seeks to uncover insights into the dynamics of this industry. From January 2022 to August 2022, semi-structured questionnaires were employed to gather data for this study. Seven main value chain actors were identified, including fishermen, processing center owners, processors, Aratdars, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Interviews were conducted with 19 fishermen, 5 owners of dry fish processing industries, 48 processors, 25 Aratdars, 15 wholesalers, 18 retailers, and 22 consumers, selected randomly. The study revealed that a significant proportion of fishermen were illiterate and employed on a contractual basis by fishing vessel owners. Additionally, a substantial majority of dried fish processors were female, with disparities observed in wages between male and female workers. During the observed timeframe, a total of 19 species spanning 14 families were noted to be utilized for drying. Notably, Churi (Lepturacanthus savala), Phaisa (Setipinna phasa), and Hangor (Scoliodon sorrakowah) emerged as the predominant species in this process, with concerns raised regarding the maintenance of dried fish quality. The dried fish industry holds considerable economic importance in the local community, with high consumption rates among residents. However, challenges exist in maintaining the quality of dried fish products. Recommendations are proposed to improve the quality of dry fish and enhance the livelihood standards of fishers, processors, and other stakeholders involved in the processing and distribution of dried fish. These measures aim to foster sustainable growth and development within the industry, benefiting both producers and consumers. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2024, 10(1), 42-57

Effect of high intensity circuit training on muscle mass, muscular strength, and blood parameters in sedentary workers.

The study aim was to investigate the effect of high intensity circuit training on body composition, muscular performance, and blood parameters in sedentary workers. A total of 36 middle-aged sedentary female workers were randomly divided into high intensity circuit training (HICT) group, aerobic training (AT) group, and control (CON) group. The exercise training groups performed exercise three times per week for 8 weeks. In HICT, each session was 20-35 min with 2-3 rounds. Rounds were 8 min; the interval between rounds was 4-5 min. In AT, each exercise session comprised 20-35 min of aerobic dance training. Physiological parameters were measured 1 week before and after the interventions. The resulting data were analyzed using two-way mixed design ANOVA, the differences in body composition, muscular performance and blood parameters before and after training were compared. The muscle mass (pre-test: 21.19 ± 2.47 kg; post-test: 21.69 ± 2.46 kg, p < 0.05) and knee extension 60°/s (pre-test: 82.10 ± 22.26 Nm/kg; post-test: 83.47 ± 12.83 Nm/kg, p < 0.05) of HICT group were significantly improved, with knee extension 60°/s significantly higher than that of the CON group (HICT: 83.47 ± 12.83 Nm/kg; CON: 71.09 ± 26.53 Nm/kg). In the AT group, body weight (BW) decreased significantly (Pre-test: 59.37 ± 8.24 kg; Post-test: 58.94 ± 7.98 kg); no significant change was observed in CON group. The groups exhibited no significant change in blood parameters (hs-CRP, TC, and LDL-C) or IGF-1. Sedentary worker's muscle mass and lower-limb muscular performance were effectively improved by performing 8-week HICT with the benefits of short duration, no spatial constraints, and using one's BW, whereas AT caused a significant decrease in BW. However, the AT induced decrease in BW was probably an effect of muscle loss rather than exercise-induced weight loss.

Empowering the disadvantaged: a perspective on Saudi Arabia’s low-skilled female workers

ABSTRACT For a Saudi woman living in times of rapid socioeconomic transformation, working in a low-paid job may feel both obligatory and shameful. This paper argues that Saudi women – torn between traditionalism and modernity – are deeply impacted, though in ambivalent ways, by the recent empowerment discourse. It examines how the corporate world adopts the empowerment narrative to promote progress, modernity, and openness at the expense of women’s needs, preferences, and values. Through interviews with a diverse cohort of 20 employed women aged 20–45 years, this study seeks to unravel the motivations that drive women to pursue work in a patriarchal society where the conventional role of men entails assuming financial responsibility for women. Through an exploration of the motivations underlying women’s decisions to work – a few of which are the desire for recognition, financial independence, and self-worth – this paper investigates issues of visibility, space, and social responsibility. These key issues emphasize the struggles encountered by working women in attaining empowerment, autonomy, and self-worth despite their participation in the labour market and their financial independence. By examining low-skilled sectors in which women struggle with challenging working conditions, this paper aims to give voice to disadvantaged women who, in the empowerment plans, are left unheard and their future obscured.

Anthropometric measurements of male and female workers in bipedestation in the Venezuelan industrial direct labor force

In the Venezuelan labor context, there is scarce information associated with anthropometric measurements, due to the existing gaps in the field of ergonomics in Latin America and the Caribbean, of which there are few professionals trained in ergonomics. In this sense, it has affected the proper achievement of anthropometric studies that allow an adequate follow-up in the population in general and more specifically in the labor world. General objective: to measure and determine the anthropometric variables in standing position of Venezuelan workers in order to obtain more results in the field of occupational health. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, epidemiological and field study was carried out in a Venezuelan population of industrial direct labor workers in standing. The sample consisted of 185 workers (M:131, W:54) in the main industrial areas of the state of Aragua-Venezuela. The measuring instruments used in the investigation were: anthropometric tables for standing measurements, flexible tape measure for perimeter measurements and a wall height meter with a scale for weight measurements. The minitab-17 statistical package was used for the analysis and statistical study. Results: The study group consisted of 185 workers with an age range between 20-59 years; 131 men (70.8%) and 54 women (29.2%). The people evaluated had an average age of 43 years, their height x: 170.08 m, they are workers with 10 to 15 years of work experience, with wear and tear and possible pre-existing diseases, likewise, the female workers have an age x: 40.33 years and their height x: 156.27 cm, as well as the male worker have an average work experience between 10 and 15 years and possible pre-existing diseases. Conclusion: The study provides an approximation of anthropometric measurements in standing position of Venezuelan industrial direct labor workers (MODIV), which will allow the adaptation of workstations

Outbreak narrative: China's migrant women labor in the COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic, which broke out in early 2020, has disrupted China's population mobility on which its cities depend. Especially, during the two years of the pandemic, female migrant laborers have been taking the risk of becoming the surplus population in an unstable and hyper-competitive job market. Such circumstance has led their images and urban engagement to be finitely recorded by the narrative that emerged based on the pandemic -- outbreak narrative in Priscilla Wald's term (2008), serving as an essential archive to examine Chinese women labor and urban history during the COVID-19. Taking an article narrating the vagrancy of a female migrant worker -- Ah Fen in Shanghai as a threshold, this paper explores China's gendered migrancy and female migrant communities during the COVID-19. By tracing China's COVID-19-related outbreak narratives through literary analysis, this paper reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has flooded more migrant workers, especially female laborers, into the gig economy and this new urban engagement pattern has made migrant women's mobility higher and encouraged them to rebuild migrant communities in the city. However, the high mobility and fragmented urban distribution, in turn, have strengthened their roles as “infected strangers” in the outbreak narrative, particularly in the context of China's strict differentiated quarantine governance. This research, initiated by literary analysis, on the one hand, draws a dynamic map of capital and population flow during the pandemic era, while on the other hand, exposes the injustice among different classes, genders, and ages in urban China enlarged by the virus.

Italian women workers and women activists between home and factory: the struggle against labour precarity (1950s–1970s)

AbstractFrom a gender historical perspective, labour precarity constitutes a long-term phenomenon. Women's work represents a privileged observatory to understand how instability and precarity also characterised the cycle of economic and industrial expansion of the 1950s and 1960s. The article compares the conditions of female factory workers with those of home-based workers, a traditionally invisible category of workers, who between the 1960s and 1970s promoted demonstrations and protests with the support of trade unions, women's associations and local institutions. Changes in the subjectivity of women workers and homeworkers, whose demands often came together and gave rise to joint protests, not only became part of broader discussions on the relationship between industrial crisis and precariousness, but also generated discourses on specific forms of work that are now central to debates on flexible/precarious work such as part-time work.

Job satisfaction of the young employees in the context of job insecurity

The concept of job satisfaction is analyzed, approaches to its measurement are described. The significance of the lack of job security as a parameter that reduces satisfaction of various aspects of job is substantiated. Data are given on the components of job that have the greatest significance for today’s young workers. Differences are found in the job satisfaction`s components, as well as levels of job satisfaction in groups of male and female workers.

Investigation of the Relationship Between the Mental States and Family Functioning of Turkish Female Workers Working in the Industrial Sector

Investigation of the Relationship Between the Mental States and Family Functioning of Turkish Female Workers Working in the Industrial Sector

Agreement between measured and self-reported physiological strain in males and females during simulated occupational heat stress.

Monitoring physiological strain is recommended to safeguard workers during heat exposure, but is logistically challenging. The perceptual strain index (PeSI) is a subjective estimate thought to reflect the physiological strain index (PSI) that requires no physiological monitoring. However, sex is known to influence perceptions of heat stress, potentially limiting the utility of the PeSI. The objective of this study was to assess whether sex modifies the relationship between PeSI and PSI. Thirty-four adults (15 females) walked on a treadmill (moderate intensity; ~200 W/m2) for 180 min or until termination (volitional fatigue, rectal temperature ≥39.5°C) in 16°C, 24°C, 28°C, and 32°C wet-bulb globe temperatures. Rectal temperature and heart rate were recorded to calculate PSI (0-10 scale). Rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation were recorded to calculate PeSI (0-10 scale). Relationships between PSI and PeSI were evaluated via linear mixed models. Mean bias (95% limits of agreement [LoA]) between PSI and PeSI was assessed via Bland-Altman analysis. Mean absolute error between measures was calculated by summing absolute errors between the PeSI and the PSI and dividing by the sample size. PSI increased with PeSI (p < 0.01) but the slope of this relation was not different between males and females (p = 0.83). Mean bias between PSI and PeSI was small (-0.4 points), but the 95% LoA (-3.5 to 2.7 points) and mean absolute error were wide (1.3 points). Our findings indicate that sex does not appreciably impact the agreement between the PeSI and PSI during simulated occupational heat stress. The PeSI is not a suitable surrogate for the PSI in either male or female workers.

Work-Life Balance – Its Impact on Job Satisfaction among the Healthcare Workers in Senapati District, Manipur

Healthcare workers play an essential role in our day-to-day lives. Their ability to stay focused on the job, stay satisfied with their job, and maintain a healthy balance between their professional work and personal lives are prudence for them to discharge their duty effectively and efficiently. As a cross-sectional study and quantitative investigation, this study focuses on the healthcare workers’ work-life balance and its impact on job satisfaction. Using random sampling, a questionnaire survey was conducted, which was analysed through IBM SPSS Statistics 21. To achieve the goals of the study, statistical tools like Cronbach’s Alpha, independent-sample t-test, exploratory factor analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient are employed. The study found that 5 per cent of healthcare workers have no balance between work and personal life, while 72.3 per cent are moderately balanced and 22.7 per cent are highly balanced. The study also found that female and unmarried healthcare workers have significantly higher work-life balance than male and married workers, respectively. Work-life balance and job satisfaction were found to have a moderately positive relationship, suggesting a significant linear relationship between the two variables. Thus, top management and employers in the healthcare industry must improve the policies and initiatives relating to work-life balance to keep the employees satisfied. Further, such policies and initiatives should be framed strategically to maintain equality for all employees, mainly male and female and married and unmarried workers.

The Effects of Trade Participation on Labor Productivity, Wages and Female Employment: Evidence from Egyptian Manufacturing Firms

The study examines the effects of firm trade participation on labor productivity, wages, and female employment using recent manufacturing enterprise survey data for Egypt. It finds positive labor productivity premium for both exporting and importing firms, being the highest for small-sized exporting firms reflecting their greater benefits from learning-by-exporting. Importing intermediate inputs enhances productivity the most for firms in medium-high and high technology intensive sectors. Moreover, both exporting and importing firms pay higher average wages than non-exporters and non-importers, where economies of scale and higher productivity of trading firms-rather than the skill characteristics or composition of labor force- work as the explanatory channels. Also, firm trade participation enhances gender labor outcomes through reducing the gender wage gap and employing a higher share of female workers especially in low technology export sectors. To translate these favorable impacts into an economywide labor market improvements in Egypt, more efforts should be done in reforming the business environment to enable a greater participation of small firms into export markets and an easier access of firms-especially those operating in technologically advanced sectors- to essential imported inputs that embody advanced foreign knowledge and/or are of higher quality than domestic alternatives.

Facilitators and barriers to using a DeskCycle as a sedentary behavior intervention in the work environment.

Sedentary behavior is a public health threat with extensive health burden on society. High levels of sedentary behavior have been associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Individuals working in desk-related occupations are more likely to be sedentary for most of the day. Health researchers have responded by implementing and promoting interventions and wellness programs in work environments to reduce this behavior. This study examined the feasibility and experience of using the DeskCycle to reduce sedentary behavior among female workers in an academic office environment. This was an intervention study where participants used the DeskCycle in two consecutive eight-week phases and uploaded DeskCycle use data daily. A questionnaire was administered after week 2 and week 8 (pre-post) of DeskCycle use in each phase to assess dimensions of feasibility, including an open-ended question for user experience. The participants (N = 78) had an average age of 44.4 (±11.3) years and were primarily non-Hispanic White (88.5%). DeskCycle daily use varied from Phase I: 84% to 64.9% (weeks 1-7), and 49.4% in week 8, to Phase II: 73.5% to 52.2% (week 1-7), and 40.2% in week 8. In Phase I, 96.6% (week 2) and 87% (week 8) agreed that the DeskCycle decreased sedentary behavior, and in Phase II, 74.3% (week 2) and 76.9% (week 8) agreed. The analysis of open-ended responses found challenges with the desk set up, cycling interfering with typing, and thinking critically, as barriers to DeskCycle use, while enjoying cycling and cycling improving mood were reported as facilitators. Using a DeskCycle in an academic office environment to reduce sedentary behavior is feasible in female office workers. Consideration should be given to the type of tasks performed while cycling.

Workplace Gender Disparity in Japan from Marxist Feminism: Long Working Hours and Female Workers' Oppression

Workplace Gender Disparity in Japan from Marxist Feminism: Long Working Hours and Female Workers' Oppression

Knowledge and Practice of Occupational Health Hazard among Healthcare Workers in Kogi State Specialist Hospital

The study was done to investigate the knowledge and practice of occupational health hazard among two hundred and thirty two (232) healthcare workers in Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH). The healthcare workers were selected through a multistage sampling technique, and the instrument used was self-administered semi-structured, closed ended questionnaire that assessed the health workers knowledge and practice of occupational health hazard as well as the relationship and factors that influences practice of occupational health hazard. Result from the findings of the study showed that 67.7% majority of the healthcare workers had good knowledge on occupational health hazard, and 92.2% majority of the healthcare workers had good practice towards occupational health hazard. More findings from the study showed that there is a significant relationship between the healthcare workers gender (Sig. values = 0.045 &lt; 0.05), and knowledge (Sig. values = 0.007 &lt; 0.05) on the practice of occupational health hazard. Finally from the study, female healthcare workers [AOR = 1.932; CI = 1.456 – 2.562], those within 30 – 39 years [AOR = 1.482; CI = 2.708 – 7.150], married [AOR = 14.308; CI = 8.154 – 25.105], Christians [AOR = 1.111; CI = 2.227 – 4.143], hospital attendants [AOR = 4.450; CI = 2.740 – 7.228], and healthcare workers with good knowledge [AOR = 2.334; CI = 1.749 – 3.141] are significant likely to practice good occupational health hazard prevention compared to their counterparts.

Peran Tenaga Kerja Wanita (TKW) dalam Menopang Ekonomi Keluarga di Kecamatan Aimere Kabupaten Ngada

This study aims to determine the role of former female workers (TKW) in supporting the family economy. The method used is Descriptive Qualitative. The data sources in this study used primary data and secondary data. The results of this study show that the role of former female workers (TKW) in supporting the family economy in Aimere District has reached the criteria of being very successful. Because: 1) Female Labor plays a role in the public domain and has shown that former female workers (TKW) engage in activities outside the home that bring income. Activities outside the home by former female workers are managing a 24% sewing business, 40% stall business, 19% food stall business, 17% bakery business and 1% internet café business. This effort has achieved success in helping to meet the needs of families who are deemed inadequate. 2) domestic roles performed by former female workers in addition to working in the public sphere they also play an active role in the family, namely: taking care of children, taking care of husbands, cooking, washing and cleaning the house. Therefore, the role of former female workers (TKW) in sustaining the family economy has been recognized by the husband that his wife plays a very important role in a household. The involvement of the wife working as a TKW abroad carries positive implications for her family's economy.

A real-time biphasic Kalman filter-based model for estimating human core temperature from heart rate measurements for application in the occupational field.

Early identification of hypothermia or hyperthermia is of vital importance, and real-time monitoring of core temperature (CT) of the workers exposed to thermal environments is an extremely valuable tool. From the existing literature studies, the model developed by Buller et al. in their study of 2013 that generates real-time estimates of CT from heart rate (HR) measurements using the Kalman filter (KF) shows good potential for occupational application. However, some aspects could be improved to reliably handle the existing very wide range of workers and work activities. This study presents a real-time CT estimation model, called the Biphasic Kalman filter-based (BKFB) model, based on HR measurement, with characteristics suited to application in the occupational field. Thirteen healthy subjects (six female and seven male) were included in the study to perform three consecutive tasks simulating work activities. During each test, an ingestible CT sensor was used to measure CT and a HR sensor to measure HR. The KF methodology was used to develop the BKFB model. An algorithm with a biphasic structure was developed using two different models for the increasing and decreasing phases of CT, with the ability to switch between the two based on an HR threshold. CT estimates were compared with CT measurements, and with respect to overall root mean square error (RMSE), the BKFB model achieved a sizeable reduction (0.28 ± 0.12°C) compared to the Buller et al. model (0.34 ± 0.16°C). The BKFB model introduced some modifications over the Buller et al. model for a more effective application in the occupational field. It was developed using data collected from a sample of workers (heavily weighted toward middle-aged, not very fit, and with a considerable fraction of female workers), and it also included two different modeling of CT (for the up- and down-phases), which allowed for better behavioral modeling in the two different stages. The BKFB model provides CT estimates reasonably in comparison to the measured intra-abdominal temperature values in both the activity and recovery phases but is more practical and easier to use for a real-time monitoring system of the workers' thermal states.