Involvement Of Women In Decision Research Articles

Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices through Women Involvement in Decision Making Process: Exploring the Role of Empowerment and Innovativeness

The sustainability of global food production has been facing many threats, including climate change. The adaptation to such threats is both a challenge as well as an opportunity, especially for woman-operated farms in Pakistan. The challenge is how to devise measures and look for options to counter its impact, while the opportunity lies in developing new techniques, skills, and interventions leading to innovativeness. As women farmers are constrained regarding resources, cultural, societal, and personal reasons in Pakistan’s context, they particularly need innovative behavior and decision power to adapt to climate change. This study aims to measure the decisional empowerment and innovativeness of women farmers and their role in adopting different climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices at the farm level. To this end, data from 384 farms where women were majorly involved are utilized in a multivariate probit model and propensity score matching to reveal various aspects of women’s role in adopting CSA practices. Results reveal that most women farmers lacked decisional power related to productive resources such as sale/purchase and renting of farmland, using farm machinery, and availing credit. Their decisional empowerment and innovativeness positively affected the adoption of CSA practices at the farm level. Females with more decisional power and innovativeness adopted more CSA practices than women with weaker decisional power and innovativeness. Therefore, the world can benefit greatly from giving more power to women in agriculture in terms of increased adoption of CSA practices, consequently improving food security and mitigating climate change. This outcome will assist in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality (SDG5) and climate action (SDG 13).

Midwives’ perspectives on person-centred maternity care in public hospitals in South-east Nigeria: A mixed-method study

BackgroundPerson-centred maternity care (PCMC) is acknowledged as essential for achieving improved quality of care during labour and childbirth. Yet, evidence of healthcare providers’ perspectives of person-centred maternity care is scarce in Nigeria. This study, therefore, examined the perceptions of midwives on person-centred maternity care (PCMC) in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted in seven public hospitals in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, South-east Nigeria. A mixed-methods design, involving a cross-sectional survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) was used. All midwives (n = 201) working in the maternity sections of the selected hospitals were sampled. Data were collected from February to May 2019 using a self-administered, validated PCMC questionnaire. A sub-set of midwives (n = 56), purposively selected using maximum variation sampling, participated in the FGDs (n = 7). Quantitative data were entered, cleaned, and analysed with SPSS version 20 using descriptive and bivariate statistics and multivariate regression. Statistical significance was set at alpha 0.05 level. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.ResultsThe mean age of midwives was 41.8 years ±9.6 years. About 53% of midwives have worked for ≥10 years, while 60% are junior midwives. Overall, the prevalence of low, medium, and high PCMC among midwives were 26%, 49% and 25%. The mean PCMC score was 54.06 (10.99). High perception of PCMC subscales ranged from 6.5% (dignity and respect) to 19% (supportive care). Midwives’ perceived PCMC was not significantly related to any socio-demographic characteristics. Respectful care, empathetic caregiving, prompt initiation of care, paying attention to women, psychosocial support, trust, and altruism enhanced PCMC. In contrast, verbal and physical abuses were common but normalised. Midwives’ weakest components of autonomy and communication were low involvement of women in decision about their care and choice of birthing position. Supportive care was constrained by restrictive policy on birth companion, poor working conditions, and cost of childbirth care.ConclusionPCMC is inadequate in public hospitals as seen from midwives’ perspectives. Demographic characteristics of midwives do not seem to play a significant role in midwives’ delivery of PCMC. The study identified areas where midwives must build competencies to deliver PCMC.

STUDY OF WORKING – WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN SOUTH ASIA: CASE OF PAKISTAN

Women are the integral part of all societies no society can progress without the active participation of women. The involvement of women in decision making process is very important in every field of life. Like many other developing countries Pakistan has also patriarchal social set up where women take decisions under the dominance of their father, husband. Objective of the study was find out the factors influencing the decision-making power of women in family matters’ sample of 120 married universities teachers was selected from the three selected universities of Quetta city. Chi square analysis is used to see the influence of age and personal income on women decision making power. The result reveals that there is significant association between different basic scale and right to take decision as a wife(p<0.020) or as a mother (p<0.026), Married university teachers believe in husband seniority in age (r =0.111; p<0.002) with their decision-making power. Furthermore, they achieve socio economic status (p=<0.049) due to their personal income and their income play supportive role (p =<0.014) in decision making process. 75% respondents free to spend their income on household expenditure(p=<0.026) but have less authority over property related decisions. Overall women education, age, occupation and income has a significant effect on household decision making.

Involvement of women in decision making of different dairy farm activities

Involvement of women in decision making of different dairy farm activities

Exploration of factors influencing men’s attitude toward women empowerment in Zambia

ABSTRACT The study explored factors associated with men’s attitude toward the empowerment of women in Zambia using Multiple and Logistic regression analyses on a total subsample of 6705 men who participated in 2018 Zambia Demography and Health Survey. The findings revealed that region, education level, work status, marital status, and age are better predictors of men’s attitude toward women empowerment, explaining about 8% of variations in men’s attitudes toward violence against women and women involvement in decision making and about 28% toward women ownership of property. The results contribute to empowerment literature and nongovernmental organisations advocating for women empowerment.

Impact of micro-credit financing on women's empowerment and poverty eradication: an empirical evidence from Pakistan

The present study investigates the micro-credit financing (MF) policies implication in developing nation Pakistan. The gaps in literature warrant research on the impact of MF on poverty eradication (PE) and women empowerment (WE) in Pakistan. The data was collected, from micro-credit financing participants and a control group of non-participants, through cluster sampling technique. The study produced an MF model comprising significant constructs MFP, PE and WE. The research reveals that participation in micro-credit finance program eradicates poverty in Pakistan. Participation in MFP also empowers women in Pakistan through poverty eradication. However, the study found that MFP's are not lending to the poorest of the poor. In addition, MFP produces greater social-acceptance, awareness and involvement of women in decision making; and greater control of women over money/assets in Pakistan. Study results are helpful for policy makers so that they can use effective policies in order to eradicate the poverty and unemployment from society.

Imagining Women: Cultural Representation of Women and Gender in Xhosa Radio Plays Pre-1994

Apartheid was a deeply devastating system to the aspirations, dignity and human rights of black people. Apartheid, though, united them in their struggle for justice which culminated in the 1994 general elections. Despite the attainment of independence, though, black women still had to contend with another form of oppression—patriarchy. This study investigates stereotypical gender representation of women in Xhosa radio plays. The study used a qualitative approach and analyzed radio plays that were broadcast in the apartheid years. Two radio plays; Thamsanqa’s Buzani Kubawo (ask father) and Kheswa’s USomagqabi were analyzed in order to understand how women were written into the plays. Radio plays were decidedly gendered inappropriate and unapologetically biased towards men. In this regard, the study deployed the feminist poststructuralist theory and suggested possibilities for the attainment of women’s emancipation in the new dispensation. It offered that women should challenge the plays’ propagation of gender inequality that hinders women’s equal rights by heeding Cixous’ call that “woman must write woman”. The double oppression of women because of their skin color and gender can only be defied when women themselves tell their own stories. Therefore, the study recommended gender-sensitive radio content and an inclusive staffing at the SABC so as to ensure that radio plays carry a transformative agenda that breaks gender stereotypes such as inequality, marginalization and oppressive marriages. The plays must champion socio-cultural realignment and promote equal education as well as meaningful involvement of women in decision making.

Impact of micro-credit financing on women's empowerment and poverty eradication: an empirical evidence from Pakistan

The present study investigates the micro-credit financing (MF) policies implication in developing nation Pakistan. The gaps in literature warrant research on the impact of MF on poverty eradication (PE) and women empowerment (WE) in Pakistan. The data was collected, from micro-credit financing participants and a control group of non-participants, through cluster sampling technique. The study produced an MF model comprising significant constructs MFP, PE and WE. The research reveals that participation in micro-credit finance program eradicates poverty in Pakistan. Participation in MFP also empowers women in Pakistan through poverty eradication. However, the study found that MFP's are not lending to the poorest of the poor. In addition, MFP produces greater social-acceptance, awareness and involvement of women in decision making; and greater control of women over money/assets in Pakistan. Study results are helpful for policy makers so that they can use effective policies in order to eradicate the poverty and unemployment from society.

Study of the biogas technology adoption as a livestock waste management among smallholder farmers in Indonesia

The aim of this paper was to determine the factors influencing biogas adoption as a livestock waste management among smallholder farmers in Indonesia. The study emphasized the positive influence of farmer engagement on the technology transfer process. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia by involving 351 respondents who were smallholder practicing the Mixed Crops and Livestock (MCL) farming from 2013 to 2014. The results of Logit regression showed that the biogas technology adoption in Indonesia was influenced by attainment of formal education, women involvement in decision making, number of cattle in the household, household’s income, availability of biogas instalment funding, and the degree of connectedness to stakeholders in the agricultural technology transfer system. The study concluded that the availability of biogas installation funding and better engagement to the technology transfer stakeholders positively influenced the biogas technology adoption among MCL farmers.

Local Government and Women

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 has made two important provisions for the involvement of women in decision making and preparation of plan for development. Let us elaborate it. This amendment has made a provision that at least one -third of women would be members and chairpersons of the Panchyats at three levels means at Gram Panchayat level, Panchayat Samiti level and Zilla Panchayat level. These women also include from scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities. Secondly, Panchayats are also expected to prepare plans for economic development including the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Scheduled of the constitution. The rural plan prepared by Zilla Parishads would be forwarded to District Planning Committee for preparing a consolidated plan for the rural and urban areas of the district. Now, this was the mandate given by the constitution for development of entire rural areas including women. Women would only be empowered if various developmental works which are undertaken are benefiting women.

Women Involvement in Decision Making to have Cesarean Section and their Postpartum Satisfaction

Objective: To determine the involvement in decision and satisfaction regarding the mode of delivery among women attending tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital, Karachi, from March 2017 to November 2017. All women admitted in the hospital whether from an emergency or outdoor who underwent for caesarean section and got the option of vaginal birth after first caesarean section were included. Information about women's involvement and satisfaction regarding their decision making of caesarean section were noted on 3rd and 4th day post-partum. All patients were provided with evidence based information regarding risks and benefits of caesarean section versus vaginal birth after caesarean delivery. Results: A total of 200 patients were included, amongst them 185 (92.5%) women were involved in the decision of mode of delivery. In most of the cases, consent was taken by doctors (n=192, 96%), followed by nurse (n=6, 3%) and consultant (n=2, 1%). The consent was given by husband in majority of the cases (n=173, 86.5%). A significant association of job employment of father with women's involvement in decision making was observed (p-value 0.022). Moreover, women's involvement in decision making was significantly associated with explanation of procedure (p-value 0.021) and satisfaction with indication of cesarean section (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The involvement of women in the decision of opting cesarean section as mode of delivery has shown a positive influence on the women's experience of childbirth.

Social Inclusion and Self Help Groups: Myth or Reality?

Studies reveal that a major weakness in the Indian economy is that the growth is not perceived as being sufficiently inclusive for many groups, especially SCs and STs. Hence, exclusion of women in general and dalit women in particular has become the issue of concern recent years and complementary to this microfinance through self help groups proving good in including the excluded section of the society in to the broad platform of social inclusion. However, there is another group of studies questions this argument and opine that self help groups succeeded in financial inclusion but not succeeded fully in accelerating social inclusion of women. With this background the paper is prepared with objectives of examining the impact of Self Help Groups on social inclusion of women; To analyse the problem faced by the dalit women and suggest policy prescriptions. The study was conducted in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district of Karnataka State. The social inclusion of SHG members is observed in terms of involvement of dalit women in decision making process both in family and SHG matters, type of entrepreneurial activity undertaken, positions held in SHGs etc,. The study suggests that dalit women also supported to take important positions in the SHG’s Special attention should be given to SC, ST members to undertake IGA. Dalit women should be motivated to join women organization, and directions should be given to animators of all the promoters to involve dalit women members before taking to the important decisions of SHG’s operation.

Improving Women Participation in Local Government in Ghana: An Empirical Study

Women involvement in decision making processes in governance for sustainable development is very critical, not only because they constitute majority of the Ghanaian population but they are discriminated and underrepresented in the socio-economic and political development activities thereby widening gender gap. This study sought to ascertain the factors responsible for low women participation in local government in Ghana. With a mixed method approach, this paper examines the underlining factor of low women participation in governance. With the feminism and notion of social gender perspective, inadequate financial resources, the perception of politics as a “dirty” game, lack of capacity and confidence on the part of women candidates among others were major factors affecting women participation in local government. To give women facelift in local government, the study recommended that government should pass a legislation aimed at reserving special quota for women and provision of special funds by NGO’s and philanthropists to support women candidates.

Women’s Involvement in Decision Making: Episiotomy Procedure

Background: Involving patient in decision making for their care can enhance satisfaction and promote health outcomes in particular in the nursing fields. As The World Health Organization Principles of Perinatal Care has recommended that care should involve women in decision making. This principle strongly endorses for improving effective perinatal care. Decision making regard to treatment options is a concept that has increased widespread appeals to healthcare providers and users in recent year. Evidently, patient involvement in decision making has not always been implemented in clinical practice in particular during intrapartum period. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of women in decision making on episiotomy procedure during labor. Methods: A descriptive quantitative approach was conducted using self-administered survey questionnaires in two government hospitals, Bangkok, Thailand. Participating hospitals were identified by convenience and remained anonymous. The Participant, eligible women included those who have reached 37 to 42 weeks of gestation, experienced vaginal birth, have a live baby, and admitted in the postpartum units. An appropriate sample size was assigned based on a 95 percent confidence level. A sample size was drawn from two hospitals based on a binomial probability distribution. There were 400 postpartum women participated in this study. Anonymous patient’s data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Results: The results revealed that 80% of all women experienced episiotomy. The finding demonstrated that decision making on having this procedure made by health care providers and relatives 73.8%, 3.2%, respectively. 23% of them had a chance to make a decision on having episiotomy. There were 23.8% of women received information about risks and benefits of episiotomy procedure and 76.2% did not get information. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that women have less opportunity to make a decision on having episiotomy during labor and received less information about this procedure. Therefore, health care providers should be clearly discussed about risks and benefits of episiotomy before performing the procedure. The factors influencing patient involvement in decision making should be investigated to promote good experiences of women during delivery and increase satisfaction toward their care.

Predictors of Women's Satisfaction with Hospital-Based Intrapartum Care in Asmara Public Hospitals, Eritrea.

Background Exploring patient satisfaction contributes to provide quality maternity care, but there is paucity of epidemiologic data in Eritrea. Objectives To determine the predictors of women's satisfaction with intrapartum care in Asmara public maternity hospitals in Eritrea. Methods A cross-sectional study among 771 mothers who gave birth in three public Hospitals. Chi-square tests were done to analyze the difference in proportion and logistic regression to assess the predictors of satisfaction with intrapartum care. Results Overall, only 20.8% of the participants were satisfied with intrapartum service. The key predictors of satisfaction with intrapartum care were provision of clean bed and beddings (AOR = 18.87, 2.33–15.75), privacy during examinations (AOR = 10.22, 4.86–21.48), using understandable language (AOR = 8.72, 3.57–21.27), showing how to summon for help (AOR = 8.16, 4.30–15.48), showing baby immediately after birth (AOR = 8.14, 2.87–23.07), control of the delivery room (AOR = 6.86, 2.65–17.75), receiving back massage (AOR = 6.43, 3.23–12.81), toilet access and cleanliness (AOR = 6.09, 3.25–11.42), availability of chairs for relatives (AOR = 5.96, 3.14–11.30), allowing parents to stay during labour (AOR = 3.52, 1.299–9.56), and request for permission before any procedure (AOR = 2.39, 1.28–4.46). Conclusion To increase satisfaction with intrapartum care, maternity service providers need to address the general maternity ward cleanliness, improve the quality of physical facilities, and sensitize health providers for better communication with clients. Policy makers need to adopt strategies that ensure more women involvement in decision making and consideration of privacy and reassurance needs during the whole delivery process.

Assessing the Role of Farm Women in Agriculture: A Case Study of Jammu District of J&K State

In India, the typical work of the female agricultural labourer or cultivator is limited to less skilled jobs, such as sowing, transplanting, weeding and harvesting, that often fit well within the framework of domestic life and child-rearing. The nature and extent of women's involvement in agriculture, no doubt, varies greatly from region to region. A study has been conducted in R.S. Pura block of Jammu district with an aim to know the role and extent of women involvement in decision making in agriculture and constraints they faced while performing the agriculture activities. A sample of 50 women farmers selected from the two villages namely Raipur and Badyalbrahmna of R.S Pura and was interviewed. The results of the study revealed that most of the respondents (64%) get up early in the morning to perform the dual responsibility of domestic work and outside in the fields. About 56% of the respondents work for 5–7 hours and more in the farm activities and stated that agriculture is their primary occupation. An average of 89% of women takes part in almost every agriculture activities from seed cleaning to harvesting and post harvesting of produce. Regarding decision, only 14% provide input in almost every productive decision related to farms. About 90% of women don't have autonomy in any productive decisions, 96% of the respondents don't own land or any other assets. Majority (88%) of respondents do not purchase or sale of any other assets. Majority (84%) of the respondents felt that they find difficulty in carrying out farm operations. About (75%) women told that their main problem is related to health like headache, backache, fatigue and restlessness. 74% responded that their social life is disturbed due to heavy work both in farms and domestic work and they are not able to go often to their friends and relatives. About 64% of the women not enjoying agriculture work and find it very hectic and need some type of women friendly equipments.