Gender Inclusion Research Articles

Perception of Gender Roles in Modern Art Exhibitions in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the perception of gender roles in modern art exhibitions in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that modern art exhibitions have increasingly become a platform for challenging and redefining traditional gender roles. Contemporary artists frequently address themes of gender identity and societal expectations, pushing boundaries and provoking thought. This shift reflects broader cultural movements toward gender equality and fluidity. Exhibitions now often feature works that explore the complexities of gender through various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and digital art. Curators are more consciously inclusive, aiming to represent diverse voices and perspectives. This evolving landscape not only highlights gender disparities but also celebrates non-binary and transgender experiences, fostering a more inclusive and reflective art world. These exhibitions serve as a critical dialogue on the evolving perceptions of gender roles, encouraging audiences to question and rethink preconceived notions about gender in contemporary society. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Feminist theory, social constructionism and postmodernism may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the perception of gender roles in modern art exhibitions in Nigeria. Encourage art institutions to adopt diverse curatorial practices that prioritize equitable representation of artists across genders and identities. Develop and implement institutional policies that prioritize gender diversity, equity, and inclusivity in art exhibitions.

Inclusion of gender and labour standards in preferential trade agreements: evidence from North American and Canada-Chile agreements

ABSTRACT This article analyses the causes of the incorporation of gender provisions into preferential trade agreements (PTAs), based an analysis of the reasons for the inclusion of both labour and gender provisions in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and in the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA). Drawing upon feminist and constructivist analysis, it argues for the importance of ideational factors such as policy emulation, social learning, the formation of transnational advocacy networks (TANs), as well as the role of Global South actors. Gender provisions often contain neoliberal elements that promote female entrepreneurship rather than more transformational approaches. The comparison of the USMCA and the CCFTA shows that the inclusion of stronger gender provisions in labour chapters (as in the USMCA) may be a more effective way to promote the interests of vulnerable workers than the inclusion of a gender chapter.

The Fair Inclusion of Intersex and Transgender Athletes based on Kinesiology, Physiology and Athlete Wellness

Fair eligibility-requirements for intersex and transgender female athletes are sorely needed for Olympic competition. Those designated 46 XY DSD are usually judged to be intersex females at birth with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD), producing testosterone-creating testes instead of ovaries. Men who transition to female are defined as transgender women and have testosterone-creating testes. To quantify the role of testosterone, physics and kinesiology were applied to running, swimming, speed skating and rowing, to evaluate the female/male velocity ratio of Olympic Champions from 1980 through 2020/21 as driven by the relative lean-to-weight ratio of elite athletes. That velocity ratio now equals the relative lean-to-weight ratio of 90%. Since circulating testosterone drives the lean-to-weight ratio, higher testosterone gives men that 10% advantage over women. A definitive paper written when a limit of 10 nmol/L was used, concluded that 5 nmol/L was the lowest reasonable limit to impose, and then it was exceeded against Castor Semenya. Intersex athletes were born that way, suggesting that no limit or a limit of 10 nmol/L would be fair. Since transgender female athletes undergo therapy, 5 nmol/L might be achievable without medical or psychological side effects, instead of requiring transition before male puberty, which happens rarely. Keywords: intersex females, transgender females, testosterone limits, lean-to-weight ratio, gender inclusion

Using the "Pence Rule" as a Sexual Harassment Prevention Tool: The Unintended Consequences on Gender Equality

With the resurgence of the #MeToo movement, the Pence Rule has been used by men to prevent sexual harassment liability. Regardless of the intention of using this rule, it could damage the climate of inclusion and women's career equality. We integrate gender equality and inclusion research and social dominance theory to understand people's perceptions and potential consequences of using the Pence Rule. We use a grounded theory approach to identify the perceptual similarities and differences across the timeline of #MeToo. We theorize potential antecedents and outcomes of using the Pence Rule by examining comments from three major U.S. news articles related to the issue. We identify seven categories, including the legal aspects, men and women's character, view of gender equality, political leadership, the cultural aspects (religion and history), behavioral outcomes, and effects on gender equality. The first five are theorized as potential antecedents, and the last two are identified as potential outcomes. All three articles' comments show similarities regarding support for using the Pence Rule from the legal aspects and related to behavioral outcomes, contrasted by criticism of the Pence Rule as it relates to and impacts gender equality.

Municipal Solid Waste Management: An Assessment of the Management Framework In Zambia

Governance mechanisms for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) are critical to the sustainable management of waste for effective environmental management and public health. These mechanisms are dependent on management frameworks upon which they are based. This study aimed at assessing current frameworks for managing MSW in Zambia using a descriptive research design with a questionnaire being the data collection tool. Eighty purposively sampled respondents were administered and the tool had a 90 per cent response rate. Data analysis involved the use of frequency tables, percentages, bar, the mean, and standard deviation. The results were as follows; male respondents were 73 per cent as compared to female respondents at 27 per cent, respectively, while source of generation for residential areas was at 88 per cent. Public sector role in the governance of MWS 66.7 per cent, private sector (18.9%), NGOs (7.8%), with academia 2.2 per cent, others 4.4 per cent respectively. Frequency of collection was as follows: daily (45.7%), twice a week (14.9%), weekly (39.4%). Recycling of MSW by the private sector (47.2%), municipality (14.6%), and a combination of both accounted for 38.2 per cent. Management of final disposal sites by private sector (11.7%), municipalities (44.6%) and co-managed sites (43.5%). Lack of technical capacity to develop and implement policies by municipalities was 33 per cent while lack of financial resources for the waste management sector (39%). The results of the study indicate a growing and rooted challenge in the governance of MSW in Zambia. Therefore, governance mechanisms must be based on robust and effective frameworks that will ensure effective service delivery by local authorities with the involvement of all stakeholders, gender and social inclusion and also effective development and application of policies, technology and financial resources. This will result into sustainable waste management service to protect public health and the environment and ultimately implement a circular economy model.

Gender and endogenous knowledge inclusion for agroforestry systems improvement in Benin, West Africa

In West Africa, and Benin particularly, local forest resources can potentially contribute to both increasing and stabilizing soil productivity. However, these resources continue to be neglected with efforts instead concentrated on promoting exotic species. This study aimed to prioritize local agroforestry species on agricultural landscape by investigating the gendered, socio-demographic and agro-pedological factors of local knowledge and use of agroforestry species amongst small-holder farmers in Benin. An agroforestry inventory combined with an ethno-agroforestry survey was conducted on 364 farms with 364 farmers. A cluster analysis based on farmers' socio-demographic and agroecological factors was used to cluster farmers into two homogeneous agroforestry systems. Median score, species diversity and ecological networks were established for these two systems. Results illustrate that gendered difference exist between the priority that farmers give to multi-purpose species and this prioritization depends on priority ecosystem services for farmers and gender. Therefore, it would be useful first to consider gender and specific needs of each category of farmer to optimize the choice of agroforestry species to be promoted in such systems. The successful introduction of identified species through extension programs requires more advanced research related to the real contribution of these species to farmland fertilization, as well as the nutrient transmission pathways to associated crops in an agroforestry system to address simultaneously specific ecological, economic and socio-cultural sustainability criteria, as well as improved crop production.

Understanding the Present Scenario of Women in Higher Education of Purba & Paschim Medinipur District

The global discourse on women’s participation in higher education has gained momentum, signifying a shift towards greater gender inclusivity in educational institutions. Even with significant advancements, there are still gaps in access to and involvement in higher education, especially in areas with socioeconomic difficulties like the Indian districts of Purba and Paschim Medinipur. In this sense, the importance of higher education in influencing socioeconomic growth and empowering individuals is crucial. But a variety of obstacles, like as societal and cultural norms and institutional impediments, prevent women in these regions from pursuing higher education. It is important to comprehend the current state of women’s involvement in higher education in the Purba and Paschim Medinipur districts in order to pinpoint gaps and develop focused solutions. Through an analysis of women’s college establishment trends and enrolment patterns at different levels, this study seeks to understand the current state of women’s involvement in higher education in these districts. The study indicates that despite progress, there are still gender differences in literacy and educational attainment, which adds to the reliance and oppression of women. Comprehensive approaches, such as institutional initiatives, community-based activities, and legislative interventions, are required to address these difficulties. Affirmative action guidelines, grants, gender awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes, and community service projects are among the suggestions. Policymakers, educational institutions, and communities can create inclusive and equitable higher education systems by putting these methods into practice. This will help women reach their full potential and make valuable contributions to society.

Mapping Gender Gap in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in India

This paper intends to analyse the efforts made by India to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It prepares a thorough analysis of the gender challenges in each of the Goals. The interconnectedness of the Goals established in this paper makes it necessary to adopt a holistic approach to promoting gender equality and inclusion. The analyses of data on India include examining the present status, analysing the trend in attaining the target for chosen indicators and projecting the status of India for 2030.

A Study of Women Employees' Job Satisfaction in the Telecom Sector with Special Reference to Delhi NCR

This research paper investigates the job satisfaction levels among women employees in the telecom sector, focusing particularly on the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). Job satisfaction is a critical factor influencing employee performance, retention, and overall organizational success. Given the growing importance of gender diversity and inclusion in the workforce, understanding the job satisfaction levels of women employees is essential for fostering a conducive work environment. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to comprehensively explore various factors affecting job satisfaction among women in the telecom sector. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for organizations to enhance gender diversity and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

Gender Differences in Authorship and Quality of Anesthesia Clinical Practice Guidelines From 2016 to 2020 Using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument.

Women continue to be underrepresented in academic anesthesiology. This study assessed guidelines in anesthesia journals over the past 5 years, evaluating differences in woman-led versus man-led guidelines in terms of author gender, quality, and changes over time. We hypothesized that anesthesia guidelines would be predominately man-led, and that there would be differences in quality between woman-led versus man-led guidelines. All clinical practice guidelines published in the top 10 anesthesia journals were identified as per Clarivate Analytics Impact Factor between 2016 and 2020. Fifty-one guidelines were included for author, gender, and quality analysis using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. Each guideline was assessed across 6 domains and 23 items and given an overall score, overall quality score, and overall rating/recommendation. Stratified and trend analyses were performed for woman-led versus man-led guidelines. Fifty out of 51 guidelines were included: 1 was excluded due to unidentifiable first-author gender. In total, 255 of 1052 (24%) authors were women, and woman-led guidelines (woman-first author) represented 12 of 50 (24%) overall guidelines. Eighteen percent (9 of 50) of guidelines had all-male authors, and a majority (26 of 50, 52%) had less than one-third of female authors. The overall number and percentage of woman-led guidelines did not change over time. There was a significantly higher percentage of female authors in woman-led versus man-led guidelines, median 39% vs 20% (P = .012), as well as a significantly higher number of female coauthors in guidelines that were woman-led median 3.5 vs 1.0, P = .049. For quality, there was no significant difference in the overall rating or objective quality of woman- versus man-led guidelines. However, there was a significant increase in the overall rating of all the guidelines over time (P = .010), driven by the increase in overall rating among man-led guidelines, P = .002. The overall score of guidelines did not increase over time; however, they increased in man-led but not woman-led guidelines. There was no significant correlation between the percentage of female authors per guideline and either overall score or overall rating. There is a substantial disparity in the number of women leading and contributing to guidelines which has not improved over time. Woman-led guidelines included more women and a higher percentage of women. There was no difference in quality of guidelines by first-author gender or percentage of female authors. Further systematic and quota-driven sponsorship is needed to promote gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in anesthesia guidelines.

Strategies for Promoting Gender Inclusivity in Perinatal Nursing Courses.

Strategies for Promoting Gender Inclusivity in Perinatal Nursing Courses.

An analysis of the perceived effectiveness and upscaling potential of climate-smart agriculture interventions in the Sistan Plain, Iran

The deficient extension of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) interventions in developing regions, where farming livelihood is threatened by natural disasters like drought, is still a concerning dilemma. Development paradigms are not consistent with CSA competencies in providing food security and climatic resilience and often neglect livelihood indices regarding upscaling patterns in CSA development. This research investigated the effectiveness and upscaling potential of CSA interventions in the Sistan Plain in Sistan and Baluchistan province, Iran. A sample of 361 farmers was taken by stratified randomization with proportional allocation. The CSA effectiveness was measured by productivity, income, resilience, and impact mitigation, and the CSA upscaling potential was measured by technical feasibility, technology cost, gender inclusivity, and synergy with government plans. The factors determining CSA effectiveness and upscaling potential were specified by regression models considering farmer households’ livelihood indices. The results revealed that the variables of participation in education, the cultivation area, road connections, hygienic facilities, educational level, house type, farming water resources, cooking facilities, experience in farming, social recognition, and access to shared facilities determined the effectiveness of CSA practices. Also, CSA upscaling potential was found to be influenced by participation in education, the cultivation area, social recognition, farming water resources, house type, hygienic facilities, educational level, experience in farming, road connections, cooking facilities, and number of children.

Cultural Influences on Students' Information Technology Skills Development

This qualitative study examines the cultural influences on developing information technology (IT) skills among secondary school students in Vietnam. The research uncovers how cultural values, educational practices, and socio-economic conditions influence IT education by conducting in-depth interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations across urban and rural settings. Key findings reveal significant disparities in the perception of IT's importance between urban and rural areas, with cultural norms and economic realities influencing these attitudes. Traditional Confucian values inhibit active and exploratory learning methods in IT education. Additionally, English language barriers limit the effective use of global IT resources, while gender norms and socioeconomic status create uneven student opportunities. The study suggests policy interventions aimed at enhancing IT infrastructure, promoting gender inclusivity, and adjusting curricula to accommodate language and cultural nuances. Recommendations include the development of more inclusive, culturally sensitive educational practices to ensure equitable IT skill development. This research contributes to understanding the multifaceted impact of cultural factors on IT education and proposes strategies for crafting more effective and inclusive IT educational policies.

Gender inclusion: The practices of organizational development and human resource management

This study explores gender inclusion via practices of organizational development and human resource management from general managers in five-star hotels based on the gap between current practices, expectations, and typical general managers' characteristics. The study states the related theories of organizational culture, corporate policies, perceived organizational support, core competencies, and gender perceptions. A mixed method was applied in three stages. Quantitative research was conducted with 400 executive staff using 25 structured questionnaires via a Likert scale: Needs Assessment. The second stage is qualitative research conducted using five in-depth interview questions with 22 interviews conducted by the general manager. Interview transcripts collected the data, contents analysis inter-coding and triangulation of themes development. The last stage is the development of a model and guidelines, which are conducted by juxtaposing quantitative and qualitative data and expert reviews. The study discusses the implications for the literature and practice.

Exploring policy coherence to understand limited progress of gender and social inclusion in the energy sector: The case of Nepal

Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030 but securing universal access to energy supplies remains a challenge worldwide. There is increased recognition that gender and social inclusion (GESI) is critical for the transition towards low-carbon energy.Nepal's inclusive 2015 Constitution, and its 2021 federal-level Gender Equality Policy translate this commitment. Likewise, Nepal is committed to SDG 7. Yet energy policy includes only limited provisions for ensuring energy access by marginalized groups and women. This paper focuses on energy policy coherence to identify cohesion between policies and policy instruments at different levels of governance to identify bottlenecks to GESI. Using a policy coherence and feminist policy approach within an energy justice context, it traces the coherence of GESI policy through time and in relation to overall GESI policy objectives. Horizontal and internal coherence are assessed through the parallels/disjoints between energy-related periodic plans, policies, budgets, and GESI aims. The evolution of GESI in energy investments has been slow in part because of a narrow conceptualization of the policy problem and a lack of coherence and synchronization across documents, which undermines implementation of the GESI agenda.

Gender, Leadership and Career Advancement in Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria and Ghana

Abstract Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in most societies globally are perceived to be structured in an imbalanced way, such that one gender is of advantage over the other, most times the male gender. Extant research on gender and leadership has been criticised on different grounds, such as including a one-sided focus, the lack of gendered perspectives, and a neglect of structural, cultural and historical factors in research. This study interrogates the notion that the HEIs are gendered; examines the factors answerable for gender disparities in leadership positions in the selected universities in Nigeria and Ghana; and identifies ways leadership affects each gender’s career advancement in the selected institutions. The qualitative research method was adopted to elicit information from purposely selected men and women, who have held leadership positions, and those who aspired, but were denied in the selected universities. The study utilises the in-depth and key informant interview techniques. It concludes that women still remain under-represented in most male dominated higher education decision making positions, as a result of the institutional climate which does not give adequate room for gender equality and inclusiveness.

Patient Perceptions on the Use of Gender-Inclusive Language in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Qualitative Study [ID 2683479

INTRODUCTION: This qualitative study explored how gender-inclusive language affects patients receiving care from obstetrician–gynecologists. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to ensure a diverse population of participants. Semistructured video interviews were used to explore perceptions of gender-inclusive language. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed via ATLAS.ti. RESULTS: Fourteen interviews were completed. Fifty-seven percent of participants were 18–30 years old. Fourteen percent of participants were over 50 years old. Twenty-nine percent of participants identified as a gender other than female. Terms including “maternity,” “women's health,” and “chestfeeding,” elicited varied responses. Gender inclusivity statements made by national obstetrics and gynecology organizations were variably perceived as either appropriate, needing revision, or harmful to gender-diverse patients. Predominant themes include the following: 1) affirming language and inclusiveness are critical, “it could definitely … save somebody's life just by making them comfortable”; 2) varied patient experiences within health care should be respected; 3) there is a preference towards individualized language over neutral language, “It's good to be more inclusive in a way that doesn't diminish the importance of the individual person”; 4) perceived threats of inclusive language include medicalization of language, lack of recognition of women's rights efforts, and alienation of conservative individuals who may disagree with language changes, “I don't want … care that mostly affects cis-women to become … obscured or … diminished.” CONCLUSION: The transition towards gender-inclusive language in obstetrics and gynecology health care is pivotal. Balancing inclusivity, individuality, and historical terminology is a complex task that requires thoughtful input from diverse populations.

Is There an Association Between Inflammation and Serum-Vitamin D? - Results of a Retrospective Analysis of Hospitalized Geriatric Patients.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common finding in geriatric patients. The ESPEN micronutrient guideline states that vitamin D serum levels significantly decrease in the presence of inflammation and should be interpreted with caution. This is of great interest for hospital care and would imply a significant change to the current approach to hospitalized patients with suspected vitamin D deficiency. To evaluate the association of vitamin D and inflammation, we reanalyzed the data set of serum 25(OH)D-Levels of 687 consecutive geriatric hospitalized patients of a previously published study. We found that vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/dl) was prevalent in 78.0% and vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/dl) in 9.9% of patients. Sperman's correlation showed a significant but very weak correlation (R = -0.100, P < 0.01) of serum vitamin D and C-reactive protein. However, linear regression with the inclusion of age and gender revealed no significant association (beta-coefficient -0.070; p=0.067). In this study, we could not confirm a significant and clinically relevant association between serum vitamin D levels and inflammation, contrasting with a previous study. However, longitudinal studies need to be performed to draw a final conclusion.

Gender mainstreaming in sweetpotato breeding and dissemination in Ghana and Malawi.

Gender responsiveness in breeding programs to meet client and end user preferences for crops is essential. This case study analyzes the implementation experience of gender-responsive breeding and variety dissemination in Malawi and Ghana, focusing on good practices and challenges encountered. In Malawi, a training-of-trainers approach was employed to share knowledge among trained farmers. In Ghana, a research study was conducted to identify gender-based preferences for sweetpotato to define breeding objectives. The participation of social scientists, food scientists, and sweetpotato breeders in the GREAT (Gender Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation) team provided a multidisciplinary perspective, addressing questions and responses in the field. Research efforts were strengthened by focusing on food quality through the establishment of an analytical laboratory for rapid evaluation of nutrition and food quality, including sugars. This helped develop sensory analytical capacity to better understand quality attributes and market segments, guiding breeding and improving market opportunities for women. Breeding outcomes resulting from gender inclusion led to the release of some sweetpotato varieties meeting end user and consumer preferences, as well as adoption of OFSP varieties by men and women. Other good practices for gender inclusion and responsiveness include providing funds for gender-based research and activities, engaging gender specialists and social scientists in trans-disciplinary teams, designing program activities with gender considerations, and incorporating traits in seed multiplication and dissemination decisions. Application of these gender inclusion practices resulted in adoption and development of acceptable sweetpotato varieties.

Inclusive Apparel Design Exploring the Impact of Size Diversity, Adaptive Clothing for Disabilities, and Gender-Inclusive

Inclusive apparel design has emerged as a critical paradigm shift within the fashion industry, challenging traditional norms and advocating for diversity and representation. This review paper examines the multifaceted landscape of inclusive apparel design, focusing on three key aspects: size diversity, adaptive clothing for disabilities, and gender inclusivity. By exploring the challenges, advancements, and potential future directions within each domain, this paper seeks to underscore the importance of inclusivity in fostering empowerment, dignity, and self-expression for individuals of all body types, abilities, and gender identities.