Low Female Participation Research Articles

Social capital and women's earnings in traditional fisheries: Evidence from the Campos Basin (State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

The PESCARTE Environmental Education Project (PEA) is an initiative to mitigate the socio-environmental impacts generated by the oil and gas exploration industry in deep waters off the marine coast of the Campos basin (state of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil). This project, through a census research, has made possible to identify the levels of participation of fishers in professional and community organizations that defend their interests. Using census data, we explored the asymmetries in the social capital of men and women in the project's area of intervention. Log-lin regression models, controlled by endogeneity tests, made it possible to identify the negative impact on labor income of low female participation in professional organizations (Colonias de Pesca). In this way, we can perceive the profound invisibility of women's work in traditional fishing activities. Forbidden from participating in the capture of marine resources, they have been relegated to secondary activities in the fish processing chain (filleting and peeling). This article is the result of research funded by PEA PESCARTE project, which is a mitigation measure required by Federal Environmental Licensing, conducted by Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA).

Transforming public health and economic outcomes by reducing risky behaviors: the potential for South Korea

South Korea faces a diminishing workforce driven by the world's lowest fertility rate, restrictive immigration, and low female labor participation. This paper explores reducing non-communicable diseases from risky behaviors as a solution. We investigate how many cases could be prevented if South Koreans changed risky consumption patterns, and the associated economic healthcare burden impact. Utilizing the Preventable Risk Integrated Model (PRIME), we model hypothetical 2022 reductions in tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy diet risks to estimate disease case and economic cost impacts. We contrast actual 2022 consumption against a moderate harm reduction scenario. Findings reveal potentially preventing approximately 73,400 new non-communicable disease cases, 69% among working-age Koreans, benefiting the workforce. This reduction could save $13 billion from avoided treatment costs, absenteeism, and premature deaths, including $3.7 billion in 2022 and $9.3 billion in future economic losses. The study emphasizes needing a harm reduction regulatory approach balancing public health and societal realities. We advocate risk-proportionate taxation policies incentivizing consumers toward less harmful alternatives. Given government responsibilities preserving both public health and productivity, smart regulation of risky consumption is critical. This timely research quantifies the significant potential gains from strategic interventions on key risk factors, informing policymakers navigating health promotion and economic objectives.

Overcoming challenges faced by female construction management graduates: an exploratory study in Australia

The construction industry is predominately male-dominated, which can be daunting for female construction management graduates. Several statistics highlight the low female participation rates and lack of females in senior/management positions. To date, abundant research has been completed to understand the challenges women working in construction face. However, it is unclear how these challenges are being addressed and what support frameworks are available to females in construction organisations. The research methodology adopted herein involved a systematic analysis of current literature, followed by a qualitative research approach with data collection through semi-structured interviews and data analysis using content analysis. The interviews provided firsthand experiences and an understanding of the challenges and strategies experienced on individual and organisational levels. The results found a strong stigma around females in construction and how current females consider these challenges as opportunities to succeed in the industry. This study takes a different stance to current research, which mainly focuses on ‘identifying the presence and negative impacts of the challenges faced by females’ and shifts the focus to ‘how these challenges can be overcome and what could be done to promote females in construction.’ Hence, the study offers several recommendations and implications for promoting females and overcoming current challenges.

Female participation, and sex-specific reporting practices, in polypill randomised controlled trials in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a secondary analysis of a systematic review

Abstract Background The polypill is an emerging strategy for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. We assessed the participation of females in randomised controlled trials evaluating polypills for prevention of cardiovascular disease and subsequent sex-specific analyses and reporting. Methods Cardiovascular polypill trials were identified through a systematic review. Data were extracted on the use of sex-specific eligibility criteria, female participation, and the conduct, findings, and interpretation of sex-specific analyses. Results Of 26 trials included, 12 (46%) excluded groups of females, mainly if pregnant or lactating or of childbearing potential. Female participation ranged from 10% to 73% across trials. Overall, 42% of included participants were female. Of 18 trials conducted in a mostly primary prevention population, females represented 49% of trial participants. In mixed or exclusively secondary prevention trials (n=8), females represented 26% of trial participants. Females represented 46% of trial participants in trials that excluded groups of females (n=12). In trials without explicit exclusion criteria (n=13), females represented 32% of trial participants. Nine out of 26 trials reported sex-stratified analyses (35% of trials; 70% of all participants). Of these, two found some evidence for possible sex differences, both reporting larger blood pressure effects in females than males. Four trials provided sex considerations in the discussion section of the report. Conclusion The participation of females in cardiovascular polypill trials is substantially higher in primary prevention trials as compared to trials conducted in mixed or exclusively secondary prevention populations. The use of sex-specific eligibility criteria was not linked to lower female participation. Sex-specific reporting is sparsely conducted, although most frequent in larger trials.

Atuação das mulheres no executivo municipal: uma análise do desempenho na gestão pública

The objective of this paper is to analyze whether Brazilian municipalities with women in charge of the Executive Branch express better financial performance, and demonstrate more qualitative social compliance. In this direction, the research is characterized as empirical-analytical. To analyze the data, it was initially necessary to know the profile of the managers elected in the 2016 ordinary elections. Afterwards, descriptive statistics of the study variables, Pearson correlation analysis, and means test were carried out. Using statistical models, using the multiple linear regression technique, using the Ordinary Least Squares method (OLS), it was measured whether the mayors were responsible for a superior performance to the others, with analysis on a sample of 5570 municipalities. The results indicate a low female participation in the position of mayor, given that, in the 2017-2020 management cycle, only 11,88% of managers were women. These results can be understood by the lack of political education and public programs that support women's participation in politics as well as society's awareness of this importance. According to the results of the regressions, it appears that, despite the growth of the number of women in high-performance positions, female participation in the position of mayor in Brazilian municipalities does not significantly influence performance. The results have theoretical implications, as they contribute to the literature in order to expand the discussion on the influence of female participation in senior management positions, contributing to a better practical understanding, suggesting future work, using other metrics and in other periods.

Women Who Stopped Working Due to Their Husband’s Opposition in Egypt

Abstract This paper investigates a neglected reason underlying the low female labor participation rates in Egypt: husbands’ opposition. We find that opposition falls with increasing levels of educational attainment and chronological age of the husband. Age at first marriage, religious affiliation, wealth, and the extent to which a husband upholds traditional views regarding the participation of women in the labor market and gender equality in general were not significant. We also report an inverse relationship between the likelihood of husband’s opposition and the number of children in the household, which suggests that financial considerations may outstrip normative considerations.

Can affirmative action overcome STEM gender inequality in Japan? Expectations and concerns

ABSTRACT Compounding skill shortages from Japan’s shrinking and ageing workforce is low female participation in research and science-related areas. Why do so few women choose to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)? Previous research suggests the influence of gendered images of STEM fields, but do these apply to Japan, and if so, how? We introduce multiple studies that shed light on gendered images and elucidate the roles of those who affect women’s choices and women’s own attitudes. Our findings further suggest that a social climate of inequality affects the gendered images of STEM fields. Finally, we offer a critique of recent quota-based systems for increasing women’s STEM participation in Japan.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLANNING IN USE AND STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN RURAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SERERE DISTRICT.

Background This study aims to examine the relationship between planning in USE and students’ performance in rural secondary schools in the Serere district. Methodology The research was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches using Survey, Correlation, and Case study as Research Designs. Data was collected using Questionnaires Interviews and records targeting BOG and PTA Members, Teachers, and Head teachers as respondents from a sample size of 164 in Serere District USE schools. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists where conclusions were drawn from tables and figures from the Package. Results Of the respondents 103 were males and 72 were females. It can be seen the low participation of females was because the number of educated female teachers employed for teaching in secondary schools located in rural areas (Serere district) is low. From the study findings, the majority do agree that planning was vital for the rural schools but rash to say that all the activities are done at the ministry rather than at school levels. The school management Plans its activities under given guidelines, they are funded, and then implementation is done. Conclusion From the results attained, it is evident that the planning of USE Influences students’ performance in rural secondary schools in Serere district. USE Schools whose planning is done by the ministry and more generalized as opposed to those schools that are planned for by the administrators and managers who implement policies perform poorly than those that had an established local planning unit or committee. This was possible because they planned for their scarce resources and got the best out of it. Recommendations Serere district council, parents, and other educational stakeholders should put forward strategies for constructing laboratories and combating the shortage of well-stocked libraries in district secondary schools.

Breaking the Vicious Circle: Macroeconomic Perspectives on Policy Interventions for Female Labor Supply and the Gender Wage Gap

ABSTRACT This paper examines the interplay between the female labour supply and wages through human capital accumulation in South Korea, highlighting the significant gender wage gap and low female labor participation. Our findings suggest that wage subsidies alone are insufficient for narrowing the gender wage gap. Targeted wage subsidies for households with infants and toddlers can mitigate career interruptions and enhance human capital for women. However, it also attracts lower-productivity women into the labor market, further exacerbating the gender wage gap. Therefore, direct labour market structural reforms, such as the Anti-Gender Discrimination Act, are essential.

An Analysis of the Impact of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 on Female Labour Force Participation in India

The financial emancipation of women is crucial for female empowerment and economic growth. Participation of women in the labour force equips them better to combat socio-economic issues while simultaneously boosting economic activity and GDP at the macro level(Buterin et al., 2023). Despite this, even in the 21st century, women's participation in the workforce is less than 47% compared to 72% for men(The Gender Gap in Employment: What’s Holding Women Back?, n.d.). The reasons for this disparity include both demand-side (opportunities for women to work) and supply-side (availability for women to work) factors. This paper explores women's labour force participation in India and the factors influencing it. It evaluates the impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 as a demand-side policy intervention to improve women’s labour market participation using secondary data. The results of this research indicate that the policy has helped improve the income, employment and decision-making power of women. Yet, the research indicates that the programme faces several structural constraints in providing employment and fails to address the long-term supply-side issue of low female labour market participation.

The Contribution of Employee Financial Participation to the Governance of the SME in Algeria

Corporate governance aims to control management decisions and determine their general lines. Thus, the application of the governance system must take into account the nature of the company itself, the conditions in which it operates, its organizational structure and the administrative culture of its actors. While good governance remains the result of good practices. The objective of this article is to demonstrate the contribution of employee financial participation in governance, through the governance regime, the rights to decide and control, the characteristics of employee shareholders in Algeria and thus on performance financial of companies with employee shareholding, based on mechanisms applicable to SME contexts. We will address in a synthetic manner the reality of this contribution of the financial participation of PFS employees through a discussion of the empirical results drawn from a questionnaire survey carried out among employee shareholders working in Algerian SMEs. The results show a low percentage of share capital held by employees with low female participation, an absence of association for employee shareholders, employee shareholding was a financial means to safeguard the activity of public sector companies with critical financial situations. Employee ownership is essential for businesses, promoting employee trust and participation. However, this role is only fully understood by a few companies. It serves as both a collective incentive and a control mechanism. Benefits include better management, financial benefits, business sustainability and job preservation. Despite this, 56.8% of employee shareholders prefer to sell their shares, raising questions about their motivations. A lack of voting rights in the shareholders’ council, which requires a review of the regulations to promote employee shareholding in Algeria, in particular for SMEs.

Exploring street vendors’ entrepreneurial potential and gender disparities in an eastern cape port city, South Africa

This study examines the entrepreneurial potential of informal traders, specifically focusing on street vendors operating in East London, a prominent port city in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Entrepreneurship, characterised by its dynamic nature entailing visionary foresight and astute exploitation of opportunities, requires agility and fervent dedication in nurturing novel concepts and implementing innovative solutions. Additionally, it aims to address the issue of low female participation in economic activities within this sector. Utilising a structured questionnaire designed for data collection, this research employs both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the entrepreneurial traits exhibited by street vendors. The investigation centers on six key independent variables: proactive personality, competitive aggressiveness, risk-taking propensity, perceived capability, perceived opportunity, and innovation. The study’s findings revealed that, among the factors studied, perceived opportunity and innovation were statistically significant contributors to the entrepreneurial potential of street vendors in East London. Moreover, the research identifies that despite demonstrating similar entrepreneurial potential factors as their male counterparts, females exhibit notably lower participation rates within the informal trading sphere. This research holds significant implications for policy formulation and intervention strategies. By highlighting perceived opportunity and innovation as critical factors influencing entrepreneurial potential, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape among street vendors. Furthermore, the identification of gender-specific participation gaps emphasises the need for targeted policies and programs to increase female engagement in informal trading.

How Far Is Progress? Gender Dimensions of Student Enrollment in Higher Education in Ghana: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Despite the World Declaration on Higher Education for the 21st Century that education is the ultimate support of human rights, and that access and participation remain key catalysts to accelerating equal educational opportunities for all, females continue to trail their male counterparts in educational outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa. This study focuses on the Ghanaian context and assesses the gender dimensions of student enrollment in higher education, highlighting the disparities therein. We adopt a typical case study design, and a mixed method approach, involving quantitative analysis of student enrollment data, qualitative interviews, and focus group discussions with administrators and students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. We find generally low female participation across all colleges of the university, except for the College of Health Sciences. We also find low female participation across three dimensions: qualified applicants, admissions, and enrollment. The causes of disparity in the dimensions of student enrollment are rooted in four main factors: institutional, socio-cultural, economic, and awareness of STEM policy and opportunities. The present findings have implications for the implementation of STEM and other gender policies at both the pre-tertiary and tertiary levels of education across sub-Saharan Africa.

Factors Influencing Low Female Participation in Zambian Politics: A Case of Chawama Constituency of Lusaka District, Zambia

Factors Influencing Low Female Participation in Zambian Politics: A Case of Chawama Constituency of Lusaka District, Zambia

Socioeconomic Urban Environment in Latin America: Towards a Typology of Cities

This paper aims to identify typologies of Latin American cities based on socioeconomic urban environment patterns. We used census data from 371 urban agglomerations in 11 countries included in the SALURBAL project to identify socioeconomic typologies of cities in Latin America. Exploratory factor analysis was used to select a set of variables, and finite mixture modelling (FMM) was applied to identify clusters to define the typology of cities. Despite the heterogeneities among the Latin American cities, we also found similarities. By exploring intersections and contrasts among these clusters, it was possible to define five socioeconomic regional typology patterns. The main features of each one are low-education cities in Northeast Brazil; low-unemployment cities in Peru and Panama; high-education cities in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico; high female labor participation, with high primary education in Argentina and low primary education in Brazil; and low female labor participation and low education in Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Identifying clusters of cities with similar features underscores understanding of the urban social and economic development dynamics and assists in studying how urban features affect health, the environment, and sustainability.

Intersectionality, political rights and gender relations: interdisciplinarity in research on female participation in politics

The development of knowledge in the areas of humanities and social sciences has been transmuting and resizing the paths trodden for the understanding of complex phenomena, of an inter/transdisciplinary nature, which were once analyzed from methodical macromodels and theoretical frameworks circumscribed to the specific scientific field in which it was researched. This mode of elaboration of knowledge has been questioned, leading to the reflections that configure the objective of this article, which consists in the search and identification of new theoretical-methodological possibilities for the development of research dealing with the theme on political rights and gender relations, problematized in the causes of low female participation in Brazilian politics. For this, considering the reflective nature of the article, the method used is exploratory and basic. Considering the theoretical and prospective nature, the reflections developed sought to see the usefulness of intersectionality, inter/transdisciplinarity and transversality in studies involving the object theme of reflection, especially issues involving gender relations, the causes of low female participation in Brazilian politics and the possibilities of its expansion.

The promotion of women and girls in Swiss sports associations: Addressing, launching, and implementing decision-making structures and promotion programmes

Many historically male-dominated sports still have a lower participation of women and girls at all levels. Women also seldom occupy decision-making positions at both association and club levels. At the same time, associations and sponsors increasingly advance civil society obligations to promote the participation and integration of women and girls in sport. Sport federations with relatively low female athlete participation are becoming proactive in this area, however, they depend on the cooperation of member clubs to promote integration. There are a variety of starting points of a commitment to promotion, which raises the question as to how the promotion of women and girls moves on a federation agenda and then further into the operational area. Against a background of launching and implementation, the extent to which sports federations trigger control impulses and initiate programmes, is also relevant, as is how the clubs organise local and club-specific implementation.
 This study uses qualitative case studies to examine federation policy processes and the structural anchoring of the promotion of women and girls, as well as specific promotion programmes and measures. In three selected Swiss sports federations, ten problem-centred interviews with decision-makers and six focus groups with club representatives were used to trace various phases of the promotion of women and girls. The policy analysis procedure is based on the phases of the policy cycle - a simplified representation of programme development and implementation - and draws on differentiated explanatory approaches (Campbell, 2004; Enjolras & Waldahl, 2007; Kingdon, 1995). Qualitative summary content analysis was used for the analysis.
 The research shows that functions and offices at the federation level are held by women, but that decision-making influence is not ensured overall. An interesting observation includes the process of outsourcing a “women’s sport department” in two federations. While this generates more visibility, it can also create challenges in clarifying responsibilities if other departments are sufficiently sensitised to the issues. In addition, specific bodies for the promotion of women and girls should be provided with sufficient financial and human resources to have impact beyond visibility. The redistribution of resources thus becomes a barrier to the effective interpretation of funding commitments. In particular, the (partial) financing of funding projects by external actors seems to motivate associations towards implementation. It should be noted that committed actors at both federation and club levels are key drivers of development of the promotion of women and girls in sport. Other important drivers are sport policy and societal expectations and demands. This applies both to the structural anchoring in federations and the local implementation in clubs, which are in many cases already committed organisations. In summary, external pressures, steering impulses and organisational goals are conditions for the successful promotion of women and girls in organised sport.
 Campbell, J. L. (2004). Institutional Change and Globalization. Princeton University Press.
 Enjolras, B., & Waldahl, R. (2007). Policy-making in sport: The Norwegian case. International Review for the Sociology of Sport 42(2), 201-216. https://doi.org/10.1177/1012690207084753
 Kingdon, J. (1995). Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policy (2nd ed.). Little Brown.

Gender Differences in STEM Education : A Review Study

The low participation of females in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects is a worldwide issue. There are so many problems being raised in the context of studying higher education for females. The purpose of this study is to explore the effecting factors in enrollment and success in STEM education for females. It is based on the review of literature on female enrollment and participation in STEM education. Due to several factors such as stereotypes and biases, societal and cultural misconceptions, lack of confidence and self-perception, and gender-based discrimination are the major causes to enhance the gender gap in STEM education. To create a more inclusive environment for females in STEM education the role of nation, society, and family is to be supportive. Women should fight against all kinds of discrimination based on their willpower. This study would help to empower women and also contribute to investigate the cause of gender inequality in STEM education and enhancing gender equality. This study can be important for states and organizations to make policies and plans to improve the education status of women in STEM education.

Patterns of and Factors Undermining Female Participation in Hard Trades under Tanzania’s Vocational Education and Training System

Abstract
 This study reports the findings on female participation in hard trades under Tanzania’s Vocational Education and Training (VET). This qualitative research involved 72 participants including females’ trainees, instructors, employers and principals. It used semi-structured interview and Focus Group Discussion to collect data, which was subjected to content analysis. Participation patterns indicated far lower female participation in hard than soft trades. The study established the main contributory factors to this lopsided female gender representation in hard trades in Tanzania as gender role stereotyping, employers’ reluctance, lack of role models, absence of formal career guidance and counselling services, as well as gender-based curriculum materials. The study, therefore, recommends for the change in mindset among female aspirants in attitude towards hard trades to increase their participation while society should embrace positive perceptions of the abilities of females to pursue hard trades. VET centres should also employ female instructors in hard trades to serve as role models to encourage other females to opt for hard trades. Finally, VET instructors should encourage female trainees to participate in hard trades.

We are silently paving the way toward human–wildlife coexistence: The role of women in the rural landscapes of southern Andes

Gender plays an important role in human–wildlife coexistence. Women have their own distinct form of environmental knowledge; women shape attitudes and perceptions related to wildlife and influence the use of natural spaces and the nature of human–wildlife interactions. Being a female farmer or practitioner involved in human–wildlife conflict mitigation poses a variety of obstacles and benefits. The way conservation conflicts are perceived and managed is gendered, and this needs to be taken into account when working with local communities to achieve effective and fluent dialogue, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The existing body of evidence is focused mainly in Africa and Asia and suggests that the sharing of landscapes between humans and wildlife has different implications for men and women with respect to their attitudes toward wildlife and how they are impacted by it. Although extensive research has been done in relation to gender, conservation, and natural resource management, the gender perspective of human–wildlife coexistence is underreported. Feminist political ecology emphasizes that gender differences originate in the need to overcome existing social and political barriers and is highlighting the importance of en-gendering research. In Chile, work in the rural sector poses various challenges, especially for women. Rural landscapes are, in general, dominated by men, with low female participation in decision-making spaces. Nonetheless, this appears to be silently changing. In this perspective, we contrast three undocumented experiences of our work as female researchers and facilitators of human–wildlife coexistence (northern case, central case, and southern case). The aim of this perspective piece is to expose current findings for the role of women in human–wildlife coexistence, contrast these with our reports, and propose future directions.