This paper explores the extent to which Rwanda’s post-genocide development model can be adapted to Sierra Leone, paying particular attention to women’s empowerment as both a developmental goal and a mechanism for wider participation. The two countries were marked by catastrophic violence—the genocide of 1994 in Rwanda and Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, that left governance systems fragile, economic activity paralyzed, and interpersonal trust largely destroyed. Although both faced devastation, Rwanda is celebrated for its rapid transformation, but Sierra Leone remains challenged by ineffective governance and systemic discrimination against women. Using a comparative analysis, this study identifies three pillars of Rwanda’s reconstruction model: embedding gender equality in legal frameworks, political reforms expanding women’s participation, and socio-economic programs integrating women into development agendas. In contrast, Sierra Leone’s gains are minimal, women suffer from political exclusion, land tenure discrimination, and exposed to poverty, violence, and practices such as female genital cutting. The study highlights several lessons that could be adapted elsewhere, including enshrined constitutional protections, mechanisms for overseeing gender equity, grassroots accountability frameworks modeled like Rwanda’s Imihigo contracts, and the proactive inclusion of women in both fiscal decision-making and reform processes. Despite the lessons, straightforward transfer is restricted, Sierra Leone struggles with weaker governance capacity, a politically diverse particularly due to its reduced institutional capability, plural political order, and deeply rooted gender hierarchies. The study emphasizes that in post-war Sierra Leone, cannot afford to see gender empowerment only through the lens of rights; and becomes a core instrument for advancing meaningful, post-conflict change. The article suggests that meaningful integration of women in governance, law, and economic structures is the most effective route to building sustainable peace, societal cohesion, and equitable development.

Abstract Microfinance institutions (MFIs) expand financial inclusion by providing credit and savings services to low-income households excluded from formal finance. Because the poor face multiple needs, many MFIs offer “plus” services—either financial (e.g., insurance, remittances) or nonfinancial (e.g., education, business training, health promotion, gender empowerment). We use a doubly robust, random-forest–based approach to obtain semiparametrically efficient estimates of the average treatment effect (ATE), estimating the ATE of each plus service on both outreach (social mission) and financial performance, while accounting for heterogeneity in MFI characteristics and operating environments. The results show that nonfinancial plus services enable MFIs to both deepen and broaden outreach. By contrast, MFIs that add only financial plus products serve fewer and less-poor clients, consistent with mission drift. The policy implications are that, to advance financial inclusion, stakeholders should prioritize nonfinancial ‘plus’ services and be cautious about promoting only bank-like financial products.

As mobile money services gain popularity in developing countries, it is important to understand their influence on socioeconomic dynamics and their role in promoting inclusive development. This research paper examines the socioeconomic effects of mobile money in developing countries, analyzing its potential for transformation and its impacts on individuals, communities, and the wider economy. The study critically assesses key socioeconomic aspects of mobile money adoption, such as financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, employment creation, and gender empowerment. Through an extensive review of existing literature, the research evaluates the extent to which mobile money contributes to these dimensions, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges involved. Moreover, the paper investigates how mobile money affects economic growth by exploring its influence on entrepreneurship, market access, and productivity. It examines the potential of mobile money to encourage formalization, stimulate investment, and enhance financial resilience within developing countries. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the socioeconomic implications of mobile money in developing countries, this research paper aims to inform and provide recommendations to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about its transformative potential and the associated challenges.

ABSTRACT This paper explores the long-term outcomes, challenges, and strategic significance of Sayid Mohamed Technical Education College (SaMTEC), a vocational training institution in Somalia’s conflict-affected Gedo region. It highlights SaMTEC’s role in promoting youth employment, gender empowerment, social cohesion, and peacebuilding by offering market-relevant skills to at-risk youth, inclusive enrollment, and community-based engagement. The findings affirm the programme’s impact in providing alternatives to radicalisation and economic marginalisation. However, the study also identifies key constraints, including limited access to startup capital, delayed employment, gender-specific barriers, and weak post-training support systems, which affect scalability and sustainability. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen job placement, expand financial access, foster public-private partnerships, and integrate vocational education into national peacebuilding strategies. As Somalia continues its recovery, SaMTEC’s experience demonstrates the transformative potential of technical education grounded in local realities and sustained by strategic investment.

Digital harassment and gender empowerment: review of the series The Game: You Never Play Alone

This research paper delves into the ethnoarchaeological significance of pottery (Chaphu) in Thongjao, Manipur, an ancient hand-building tradition deeply woven into the social, cultural, economic, and religious fabric of the Meitei community. It highlights how this craft, predominantly practiced by women without a potter's wheel, serves as a living repository of indigenous knowledge, indigenous craftsmanship, and intangible cultural heritage, transmitting centuries-old techniques, material understanding, and symbolic meanings across generations. The research employs a qualitative and exploratory design combining ethnographic observation, interviews, and literature review to document traditional production methods, symbolic meanings, and the material culture of Chaphu. Findings reveal that this hand-building tradition is linked to rituals, livelihood, and gender empowerment. By bridging past and present through ethnoarchaeology, this research underscores the need to preserve traditional knowledge systems that are ecologically sustainable and culturally significant. The paper critically examines the challenges threatening its continuity, including industrial competition, environmental degradation, and declining youth interest. Finally, it proposes comprehensive strategies for revitalization, emphasizing educational integration aligned with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, market diversification, cultural tourism, and digital preservation efforts to safeguard this invaluable intangible cultural heritage.

Transgender (trans) women are disproportionately impacted by adverse health outcomes compared to their cisgender counterparts, including mental health challenges, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and intimate partner violence (IPV). In response, we developed the Supporting Trans women, Affirmation, Relationships, and Sex (STARS) program-a peer-delivered intervention that aims to promote gender affirmation, empowerment, and HIV prevention for trans women who have experienced IPV. STARS comprises four ∼1-hr individual peer-counseling sessions delivered over 6 weeks focused on safety planning, resource referrals, and HIV prevention. We used a convergent, mixed methods, randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the program's feasibility, acceptability, and explore preliminary efficacy. Thirty-seven participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 19) or a time- and attention-matched control (n = 18) and completed assessments at baseline, postintervention, and 4- and 6-month follow-up. Findings demonstrate high intervention satisfaction (M = 3.29, SD = 0.48, range [1-4]) and low attrition (5.26% at 6-month follow-up). Thematic analysis of exit interviews revealed strong qualitative endorsements of resource referrals, self-empowerment content, and peer counselor relationships. Findings from exploratory intent-to-treat analyses showed greater improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (β = -.28; p = .019), depressive symptoms (β = -0.23; p = .037), and empowerment related to IPV safety (β = .23; p = .02) in the intervention compared to control. There were no between-group differences in instances of IPV (p = .45) or general self-efficacy (ps ≥ .39). HIV-vulnerable condomless anal sex was infrequent and insufficient to support a stable model estimation. These results provide initial empirical support for STARS as an effective intervention to improve mental health and self-empowerment outcomes among transfeminine individuals who have experienced IPV. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

This study critically examines the intersection of theology and gender equality within the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Malawi and Zambia. It highlights the disjunction between the church's theological affirmations of gender equality, rooted in the biblical narrative of the Imago Dei, and the lived experiences of women who face cultural subordination, violence, and marginalization. The research employs qualitative interviews and document analysis to explore theological foundations, cultural practices, and contemporary challenges. Key findings reveal the persistent gender injustices and the urgent need for the SDA Church to align its teachings with the realities of its members. The study offers specific actionable recommendations, including the establishment of leadership training programs for women and the implementation of educational initiatives that promote gender equality and challenge harmful cultural practices. Ultimately, it calls for a transformative approach that integrates theological reflection with practical action, positioning the SDA Church as a proactive agent for gender justice and empowerment in African society.

BackgroundCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are part of a suite of marketing and promotional strategies used by industries whose products and/or practices may be harmful to health and equity. These include the tobacco, alcohol, gambling, fossil fuel and pharmaceutical industries. CSR initiatives have included support for gender equity and empowerment initiatives, such as associations with women’s organisations and charities, educational activities, and sports. Limited research has qualitatively investigated women’s perceptions of these types of gendered CSR initiatives, including their opinions about appropriate public health and policy responses.MethodsThis study sought the opinions of n=506 Australian women, aged 18 years and over. Data was collected through an online qualitative survey. Participants were asked about the CSR strategies of a range of harmful industries, including gendered marketing, sponsorship of women’s sport, and support for women’s causes. Data were interpreted using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were constructed from the data. First, while participants acknowledged that CSR was a profit-making tactic used to enhance the image of harmful industries and mitigate reputational risk, they also thought there could be benefits associated with some CSR strategies – particularly related to women’s sport. Second, while many women perceived that CSR strategies could positively influence women’s views about harmful industries, others felt women needed to take responsibility for engaging with messages from these industries. Finally, while participants supported increased government regulation of harmful industry promotional tactics, they also recommended educational initiatives to expose industry tactics, and increased responsibility from organisations partnering or taking funding from these industries.ConclusionsThe insights from this study contribute to the growing evidence about the influence of the corporate tactics of industries who are harmful to women’s health and equity. While mapping and monitoring of marketing tactics are essential in public health arguments for regulatory reform of these practices, this study shows the important role that community opinions play in understanding the impact of these tactics, and public expectations of policy and public health actions to prevent harms. There is broad support for increased government regulation, and independent education initiatives focused on exposing industry tactics.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Identifying the role of Civil Society Organizations in shaping Indigenous Mexican women’s health literacy, gender empowerment, and use of improved cookstoves

This research was aimed to analyze the women representation shown in the film as represented by Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow film. This research was conducted at Slamet Riyadi University Library in 2024. To analyze the problem formulation, the researcher used a feminist approach. The researcher used feminism and impact role of women as race or ethnicity, and sexuality theories. In conducting the study, the researcher used method Miles and Huberman in analysis of qualitative data. The primary data is the Black Widow film written and directed by Cate Shortland. Secondary data is article, journal, book, and other previous research linked that could support the primary data. The findings of this research indicate that women represntation that show in Natasha Romanoff throughout the film. Natasha's concept of race, ethnicity, and sexuality is based on her Russian background, and Natasha’s as women representaion associated with Russian women. The part also touched on cultural stereotypes of Russian Women. Natasha embodies Russian traits, as seen in Natasha's actions and behavior throughout the film. It can be concluded that Natasha has an amazing women representation. Natasha emerges as a complex character who navigates her past traumas and current challenges with courage, compassion, and determination. Natasha can prove that woman offers a nuanced exploration of gender dynamics, empowerment, and resilience, providing a refreshing perspective on women representation. Keywords : Black Widow, Feminism, Gender Equality, Film, and Women Representation.

Property rights have evinced to be the leading caster in the economic development of every nation. Limited access, unequal distribution of property rights amongst the dwellers of the society leads to the dawn of the factors ensuing into the rise of violation of other rights of women. More significantly domestic violence has always been a pervasive concern for the administrators across the South Asia. This in turn affects the women’s physical as well as mental wellbeing beyond the transnational borders. Through this research paper the researcher delves the interest of the readers into the potential aspect of the equal distribution of the property rights regardless to the gender discrimination by accomplishing as an extenuating facet in domestic violence perpetration. This research paper traces the paradigms of gender empowerment, economic security, and decision-making powers across the territorial boundaries in South Asian countries and thereby reflecting the vulnerability of subjection of women to violence within their domestic spheres. This research paper will also through the light upon the legal frameworks, customary rules, cultural norms that are playing the significant role in governing the aspects of ownership and inheritance rights of women across the region. The impact of these disparities in the asset distribution amongst the male and female over the economic autonomy and the decision-making powers in the various countries across the South Asia. Last but not the least, this research will be ominously contributing to raise the voice against the domestic violence by highlighting the potential of economic empowerment through the equal distribution of rights and promoting the norms of gender equality as a strategy for indorsing the concerns for the rights of women in South Asia.

Basavanna (1105–1167), a 12th-century philosopher, poet, and social reformer from Karnataka, laid the foundations of the Lingayat movement, which sought to challenge social hierarchies, ritualism, and caste-based discrimination. As a minister in the court of King Bijjala of the Kalachuri dynasty, Basavanna promoted equality, rational devotion, and social reform, emphasizing personal spiritual experience over ritualistic practices. He encouraged women’s participation in religious and social life, promoted labor as dignified work, and denounced caste-based oppression. Basavanna’s philosophy, expressed through Vachanas—short, pithy poems in Kannada—combined devotion with social critique, making complex spiritual ideas accessible to the masses.This paper examines Basavanna’s contributions to social reform, egalitarian philosophy, and the development of the Lingayat community. It also explores the contemporary relevance of his teachings in addressing caste inequality, gender discrimination, and social exclusion in modern India. Basavanna’s insistence on equality, rational devotion, and social responsibility continues to inspire movements for social justice, democratization of religious practice, and gender empowerment. His life and work provide a historical lens to understand the enduring struggle for social reform and spiritual egalitarianism in Indian society.

Gender Roles and Empowerment Goals: The LDS Women's Experience in Brazil

This study explores the intersection of the creative economy and gender empowerment in the context of rural tourism development. Focusing on bartender training for women in Batu Putih Bawah Village, Bitung City, Indonesia, the research investigates how vocational skill development in mixology can serve as a strategic entry point for women's participation in the tourism value chain. Drawing from a gender-inclusive development framework and the creative economy paradigm, the study employs a qualitative case study method involving interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings suggest that bartender training not only enhances women's technical competencies but also fosters self-confidence, economic independence, and social recognition. However, structural challenges such as limited market access, traditional gender roles, and a lack of institutional support remain persistent barriers. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism and inclusive growth by proposing an integrated model for women’s empowerment through creative vocational pathways. The study also provides insights for policymakers, tourism practitioners, and educators seeking to strengthen local capacities and gender equity within emerging tourism destinations.

This study examined how gender roles are portrayed in the Pakistani television commercials and analyzed ten selected commercials from different product categories such as household products, personal care, financial services, automobiles, technology, etc. This study utilizes qualitative content analysis to explore the misrelating to traditional gender roles, progressive representations, objectification, and empowerment. Television commercials are very significant in establishing norms of society and their representations of different sexes shape society and strengthen cultural ideologies. The findings revealed that the selected advertisement of Nido and Surf Excel aimed to specifically highlight the ambiguous stereotypes, traditional gender roles and how the women in the advertisement are mostly limited to the role of caregiver and homemaker. On the other hand, in Samsung and Sunsilk advertisements, women are embedded as decision-makers, professionals, and independent. Quintessentially masculine advertisements, like Gillette and Honda Civic, continue to re-postulate traditional perceptions of manhood, often portraying individuals as aggressors or powerful authorities. While certain commercials like Coca-Cola and HBL, represent a more balanced gender representation, others still marginalize women or place them in secondary roles. The study also notes that in advertisements for beauty products, physical appearance is often through the lens of objectification, consequently presenting it as a defining characteristic of women. Yet other narratives around empowerment stand, just taking their form in self-affirming advertisements that celebrate financial autonomy and career advancement for women. It suggests advertisers should pursue more balanced and forward-thinking depictions and remind media contents that reflect and promote gender equality instead of perpetuating tradition stereotypes.

Income inequality in Indonesia, remains as a serious global issue. This study is driven by the existing inter-regional disparities and the limited integration of gender indicators in inequality analysis, particularly across all provinces in Indonesia. The issue of income distribution inequality is certainly influenced by various factors. This study was conducted with the aim of understanding the effect of the Gender Empowerment Index (GEI), Human Development Index (HDI), poverty, and Domestic Investment (DI) on income inequality in Indonesia. The data in this study is secondary panel data sourced from the Central Bureau of Statistics, covering 34 provinces over the 2015-2023 period. The research method is the fixed effects model. The findings indicate that GEI does not have a statistically significant impact. On the contrary, HDI has a significant negative effect, while poverty and domestic investment have a significant positive effect on income distribution inequality. These findings highlight the need for inclusive human development policies, equitable investment distribution, and targeted poverty reduction strategies. This study also contributes by providing evidence-based recommendations to reduce interprovincial disparities in Indonesia and strengthen discussions on more equitable and fair policies.

This study investigates the complex relationship between digital communication networks, social capital formation, and women's economic empowerment within Vietnam's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Drawing upon social capital theory and feminist economic frameworks, the research examines how digital communication technologies facilitate the accumulation of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital, which subsequently enhances women's economic opportunities and outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the study analysed data from 847 Vietnamese women entrepreneurs and micro-enterprise operators across urban and rural contexts. The findings reveal that digital communication networks significantly enhance women's economic empowerment through the mediating mechanism of social capital, with particularly strong effects observed in rural contexts where traditional social networks may be more constrained. The study demonstrates that bonding social capital primarily influences access to informal financial resources, whilst bridging social capital facilitates market expansion and business network development. Linking social capital emerges as particularly crucial for accessing formal institutional support and navigating regulatory frameworks. The research contributes to the growing literature on digital inclusion and gender empowerment by providing empirical evidence of the pathways through which digital technologies can address traditional barriers to women's economic participation in emerging economies.

Menstrual health and hygiene play a vital role in the overall well-being and empowerment of women. Despite its importance, approximately 500million women globally lack access to menstrual products and proper hygiene facilities, primarily due to financial constraints. Many resort to alternatives such as cloth, cotton, or tissue, which impacts their health, mental well-being, and academic or career progression due to absenteeism caused by the fear of leakage and embarrassment. To assess the perception of both females and males on the need for freely available sanitary products in educational institutions, and examine the association between lack of access and its effects on mental, physical, and social health. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 participants in a university and affiliated hospital in Ajman, UAE. A validated questionnaire was used, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, were applied. 84% of female participants agreed on the need for free sanitary products in educational institutions. Over 65% reported missing academic or social events due to menstruation-related inconveniences. Around 73% had to borrow pads/tampons from others, and nearly 43% found the topic of menstruation embarrassing to discuss. More than 46% agreed that access to free products would help reduce stigma and improve health and participation. The majority of participants supported the availability of free sanitary products in educational institutions. Improving access can enhance the academic, social, and emotional well-being of female students, contributing to gender equity and empowerment.

Abstract This paper examines the impact of credit access on women’s empowerment, focusing on microfinance as a tool for gender and economic empowerment in rural development. It draws on the lived experiences of 20 women in rural Malawi, exploring how credit access influences their status and roles in household and community decision-making. In a predominantly patriarchal society, where men are widely regarded as heads of households and primary decision-makers, this qualitative study investigates how women conceptualise their own empowerment and navigate these power dynamics through credit access. Grounded in the capability and intersectionality lenses, it highlights the challenges faced by rural women, marginalised due to their gender, social inequality and rurality, within patriarchal systems. The study examines whether microfinance genuinely leads to women’s empowerment or instead simply facilitates a negotiation of status and power in a context where the patriarchy ‘fights back’ empowerment interventions.