Increasing Gender Equality Research Articles

Gender Gap in Entrepreneurial Potential in Finland and Reflecting Its Underlying Causes

The gender gap in entrepreneurship is a widely recognized phenomenon meaning that women are less likely to start a business than men. However, increased gender equality is believed to remove barriers to female entrepreneurship. We used secondary data collected for Global Entrepreneurship Monitor from 2003, 2009, 2015, and 2021 to get closer to this phenomenon in Finland, one of the most equal countries in the world. The aim of the study was to clarify the gender gap in entrepreneurship potential in Finland during recent decades, taking into account different age groups. We found that the gender gap exists in business start-up intentions and has not narrowed in the twenty-first century in any age group. A clear gender gap was also found in fear of failure in starting a business and perceived skills in entrepreneurship. Finally, the underlying causes of the gender gap in the Finnish context are discussed.

Diversity, dissent, and fragmentation in the #MeToo movement: the role of collective and individual dimensions.

In this research, we examine how intragroup fragmentation, which is the division of a group into smaller subgroups, interacts with different forms of action against gender inequality. We focused on two types of action: actions that promote social change and actions that encourage retribution. We investigated these processes within the #MeToo social movement using data collected in Australia (N = 363) and Romania (N = 135). In both samples, we measured antecedents of 'group consciousness' (previous experience with discrimination, empathic concern, and perspective taking) and its indicators (social identification, perceived group efficacy beliefs, and group emotions such as anger and contempt). As indicators of intragroup fragmentation, we measured endorsement of different categories of group behaviors such as pro-social change action versus pro-retribution action. To assess the predictive power of motivations for joining the movement (antecedents of group consciousness) and of group consciousness for either pro-social or retributive actions, we tested several structural equation models (SEMs). Our results indicate that the motivations for joining such social movements were more complex than anticipated, with perspective-taking emerging as a significant differentiator. Our analyses further show that different dimensions of group consciousness could predict support for either pro-social or retributive actions. These findings highlight the complexity of the intragroup processes in newly emerging, modern social movements such as #MeToo. Our findings have implications for the study of membership dynamics in social movements and suggest that strategies to mobilise support should be tailored to these complexities. Overall, this research contributes to the current understanding of intragroup dynamics in contemporary social movements, thereby providing insights that could inform both grassroots mobilisation strategies and policy interventions aiming to increase gender equality.

Maskuliniteter i förändring på mansdominerade arbetsplatser. Exemplet gruvindustrin

This article discusses how changes in male-dominated work are connected to changes in gender constructions in the workplaces. The discussion is based on results from research conducted 2001–2021, mainly qualitative empirical studies of mine work. Although the development of the mining industry will not be as technologically deterministic and rapid as the usual dystopian and utopian visions predict, our research shows that there has already been changes that have affected mine work and workplaces. These changes have challenged the old, gendered mining workplace cultures and the implementation of new technology and reorganisation initially met resistance in the workplace. Workplace cultures seemed to be lagging behind in their acceptance of technological and organizational changes. The resistance was shaped in relation to intertwined masculinities and miner identities linked to the old ‘macho masculin-ity’, a form of local hegemonic masculinity built upon overarching myths and discourses about both mining and rural communities. The subsequent changes of mining work resulted in new gender encodings of the new technology and the new spaces of work – which created new organisational gender boundaries and new forms of inequality. At the same time, there are new forms of masculinities and feminini-ties emerging in mining organizations, which can provide openings for gender equality. Although mine work continues to be male dominated, we can see that new places, new technology, improved work environment and increased gender equality seem to imply that it has become difficult to preserve the old (‘macho’) miner masculinity and to maintain the gender marking of mining work as male and the image of the miner as male. As of now, the ‘green transition’ and the acceleration of new digital technologies implemented in mine work is beginning to shape the industrial workplaces of northern Sweden. The discourses of “green” and “technological transformation” are permeated by gendered preconceptions, by some expected to reshape the masculine workplace of the mine. Yet, our conclusion is that transformation of gendered structures in mining is not foremost dependent of technological change. Rather, we have seen complex connections between gender, technology, work and place for these male-dominated industrial workplaces, including processes of both stability and change, suggesting that changes in workplaces does not only challenge but also reproduce and reconfigure gender-based preconceptions and social constructions of gender.

Gender Differences in Math Tests: the Role of Time Pressure

Abstract We investigate the role of time pressure in generating gender gaps in math tests. In a randomised experiment, college students took a twenty-question math test under high, low or no time pressure. Reducing or eliminating time pressure decreases the math gender gap by up to 40%. Larger gaps under time pressure are mostly due to increased anxiety rather than to students modifying their test-taking strategies. The correlation between math test scores and university performance is equally high under the different scenarios. Hence, less time pressure may increase gender equality in math subjects with no effect on the selection process.

PERAN UN WOMEN DALAM ISU KETIDAKSETARAAN GENDER DI PAKISTAN

In 1994, UNDP released a report on human security, which included a point on personal security. The issue of gender inequality is a threat to personal security. Pakistan is a country that continues to advocate for and work towards gender equality. Inequalities in socio-economic development and the influence of a social structure based on a feudal system led to differences in the level of gender inequality in Pakistan. The high level of gender inequality in Pakistan affects women's ability to fully enjoy their rights. Using the concepts of international organizations, human security theory, and gender equality, this research aims to examine the role of the international organization UN Women in increasing gender equality in Pakistan. Employing a qualitative method with a descriptive approach as the framework, this research found that UN Women serves as a facilitator, communicator, and motivator in advancing gender equality, promoting Sustainable Development Goal 5, and protecting women from violence and discrimination. UN Women actively plays a role in achieving gender equality in Pakistan.

Mentoring and Networking as the “Silver Lining” of Being Women Leaders: An Exploratory Study in Top World Forestry Schools

Although there are multiple efforts to increase gender equality in the forest sector, women are still underrepresented in the forest sector workforce, even more so in top leadership of forest sector companies. This underrepresentation is also found in higher education, and many forestry undergraduate programs still struggle to matriculate and graduate women. A way to attract and retain women is through mentoring and networking. Utilizing interviews, we found that it is quite challenging to find a woman mentor/role model in the forest sector because women are still underrepresented. To find a good mentor, young women are encouraged to be proactive in utilizing different channels, both formal and informal. When it comes to gender, our respondents emphasize the different benefits of having a woman vs. man as a mentor. In a men-dominated field such as the forest sector, women mentors enhance social belonging, confidence, and motivation in relatively alienating environments due to “been there-done that” experiences. Same-gender role models might also protect women from negative stereotypes and show how women can advance despite existing gendered barriers.

A Study Examining Gender Bias of Female Students in Group Activity Teams

Gender bias is a pervasive issue, and group activities that are commonly seen in schools, workplaces, and other environments may be a form in which gender bias is manifested and exacerbated. Therefore, understanding the existence and impact of gender bias in group activities is of great significance for promoting gender equality and justice. This study adopted a mixed-methods research design, integrating both questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, and explored whether female students feel gender bias in group activity teams, in order to further understand the specific manifestations of gender bias in group activity teams and the real experiences of female students. The study found that after group activities, the average scores of Hostile Sexism and Benevolent Sexism among female students increased, indicating that the activities may exacerbate gender bias and strengthen gender stereotypes. In-depth interviews further validated this finding and provided more specific examples. The interviewed female students reported that they experienced gender bias such as interruptions to their speaking and dismissal of their opinions, as well as stereotypical expectations of gender roles. To minimize gender bias, they suggested countermeasures such as grouping by gender and increasing gender equality education and training. These findings reveal the potential impact of group activities on gender bias and provide important references for improving activity design and promoting gender equality.

Meanings and implications of love: review of the scholarship of love with a sub-Saharan focus

Love, as an emotion, binds people together in social practices that are contingent on culture, historical processes, and social trends. As such, love is a perfect site to study how people interact and to understand how power, equality, and sustainability play out in human relations. Despite its importance and much attention, love as a concept and form of interaction is not fully understood, especially not across cultures. In our research, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, we show that alongside other emotions, love matters not only for passion in life or for wellbeing but also for improved resource use, increased gender equality, and, subsequently, higher food security and sovereignty – all signs of sustainability. While love is understood as a universal human phenomenon, definitions and expressions of love vary across time and cultures. Since love drives human interaction in many intertwined ways there is no single best way to define it. Yet, scholars have advanced the theory of love by identifying at least 40 major distinct but interdependent ‘love constructs’ fitting into the four main dimensions of affection, closeness, compassion, and commitment (Karandashev et al. 2022). In parallel to this and based on our review of the scholarship of love in a subset of 45 relevant academic articles from an 80-article systematic literature search of ‘love’ we find four core (and partly overlapping) types of how to speak about love as an expression and experience. These include: 1/ contextual love influenced by culture, space, and time; 2/ romantic and compassionate love; 3/ transactional love; 4/ post-humanist perspectives and ‘harmony love’. Finally, we examine love in relation to power; love-related emotions; and how understandings of love and culture impact gender relations.

Developing Gender-Sensitive Journalism for Students at SMA Trensains Muhammadiyah

Abstract. Understanding of gender among adolescents is very low. Many cases are motivated by the weak awareness of male and female adolescents about gender ideology which is often cited as a source of problems. Considering this issue, as academics who have a background in media and communication studies, we have a responsibility to provide solutions to these problems. In collaboration with SMA Trensains Muhammadiyah Sragen, we propose activities to develop gender-sensitive journalism for SMA Trensains Muhammadiyah Sragen. This activity is an education that focuses on promoting concepts and theories about gender equality. We then directed the participants to write personal experiences related to gender issues into journalistic work products. Trensains Muhammadiyah Sragen High School is an excellent school managed by PDM Sragen. The community service activities that we proposed are suitable for students of SMA Trensains Muhammadiyah Sragen. Their academic potential will support the dissemination of gender-friendly journalistic products. The method of implementing this activity is to conduct a workshop on Increasing Gender Equality and Awareness, followed by Gender Sensitive Writing Training, and Gender Sensitive Writing Practices. This writing, aside from being a reflective documentation of their understanding of gender, will also be able to become a medium for building gender awareness for other people.

Pertukaran Sosial dalam Peran Ganda Perempuan: Studi Kasus tentang Pekerjaan Rumah Tangga dan Karier Profesional

Social Exchange in Women's Dual Roles: A Case Study of Housework and Professional Career. This research investigates the dynamics of social exchange involved in women's dual roles, with a focus on the fulfillment of household work and professional career development. Social exchange theory is used as a framework to analyze how women manage their roles in an increasingly complex contemporary society. Through in-depth case studies, this research explores women's experiences in managing household responsibilities along with their efforts to achieve success in professional careers. The results of this study provide insight into the challenges and opportunities they face in carrying out their dual roles, as well as their impact on gender equality in society. The results of this research have important implications in efforts to increase gender equality and encourage more inclusive social change. This study also provides a basis for better policy thinking in supporting women in navigating their dual roles and achieving success in various aspects of their lives.

Gender (in)equality, maritime economies, and numeracy development in Greece during the 19th and 20th centuries

We study the history of human capital in Greece during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We investigate the numeracy skills of the population both at national and regional levels. Furthermore, we test the effect of gender equality, as well as geographic, demographic and socio-economic factors such as agricultural specialisation (crops, livestock), trade and industry development, urbanisation, and migration on numeracy. We find that in Greece the gender gap is highly correlated with numeracy and its effect fades out around 1910. We show that maritime orientation of the island economies was highly complementary with early numerical human capital and increasing gender equality.

Assessing gender and climate objectives interactions in urban decarbonisation policies

Gender studies have highlighted how policies and actions that are not drafted and planned with a gender perspective tend to produce a gender bias. Climate policies are not an exception. Measures to mitigate and adapt cities to climate change might lead to undesired outcomes regarding gender equality or, in contrast, may help to improve equality. Ideally, cities should prioritise actions that aim to reduce their carbon footprint but also help promote gender equality. The aim is to facilitate the inclusion of gender perspective in the 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 European Mission. We propose a Multicriteria Decision-Making Method to assess urban policies and relate them to climate and gender criteria. We describe urban decarbonisation policies with non-negative gender outcomes and compare their impact when using climate and gender criteria. The objective is to analyse how the prioritisation of actions varies from different perspectives: one taking into account the field of expertise of the different experts and the other taking into account the different typologies of criteria separately. A DEMATEL-ANP technique is used to determine how policies contribute to climate action and gender equality. Experts in different areas and city planning respond to the DEMATEL-ANP model by comparing and relating criteria and actions. The results show which policies have a significant potential to reduce cities’ carbon footprint and increase gender equality. Prioritisation of policies changes when only gender criteria or climate criteria are considered. Regarding the former, it can be concluded that gender criteria will contribute to closing the gender gap while having a widening impact on decarbonisation. Nevertheless, including gender criteria is not enough to avoid bias, and multidisciplinary teams must participate in the decision-making process.

Endogenous Modeling of the Effect of Gender Development on Poverty in Indonesia in 2021

Gender development and Poverty are two interrelated issues in the context of development. The study examined the effect of the Gender Development Index (GDI) on Poverty in 514 urban districts in Indonesia in 2021. The modeling uses the 2SLS method with IPG as the instrumented variable, gender empowerment index (GEI), the average length of schooling ratio as an instrumental variable, and Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) as an exogenous variable. The results showed that the Gross Regional Domestic Product, Gender Empowerment Index, and Length of School Ratio significantly positively affected the Gender Development Index. On the other hand, the Gross Regional Domestic Product and Gender Development Index significantly negatively affect Poverty. Comprehensive and targeted policies are needed to increase gender equality in the economy and reduce Poverty

Gender Equality Culture Measuring Attitudes Towards Gender Equality in the Transport Sector

The transport industry is dominated by men. Globally, woman constitute only a few per cent of those working on board ships. Calculating the distribution of gender, wages, and positions provides an insufficient basis from which to address this imbalance; rather, we need to study the attitudes and norms that constitute “gender equality culture”. These qualitative aspects emphasize men’s and women’s life conditions, values, and ideals that affect their opportunities to exert influence in the workplace and society. They influence research and industry and must be highlighted to put gender equality high on the agenda. Experience from safety culture research was used together with a literature review to identify indicators and develop questions for a survey tool to measure and evaluate gender equality culture. This survey has been tested in the maritime sector by 546 employees in the Swedish Maritime Administration responsible for matters such as fairway maintenance, pilotage, and road ferries. The results indicated an overall strong equality culture that nevertheless had some weak areas. Significant differences were found, with men believing to a greater extent than women that the workplace was sufficiently equal and that no one was excluded because of gender. Women believed to a greater extent than men that they had better knowledge of gender equality goals and strategy and they perceived that there was more talk about how to increase gender equality. The results indicated potential to identify strengths and weaknesses as a basis for activities and learning in order to achieve an improved equality culture.

Do Women on Boards Really Impact Firm Growth?

The issue of gender equality is one part of Indonesia's SDGs target. Gender equality refers to equality between men and women in fulfilling rights and obligations. One of the targets of Indonesia's SDGs for gender equality is to strengthen policies and legislation to increase gender equality and women's empowerment. These situations unquestionably impact the influence of women on board. This study examines the growth of LQ 45 businesses in Indonesia in connection to the number of female directors. This study was conducted using quantitative research approaches. In Indonesia, between 2019 and 2021, 34 LQ45 companies were chosen for the sample utilizing purposeful selection. This study shows that the presence of women on the board of directors will not have a favourable effect on the LQ 45 firm's growth in Indonesia between 2019 and 2021.

Increasing gender equality on board level through stay-on-board regulations

Diversity and gender equality in executive boards, as well as finding ways to balance private needs and business requirements, are topics that are on the agenda of legislators around the globe. Given the significant role of executive board members in shaping organizational strategy and culture and for the company’s success, understanding the impact of rules that allow a mandate pause for this group is essential. The German ‘stay-on-board’ rules grant a mandate pause to board members for maternity, parental or care leave or for a board member's convalescence since August 2021. The objective of this paper is to examine the necessity for a legal framework on the European Union level that provides for a mandate pause for board members as a way to increase gender equality on the board level. The author recommends closing the gap in gender equality on the board level at European level by adopting comparable measures to those implemented in Germany, supplemented by additional measures. The implementation of a comprehensive set of measures, in conjunction with widespread acceptance in society, is crucial for the advancement of gender equality within corporate boardrooms.

The importance of a critical mass of women on boards to reduce the gender pay disparity among non-executive directors

PurposeThe interest in promoting diversity in corporate governance is increasing gender equality on boards. Even so, previous research shows that women are underrepresented on boards of directors. This study aims to explore how an increasing presence of women on boards reduces gender pay disparity among nonexecutive directors (NEDs).Design/methodology/approachThis study explores how an increasing presence of women on boards reduces gender pay disparity among NEDs.FindingsThe results indicate that for boards to reduce the gender pay disparity among NEDs, women need to reach a critical mass of 33% of board members. In addition, this study finds that women’s presence on influential committees further reduces the gender pay disparity among NEDs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses critical mass and social identity theories to explain the impact of women directors on NEDs’ remuneration in a sample of 365 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange over 16 years (1999–2015). The findings indicate the importance of reducing gender pay disparity as a tool to promote gender equality on boards.Practical implicationsThis study provides evidence on the importance of corporations including gender diversity on board committees to reduce gender pay disparities at the board level.Originality/valueIn addition, this study finds that women’s presence on influential committees further reduces gender pay disparity among NEDs.

How Decentralized Blockchain and the Web 3.0 It Enabled Can Better Empower Feminist Movements by Deconstructing Traditional Power Structures--Iteration of the World Wide Web and Increased Gender Equality Opportunities Over Time

By referring to the past two major iteration stages of the World Wide Web (Web 1.0 and Web 2.0), together with the technical context and applications of blockchain technology based on qualitative analysis, this article introduces the advantages of blockchain and the Web 3.0 it enabled in empowering gender equality movements in the new web era. While many are skeptical and even disparaging of the potential of blockchain and Web 3.0 nowadays due to the uncertainties of the technology, the superiority of decentralized web iteration still carries great possibilities, especially in promoting the causes of equality and social justice. This article aims to analyze, summarize, and emphasize the increased opportunities that blockchain and Web 3.0 it enabled could bring to deconstruct traditional unequal power structures and empower web-based feminist movements, calling for more attention to the importance of this technology and web iteration in promoting gender equality.

The Effectiveness of Digital Financial Inclusion in Improving Financial Capability

Purpose: The aim of the study is to identify by exploring why digital financial inclusion has become more difficult recently. To find out what challenges faced by people where issues of financially excluded, deep-rooted problems have arisen in the path of inclusive economic development. Theoretical Framework: The financial success of the digital age is inspiring people. The digital revolution unfolds more opportunities for stakeholders to increase the inclusivity in finance of all eligible individuals with the help of technology. Design/Methodology/Approach: Any technological advancement will inevitably have both beneficial and bad effects. It is apt to focus on minimising any potential drawbacks. A wide range of assessments of the concept of digital financial inclusion, a literature review culminates as the foundation for the research design and subsequently highlights some pertinent issues. Findings: The study observed that the development of digital technology has made it a potent weapon for financial inclusion. The study points out ample space for adopting and adapting some uniqueness and good practices in the context of the place. Initiatives like Governmental person-to-person payments, domestic remittances, etc have a special significance for the financial inclusion of disadvantaged populations. Practical & Social implications: Create a digital platform to increase gender equality, minimize poverty, and enhance educational access. Greater disclosure of information and call for ingenious financial product designs. Originality/Value: Revisiting and restructuring frameworks for banking and financial institutions. Key players need to come together and collaborate in the process of a comprehensive reformative path.

GENDER EQUALITY IN UZBEKISTAN: AN OVERVIEW AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE

This article provides an overview of the current status of gender equality in Uzbekistan, the prospects for the future, and solutions for increasing gender equality. The article highlights the challenges faced by women in Uzbekistan, including gender-based discrimination in the workplace, a gender gap in education and healthcare, and barriers to accessing employment opportunities and reproductive rights. The article also discusses the initiatives being taken by the government and the UNDP to promote gender equality and provides solutions for increasing gender equality, such as addressing the barriers women face in accessing education and the workforce, promoting gender-sensitive policies and practices, and changing cultural and social norms.