Gender Gap Research Articles

Trends in racial and gender diversity among adult hemato-oncology trainees over last decade and impact of Covid.

9011 Background: We aim to examine trends in racial and gender diversity of trainees within adult and pediatrics hemato-oncology (H-0) fellowships, and evaluate the impact of COVID on the racial and gender proportions of trainees within H-0 training programs. Methods: Accredited Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) data were queried to identify hemato-oncology trainees between 2014 and 2024. Trainees were identified based on self-reported race and gender. We defined 2016-17 to 2019-20 and 2020-21 to 2023-24 era as pre and post COVID years. Student T-tests were used to assess differences between groups and trends. Results: Average number of the female H-0 fellows (44.1%) is significantly lower compared with men (55.4 %) [p <0.005 ] . There is a slow but steady increase in female representation in H-0 fellowship across the study period as the gender gap has declined from 15.4 % in 2016-2017 to 7.2 % in 2023-2024. There is a non-statistical increase in the proportion of females in H-0 fellowships (44.1%) post covid compared with pre covid era (42.3%) [p = 0.0054]. Blacks (3.4%) represented a lower proportion of H-0 fellows compared to Whites (37.2%, p < 0.005), Asians (34.0%, p<0.005), and Hispanics (5.0%, p<0.005). Asian H-0 fellows saw the highest increase in the percentage (12.7%) from 2014-2015 to 2022-2023 followed by white H-0 fellows (3.4%) while the Hispanics and blacks H-0 fellows (2.8 and 2.4% respectively) had miniscule increase in the same time frame . There is also a significant increase in Asian H-0 fellows (10.8%) post covid compared to Black fellows (1.5%). Conclusions: This study reveals persistent gender and racial/ethnic disparities within H-0 fellowships in the United States. While the proportion of female trainees has gradually increased in H-0, they remain underrepresented compared to men. Regarding diversity, the data shows underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic individuals in H-0 fellowships, with Asian trainees experiencing the greatest growth. Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact these existing disparities. These findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to address systemic barriers limiting diversity and inclusion in the hematology-oncology workforce. Potential strategies include holistic admissions, mentorship programs, and pipeline initiatives to support underrepresented minority students and trainees.

The burden of informal family caregiving in Europe, 2000-2050: a microsimulation modelling study.

The burden of informal family caregiving in Europe, 2000-2050: a microsimulation modelling study.

Gender gap in travel time and trip Purpose: Pre-, during and post Covid19 evidence

Gender gap in travel time and trip Purpose: Pre-, during and post Covid19 evidence

Exploring pathways: How friends' anti-academic behavior contributes to the gender gap in language and math grades

Exploring pathways: How friends' anti-academic behavior contributes to the gender gap in language and math grades

The Effect of Gender on Case Log Volumes for Urology Residents: An 11 Year National Study.

The Effect of Gender on Case Log Volumes for Urology Residents: An 11 Year National Study.

Equal opportunity policy and the reverse gender gap in academic achievement: Evidence from a quasi-experiment in Hong Kong

Equal opportunity policy and the reverse gender gap in academic achievement: Evidence from a quasi-experiment in Hong Kong

Closing the gender gap in global food insecurity: Socioeconomic determinants and economic gains in the aftermath of COVID-19

Closing the gender gap in global food insecurity: Socioeconomic determinants and economic gains in the aftermath of COVID-19

Bridging the gender gap in cancer care at a resident-led federally qualified health center: Retrospective insights and strategies for improvement.

e13841 Background: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are nonprofit organizations with federal funding which play a vital role in the United States health care system by providing affordable and accessible outpatient care, particularly to those facing socioeconomic, language, geographic and cultural barriers to healthcare. Prior studies have indicated differences in cancer screening participation based on gender and gender identity. This study aims to explore gender disparities in cancer care among FQHC patients. Methods: We conducted retrospective data analysis using a cancer registry at a FQHC in Connecticut. This registry was curated from March 2021 to March 2024 and included alive patients over the age of 18 with a diagnosis of cancer were included in this registry. Statistical analysis was performed with chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test where applicable. Results: In the observed population, a trend was noted for men to present at more advanced stages of cancer (70.6% stages 0-III vs 29.4% stages III-IV) when compared to women (78.1% stages 0-III vs 21.9% stages III-IV). Regardless of whether screening occurred before or after their cancer diagnosis, 5.5% of female patients had not undergone age-appropriate cancer screening, compared to 41.9% of males. All unscreened females were uninsured, whereas the majority (53.8%) of unscreened male patients did have insurance. Interestingly, while women had slightly higher screening rates when they spoke English (100% vs 89.5%), there was no major difference in cancer screening rates based on language for male patients (57.9% English speakers vs 53.8% non-English speakers). Male cancer patients also exhibited a higher number of comorbidities (40% had 2 or less vs 60% had 3 or more comorbidities) than females (61.4% had 2 or less vs 38.6% had 3 or more comorbidities). Remarkably, male cancer patients were more likely to have undergone cancer screening if they had 3 or more comorbidities compared to 0-2 comorbidities (72.2% vs 27.8%) whereas for women there was no significant difference. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a gap in cancer care affecting males in medically underserved populations. Not only do male cancer patients face higher number of comorbidities complicating their treatment options, they also appear to have lower cancer screening rates and tend to present at later stages of disease. Subgroup analysis indicates that other variables beyond socioeconomic factors influence the disparities in cancer care for male compared to female patients in FQHCs. Efforts in improving cancer care in FQHCs should consider the influence of gender differences when devising new strategies.

Work-Life Balance and Gender Inequality in Sport: A Case Study of a Female Coach in Men’s Basketball in Taiwan

This study explores how a female coach navigates work-life balance and the gender gap within the sports field. The subject of this research is a female coach of a men's university basketball team in Taiwan. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study employs semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to examine the complex dynamics she encounters in managing both professional and domestic responsibilities. The findings indicate that the coach performs multiple roles simultaneously—including those of wife, daughter-in-law, mother, coach, teacher, and colleague. Owing to traditional gender norms, she experiences significant role conflict under the pressure of balancing career and family duties. Moreover, prevailing stereotypes about male and female athletic performance contribute to her authority being questioned by male athletes. This study suggests that enhanced communication with family may help women coaches better achieve work-life balance. It also recommends that the sports community actively continue promoting gender equity.

The Gender Gap in EHR Workload: A Comparative Analysis of Primary Care Physician In Basket Usage.

Gender disparities in emotional exhaustion and burnout are well-recognized, but few studies have assessed gender differences in EHR patient portal workload and implications for clinician well-being. To investigate gender differences in EHR in basket activity, workload, and burnout among physicians. Observational analysis of EHR usage data and survey responses. 406 physicians (43.1% men, 56.9% women) at a large academic medical center. Time spent on EHR activities, including in basket tasks, orders, and notes. Survey responses were collected on factors contributing to burnout, experiences with patient portal messages, and perceptions of EHR usability. Women physicians spent significantly more time on orders (34.00 vs 28.39min/day, p = 0.004) and notes (70.38 vs 53.17min/day, p = 0.004) than men physicians. Women physicians were more likely to report that patient portal messages required more clinical assessment (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.05-2.45, p = 0.0297) and contributed to burnout (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.12-2.79, p = 0.0152). They were also more likely to receive negative messages from patients (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.08-2.42, p = 0.0204). Interestingly, women physicians found EHR systems easier to learn (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.37-3.02, p < .0001) and were less likely to feel EHRs inhibited quality care (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43-0.74, p < .0001) compared to men physicians. Gender disparities exist in EHR usage and patient communication, and these disparities are associated with increased burnout risk among women physicians. Effective leadership engagement is essential for optimizing EHR workflows, promoting equitable work practices, and implementing flexible work provisions that ensure safe and sustainable care delivery.

Mind the Gender Gap: Case Studies of U.S. Transit Agency Policies and Design Guidelines for Gender-Inclusive Transit Planning

This research investigates current transit design practices and agency policies through the lens of gender-inclusivity, identifying the disparities between men and women. Women typically engage in shorter, more complex trips owing to caregiving and household responsibilities, and thus face additional challenges like unsafe transit settings and inadequate accommodations for strollers and belongings. This study employs a qualitative case study approach, including interviews with staff from nine transit agencies to learn about their present and future practices, and an analysis of five transit design and operations manuals to study their recommendations and standards. Key findings revealed progress in gender-sensitive data collection and design, but barriers like resource constraints and a lack of priority still remained. Agencies like Los Angeles Metro, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority have made notable advancements, with several others following suit. However, the explicit incorporation of gender-sensitive principles in widely used transit design manuals is often lacking. The study concludes that continued commitment coupled with innovative approaches could overcome existing barriers and enhance gender-inclusivity in transit systems.

How Gender and Work Status Shape Political Ideology: Evidence from Homemakers in Spain

This article analyzes the role of women's engagement in paid versus unpaid work in determining gender and intra-gender polarization in political ideology. Modern gender gaps in political ideology, where women place to the left of men, have replaced traditional gaps in Western democracies since the 1990s. Southern Europe, with low rates of women's labor force participation, lagged behind this transformation. This study examines the case of Spain for 1993–2019, to explore the long-run evolution of political ideology at the intersection of gender and work status. Homemaking status is a strong driver of conservative political positioning. Instrumenting homemaking status with regional-level labor force participation to alleviate endogeneity issues confirms a causal chain: macro trends in women's labor force participation rate predict the probability of homemaking occupation at the individual level, which in turn impact political ideology. The article argues that intra-gender occupational gaps are crucial in determining contemporary political cleavages. HIGHLIGHTS The interaction between gender and paid and unpaid work status drives political ideology. Homemaking status is identified as a strong driver of conservative political positioning in Spain, similar to findings for Italy and Turkey. Macroeconomic trends in women's labor force participation predict women's greater support of left-wing political parties. Macroeconomic growth patterns that exclude women from jobs may trigger a political tendency toward authoritarian conservative regimes.

“I know your problems; take your bag and go home”: a qualitative study using the social-ecological model to understand drivers of suboptimal school and social participation among secondary schoolgirls in Northwest Tanzania

BackgroundSchool attendance and completion among girls protect them from multiple sexual and reproductive health problems. However, inadequate resources for managing menstruation remains a barrier to school participation and learning in low- and middle-income countries. With the increased global focus on closing the gender gap in education, schoolgirls’ voices are important in understanding drivers of suboptimal social and school participation during menstruation. This paper explores how menstruation influences social and school participation from the perspectives of schoolgirls.MethodsWe conducted 40 in-depth interviews with purposively-selected secondary schoolgirls aged 13–20 years in two rural and two urban schools in Northern Tanzania from 2021 to 2022. To be eligible for participation, the schoolgirls must have reported missing school during their last menstruation. We used an in-depth interview guide to elicit girls’ menstrual experiences and how such experience influenced their school and social participation. We used NVivo 12 software to code data and employed thematic analysis using the social-ecological model.ResultsThe respondents described the drivers of suboptimal social and school participation at the individual level (negative menstrual experience, i.e. menstrual pain and constant worries of menstrual blood leaking, and individual economic constraints); interpersonal level (the fear of menstrual status disclosure, and peer’s attitude); school level (inadequate emergency pad at school, lack of private place to change, and unhygienic school WASH); and societal level socio-cultural restrictions (girls are prohibited from touching plants/vegetables, engaging in household chores/religious worship, or physical contact with men during menstruation, and refusal to use conventional painkillers to relief menstrual pain).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that drivers of suboptimal social and school participation among secondary schoolgirls exist at the individual, interpersonal relationship, school, and societal levels. Multi-level evidence-based multicomponent interventions to improve menstrual health at all socio-ecological levels are warranted for optimal social and school participation among schoolgirls.

Gender Gaps and the Gender Parity Index in Research in a Colombian Region

Given the difficulty of measuring gender gaps in STI research due to access to comparable information, this research aimed to measure the gender gap in research and the Gender Parity Index for the Department of Cauca, Colombia, in the calls for proposals for Minisciences 2013–2021. This approach is unique to date. The goal of the mixed-methods approach was to determine the gender parity index (GPI) and the gender gaps in research in four fundamental aspects: research area, level of training, classification of researchers, and age groups. The results of the measurement were contrasted with the perceptions obtained from a focus group composed of recognized researchers from the region. The triangulation of the information indicates that the gender gaps are high and the GPI is low, whereas the researchers do not perceive the existence of the gaps, a situation that is detected in the field of administrative management and the scarcity of financial resources for research.

Bridging the Financial Divide: Promoting Microfinance and Financial Inclusion through the Weighted Product Methodology in Developing Countries

Financial inclusion is crucial for poverty alleviation and sustainable development, especially in developing countries like India. Despite advances in mobile and digital banking, many people remain excluded from formal financial systems. This paper uses the MCDM technique, Weighted Product Methodology (WPM), to evaluate microfinance strategies using indicators such as credit linkage and cost efficiency. It explores how expanding telecommunications infrastructure and fin tech integration can support inclusion, and address challenges such as digital illiteracy, gender gaps, and cybersecurity. This research addresses financial exclusion through an integrated analysis of telecommunications infrastructure, microfinance institutions (MFIs) and a multi-criteria decision-making tool called the Weighted Product Methodology. By assessing indicators such as loan disbursement, default rates and outreach, it provides insights into MFI performance. Using data from Global Findex, MIX and NSS, along with geospatial data, the study provides a nuanced view of inclusion at the micro level. It also highlights risks such as fraud and digital illiteracy, emphasizing the need for inclusive, user-centric FinTech policies and data-driven resource allocation. Alternatives taken as Global Findex Database, Microfinance Information Exchange, IMF Financial Access Survey, National Sample Survey, similar MFI-level data. Evaluation Parameters taken as Loan Disbursement Rate (%), Client Outreach (thousands), Loan Default Rate (%), Operational Costs (% of budget). The results show that National Sample Survey received the highest ranking, whereas Microfinance Information Exchanger received the lowest ranking. According to the WPM method, National Sample Survey ranks highest in terms of its value for Financial Inclusion and Microfinance applications

Gender congruence and entrepreneurial investments: the role of others’ reactions

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the decision processes that underlie the gender gap in entrepreneurial investments. The present research explores how gender congruence with a sex-typed business opportunity influences anticipated reactions from others who may provide or withhold support and resources, how these affect the assessed probability of venture success and the amount the entrepreneur is willing to invest (WTI) in the opportunity.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model is presented and empirically tested via path analysis. A pilot and an experimental study model explore how gender congruence influences entrepreneurial investment decisions. The experimental study uses a repeated measures design examining the experimental effects two sex-typed business opportunities crossed with participant gender (gender congruence) on anticipated others’ reactions, assessed probability of venture success and investment amount (WTI).FindingsGender congruence of a business opportunity influences anticipated others’ reactions, whether they will be supportive or not, of pursuing the opportunity. This in turn influences the estimated probability of success of the venture and the amount the prospective entrepreneur is willing to invest in it. These socio-cognitive decision processes reinforce the gender gap in entrepreneurship since participants anticipate less access to others’ support for gender incongruent opportunities. Although the mediational model indicates most proposed relationships and paths are invariant across genders, the exception was that women did not report higher WTI for the gender congruent venture.Originality/valueThe research applies the latest thinking in social psychology on gender norm violations to entrepreneurship, measuring how anticipated reactions from others are a factor in predicting estimates of venture success probability and self-investments.

Gender differences in alcohol use disorder treatment: sociodemographic, mental health, personality, and neuropsychological factors

Background Rates of alcohol use increase among women, and the gender gap in alcohol use disorder (AUD) is narrowing. Earlier studies indicate that there are differences in a variety of demographic and psychological measures between men and women with AUD. Examining differences between treatment-seeking men and women to target the specific needs and effective interventions for women with AUD is thus of vital importance. Methods This explorative study investigated differences in sociodemographic characteristics, psychological distress, personality functioning, and cognitive functioning between men and women seeking treatment for AUD. Results Treatment-seeking men and women with AUD differed on a series of mental health measures, personality functioning, and cognitive functioning. Women with AUD experienced the same level of harmful drinking as men with AUD, more psychological distress, more maladaptive personality functioning, and lower general intellectual functioning. Conclusions The results indicate that treatment-seeking women with AUD have special needs that should be assessed and addressed in treatment. Further, there is a need for more integrated treatments targeting the high level of comorbidity experienced by women with AUD.

The role of gender and equity norms in the social acceptance of outsourcing housework

Objective: This study investigates the interplay between gender and equity norms with respect to the social acceptance of outsourcing housework. Background: To explain the outsourcing of housework, gender norms are often used, which yields mixed results. We argue that these results can be caused by the omission of another powerful norm, equity, which is important for the allocation of benefits and costs in exchange relationships. Method: To test our hypotheses, we use a factorial survey conducted in 2020 in Germany (N = 366) in which respondents were asked to evaluate a hypothetical outsourcing situation involving a couple. We apply linear regression analysis with cluster-robust standard errors. Results: First, it is socially less accepted for women to outsource housework than for men to do so, which is independent of outsourcing a 'male' or 'female' household task. Second, increasing input in terms of working hours increases people's acceptance of outsourcing housework. Third, the gender gap in outsourcing is reduced only among full-time workers, whereas part-time working women in particular experience less social acceptance when outsourcing housework. Conclusion: We find that gender norms reduce the social acceptance of outsourcing housework by part-time working women, whereas equity norms can flatten this effect among full-time working women. In conclusion, gender norms seem to be especially persistent in couple models that already reproduce traditional gender norms.

Gender disparities in literacy: an analysis of regional and age-group variations in Somalia

This study examines gender disparities in literacy across regions and age groups in Somalia, using data from the 2022 Somalia Integrated Household Budget Survey (SIHBS). Gender disparities in literacy pose significant challenges to development and equity, particularly in fragile contexts like Somalia. Understanding specific manifestations of these disparities within diverse national settings is essential for effective interventions. This study explores how gender-based literacy differences vary across Somalia's regions and age cohorts. The primary objective was to analyze the nature, extent, and variation of gender disparities in literacy rates across Somalia's administrative regions and age groups. Using data from the 2022 SIHBS (N ≈ 39,000), the study employed descriptive statistics, geospatial mapping, and logistic regression analysis to assess literacy patterns. Results indicated a substantial overall gender gap, with male literacy at 54.6% compared to 43.66% for females. Literacy rates were highest among younger adults (e.g., 66.7% for ages 20–24) and declined sharply with age (19.05% for ages 65+). Significant regional variations were observed, with literacy rates ranging from 63.3% in Sool to 21.7% in Middle Shabelle. Logistic regression confirmed that being female (OR = 0.592, p < 0.001), belonging to older age groups (p < 0.001 for most groups vs. < 20 years), and residing in specific regions significantly predicted lower odds of literacy compared to reference groups. The study concludes that gender disparities in literacy in Somalia are profound and significantly influenced by geographical location and age, underscoring the necessity of moving beyond aggregated national statistics. The study contributes to research on literacy in Somalia and provides insights for policymakers and educators working towards improving literacy rates and gender equality in education. However, the research is limited by data availability and quality, as well as cross-sectional analysis constraints. Further studies employing qualitative methods and longitudinal designs are recommended to deepen understanding of the dynamics underlying these disparities.

The Role of Fintech Inclusion Investigates How Financial Inclusion by Expanding Access to Essential Financial Services for Underserved Populations: At Deloitte

ABSTRACT Financial technology (fintech) is revolutionising the landscape of financial inclusion by expanding access to essential financial services for underserved populations. This paper explores how fintech innovations—such as digital payments, alternative credit scoring, and mobile banking—are breaking down traditional barriers and enabling financial institutions to reach rural, low-income, and marginalised communities more effectively. Using Deloitte as a case study, the research highlights strategies, impacts, and challenges of fintech-driven financial inclusion, and identifies gaps in the existing literature, particularly in measuring long-term sustainability and addressing systemic barriers such as gender and diversity gaps in fintech leadership.