Active Participation Of Women Research Articles

Factors Shaping Women's Involvement in Community Development Projects: A Case of Mvomero Water Initiatives

This study investigated about factors influencing women's involvement in community development projects within the framework of development initiatives targeting women. Specifically, it focused on water initiatives in the Mvomero District. The study utilized the cross-sectional design. The findings from probit regression analysis reveal significant insights, highlighting the influential role of various factors in shaping women's decisions to participate. Education level emerges as a significant determinant emphasizing the pivotal role of educational attainment in fostering women's involvement in community development endeavors. Additionally, marital status and family size demonstrate notable impacts, illustrating the complex relationship between familial responsibilities and women's engagement in such projects. Furthermore, income level and access to credit emerged as crucial determinants, underscoring the importance of financial resources in facilitating women's active participation. Moreover, media, awareness and government policies played pivotal roles in influencing women's decisions to engage in community development initiatives. The study emphasizes the necessity of targeted policy interventions aimed at women’s participation through enhancement of income-generating opportunities and awareness to foster inclusive development and growth, thereby contributing to the advancement of gender equality in community development efforts.

Gender Equality in E-commerce Business

In the ever-evolving landscape of e-business, gender equality stands as a pivotal determinant of sustainable economic growth and social progress. This study delves into the multifaceted realm of gender equality within the sphere of electronic business, exploring its significance, challenges, and potential solutions. As women constitute a significant portion of the global workforce, their equitable participation in e-business not only fosters diversity but also harnesses untapped talent and creativity. The study also covers best practises and ideas that companies and legislators may implement to advance gender equality in e-business. The efficacy of programmes including skill development efforts, mentorship programmes, and encouraging work conditions in empowering women in the digital economy is investigated. Furthermore, policy interventions concerning education, financing accessibility, and legislative changes are examined as crucial elements of an all-encompassing strategy for achieving gender equality in e-business. The paper draws attention to the ongoing obstacles that women in e-business confront, which range from severely embedded cultural prejudices to restricted access to opportunities and resources. The paper illuminates the obstacles impeding women's active participation in e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions through a review of relevant research and case studies. It also highlights the financial benefits of promoting gender equality in e-business by examining the favourable relationships between gender diversity and improved organisational performance, creativity, and decision-making processes. The paper concludes by arguing for a paradigm change in the e-business sector, where gender equality is now seen as an economic need rather than just a social objective. In the digital age, organisations may drive innovation, economic success, and social change by using the full potential of their workforce via the demolition of barriers, acceptance of diversity, and cultivation of inclusive cultures.

Unveiling Empowerment: Navigating Historical Roles and Contemporary Challenges for Muslim Women Leaders

Based on the insights gathered from the literature review, this historical study embarks on a multifaceted exploration with several pivotal objectives. At its core, it seeks to illuminate the intricate relationship between Islamic teachings, the historical roles of Muslim women in leadership, and their contemporary challenges within the political landscape of Pakistan. Through a thorough examination of these aspects, the research aims to provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations that can shape policy formulation, procedural refinement, and organizational culture. The primary goal is to promote gender diversity and empower Muslim women in leadership roles, particularly in Pakistan. A central objective of this study is to deeply explore Islamic teachings and principles and their implications for women's active participation and contributions to society, especially in leadership positions. By meticulously analyzing relevant literature and historical examples from Islamic history, the research intends to uncover the theological and cultural foundations that historically influenced the status of Muslim women in leadership. Moreover, it seeks to evaluate how these teachings have empowered Muslim women in leadership roles, fostering a nuanced understanding of the interplay between religion and women's leadership.

Financial Socialisation and Promotion of Financial Inclusion, among Women Self-Help Group Members: An analysis

India, a country of diversities has travelled a long way in the process of achieving inclusive growth through financial inclusion. The expedition has started from bank nationalisation in the year 1969 to flagship programs like SHG bank Linkage and PMDJY. Historically, women in India have faced various socio-economic challenges, including limited access to financial services and opportunities. To address these challenges and promote the financial inclusion of women, several initiatives and measures have been taken at the government, regulatory, and institutional levels. The PMJDY accounts have shown a remarkable growth in account openings. Around 50.09 Crore Jan Dhan accounts opened as of Aug 2023 where average deposits rise from Rs.1065 crore in 2015 to Rs.4087 Crore in 2023,nearly 3 times over Aug 2015. Around 56% of such accounts are owned by woman, whereas 67% of the accounts are owned by women in rural and semi urban areas (PIB 2023)[i]. But what is more discouraging is that India has the highest in inactive accounts which is 35% globally. In developing economies, women account owners are, on average, 5 percentage points more likely than men are inactive, in India the deviation is highest that is 12 %.Out of the women owned accounts, more than 32% are inactive. The usage of accounts also indicates a different saga as most of them is used for withdrawals of salary or wages, emergencies, or availing Govt. Benefits which leads to a lowering of financial inclusion among the women (Global Findex database 2021)[ii].
 
 It's important to note that despite many advancements achieved by the country with respect to the financial inclusion of women through initiations like PMJDY, introduction of a range of women-centric financial products, such as savings accounts, fixed deposits, and insurance policies, often with special features and incentives, SHGs movements, development of digital financial ecosystem for women in rural areas to access financial services through mobile banking and digital wallets, undertaking financial literacy programs and campaigns aimed at women for improving their financial knowledge and decision-making capabilities, legal reforms related to property rights and inheritance rights, support for Women Entrepreneurs including access to credit, training, and mentorship, and by allocating funds specifically for women's welfare and empowerment through gender budgeting, the challenges still prevailing. The gender gap in financial inclusion still exist, with women in rural and marginalized communities facing more significant barriers. Social and cultural factors, limited financial literacy, and the persistence of gender-based violence in some regions were among the ongoing challenges (Fletschner & Kenney, 2011[iii]). The need for ongoing education and awareness programs, addressing gender biases, and expanding access to financial services in remote areas etc. remain the priorities of the policy makers. Achieving full financial inclusion for women in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and the active participation of women themselves. It is essential for both economic development and gender equality (Duflo, 2012[iv]; Bucciol et.al, 2022[v]).

Climate Change and Women Health Vulnerabilities: Towards Mitigation and Response

Climate change affects all genders in myriad ways and causes catastrophic health hazards. While no one is safe from this unfolding risks, women are already disadvantaged and become most affected by climate change. Poor air quality, contaminated water, food insecurity, spread of vector borne diseases, disruption of sanitation and rising temperature etc. have overwhelming negative health impacts on women, especially on the reproductive health. Furthermore, climate policies in India lack gender sensitivity because of low awareness making women health more vulnerable. With this backdrop, the current paper has identified key areas of vulnerability among females due to their biology and the existing socio-cultural factors. In addition to the existing issues women are less likely to have accessibility of the resources to enjoy their fundamental health rights. There fore the current paper discuses better strategies for mitigation and response to climate change with the active participation of women, families and the whole community. After looking at various findings the paper concludes the need of the gender sensitive approach in the process of mitigation and response.

Endometriosis, a participatory study in the Serchio Valley (Tuscany Region, Central Italy): state of the art and perspectives

endometriosis is a chronic condition with a significant impact on women's health, featured by endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. A limited number of studies have been conducted in the general population, and the true prevalence of endometriosis is unknown for many areas of the country. to better estimate the prevalence of endometriosis in three Italian regions (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tuscany, Apulia) and to assess the relationship between endometriosis and environmental factors in three participating areas (Trieste, Barga, and Taranto), with a focus on Tuscany Region. implementing a specific epidemiological registry for endometriosis, aimed at estimating the incidence and prevalence data. The registry collected information from hospital discharge records and anatomopathological reports of women residing in the three considered regions, aged 15 years or older. Additionally, the analysis includes the assessment of the spatial distribution of endometriosis at both regional and municipal levels in the three study areas. Further research investigations in these areas involve a multilevel screening of a sample of women of childbearing age. Women who test positive in the initial screening (through a self-administered questionnaire) will have the opportunity to undergo a second level of screening, consisting of a gynecological examination, transvaginal ultrasound, a swab for vaginal microbiome analysis, and the collection of blood and urine samples to assess the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or heavy metals. The adopted scientific approach is based on post-normal science (PNS) concerning the extended peer community. women aged 15 years or older residing in the three regions. estimating the incidence and prevalence of endometriosis based on data collected from the epidemiological registry. The analysis extends to assessing the spatial distribution of endometriosis at municipal levels in the three areas of interest. the preliminary results of the study allowed for the estimation of the spatial distribution of endometriosis incidence in Tuscany. In particular, it was found that there is variability within the region, with some coastal and North-Western areas showing values 20% higher than the regional average. Cities such as Pisa, Lucca, Livorno, Grosseto, Orbetello, and the Serchio Valley with Barga had a probability of excess risk of more than 90% compared to the regional average. the study is ongoing and requires the active participation of women living in the region to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the collected data. This research effort represents an important contribution to understanding endometriosis in Tuscany and its possible environmental causes.

Cyber Opportunities: Fostering Women's Empowerment through E-Commerce in Afghanistan

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between women's empowerment and E-commerce, with a specific focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented in Afghanistan's post-conflict landscape. Globally, E-commerce has emerged as a transformative force, breaking down traditional barriers and providing avenues for women's active participation in economic activities. However, Afghanistan's socio-cultural context introduces nuanced challenges, including cultural norms, societal expectations, and limited access to technology. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study gathers insights from 100 Afghan women engaged in E-commerce activities. The findings reveal multifaceted challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and address cultural barriers. Despite obstacles, the study underscores the resilience of women entrepreneurs in navigating the digital landscape. Education and digital literacy emerge as pivotal factors shaping women's participation, highlighting the necessity for tailored initiatives. The research culminates in key recommendations, advocating for clear national policies, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and digital literacy programs. Support for women entrepreneurship and collaboration with international partners are emphasized to create an inclusive and supportive environment for women in the digital economy. This research serves as a foundational resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering actionable insights to empower Afghan women in E-commerce. By implementing the recommended strategies, Afghanistan can pave the way for sustainable development, economic growth, and the meaningful inclusion of women in the digital landscape.

Conflicts over water and energy resources in Central Asia and their impact on women's rights

Central Asia has sufficient water and energy resources. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have large reserves of fresh water. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan have oil and gas. However, conflicts constantly arise between all Central Asian countries over water and energy resources. The purpose of the article is to analyze the key problems in the distribution of water resources and conflicts between Central Asian countries and their negative impact on women’s rights. This study used analysis of research conducted by international organizations, by the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, and content analysis of Internet resources. The solution to conflicts over water and energy resources between Central Asian countries lies in the balanced and coordinated use of the existing high potential and reasonable mutual exchange of resources. Negotiated conflict resolution is important for women. The active participation of women in increasing efficiency in the water and energy sector will create the prerequisites for improving the economies of the republics, developing “green” energy, and maintaining the environmental balance. It would help to achieve sustainable development goals in the Central Asian region.

Female’s Participation through First-Past-the-Post Electoral System in Provincial Election of Nepal

An election produces changes in the socio-cultural arena. The gender gap is commonly used in politics to indicate voting preferences and level of participation during pre-electoral, electoral and post-electoral activities. Gender gap creates obstacles in every step of gender mainstreaming. This article was prepared based on secondary data from the election commission, Nepal (ECN). To assess the status of female’s participation and to identify causes and measures of the gender gap in the provincial level first-past-the-post electoral system, this article was prepared as the title female’s participation through first-past-the-post electoral system in the provincial election of Nepal. A simple literature review was conducted to collect essential information to meet the objective. The status of female’s participation is found low at the provincial level first-past-the-post electoral system in Nepal. There were few numbers of nominate female candidates and elected female candidates in all 7 provinces. In Karnali province, even a single female candidate can’t win the race. To meet the national commitment in gender mainstreaming and to fulfill the target of sustainable development goals, all political parties must perform effective policy to increase the number of female candidates. Through politics, women can realize discrimination and destitution over them. Active participation of women in politics boosts up their roles as voters, candidates, elected officials, electoral administrators, observers, civil society representatives, etc. All barriers regarding female participation in politics must be corrected by concerned authorities as soon as possible with the visionary and coordinating leadership of the local, provincial, and federal government.

The Role of Coastal Women’s Empowerment in Achieving The Success of SDGs: A Study on The Kebaya Group, Bekasi

Land conversion has occurred in the coastal area of Kampung Beting, Pantai Bahagia Village, Bekasi Regency. What used to be a mangrove plantation has transformed into spaces for fish and shrimp ponds. This phenomenon took place from 2001 to the early 2010s. The promise of lucrative income led the community to compete in changing land use without considering the potential consequences. After 2011, the community gradually began to feel the negative impacts of this land conversion. To this day, the entire area that was once used for ponds has turned into the sea, causing the community to lose their livelihoods. Furthermore, not only have they lost their livelihoods, but they have also been confronted with land degradation, which threatens their sustainability. This study examines how coastal women's empowerment activities can contribute to sustainable development. The research employs a phenomenological approach, and data is collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that Coastal Women's Empowerment Contributes to Sustainable Goals in Climate Change Mitigation, Gender Equality, and Poverty Alleviation. In climate change mitigation activities, there are two key activities: 1) the development of women's behavior in efforts to improve and rehabilitate critical lands, and 2) women's involvement in the maintenance of mangrove trees. In gender equality activities, there is one main activity: 1) active participation of women in productive economic activities, allowing coastal women in Pantai Bahagia Village to have regular activities beyond their domestic responsibilities. The focus of poverty alleviation activities is 2) increasing income by utilizing non-timber mangrove products for food processing and crafts.

Служение женщин в окружении Спасителя и апостолов

The article examines the ministry of women surrounding the Savior and the apostles, who did not change their general status, which developed in the Greco-Roman world, although the Gospel opened the way of salvation to humanity in its entirety, equaling women and men. Near Christ women go beyond the prescribed social roles or find new opportunities for their activities. Christ excluded them from the number of the apostles, although they were faithful listeners of His words and took part in the Gospel events. According to the evangelists, when women had devoted their life to «the ministry», they arranged the eve-ryday life of the Savior and the apostles or provided them with material support if they had sufficient means. However, for Christ, this activity was less significant than the state of the soul, therefore, the example of the spiritual and external arrangement of the life of the sis-ters Martha and Mary will form the «main» direction of the development of women’s activity in the Early Church. From the very beginning of this process, the key factor will be the formation of households of God as a model of the original Church structure, which took place with the active participation of women. Some women, such as Junia, could preach in private homes and perform individual catechesis of women and even men, but there was no question of publicity and further institutionalization of such empowerments. For St. Paul, the ministry of women was significant to the extent that it contributed to the spread of the Gospel. Perhaps many of the named women in the New Testament made their life choices at an advanced age. And in such a context, the concept of «servant/deaconess» applies not only to Phoebe, but also to all other women who, from the apostle’s point of view, performed the same service: after the myrrh-bearing women, they were new recipients of the testimony of the resurrection expressed in the «works» and defining the Church as both Holy and Apostolic.

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women’s Decision-Making in Nepal’s Development Programs

This research paper investigates women’s role and participation in decision-making in development committees in Nepal and their representation in different development committees and situation of their participation. The study found that females are more likely to be involved in development committees than males. However, their representation of leadership positions is still low due to social and cultural barriers. Female views are not always considered equally in meetings due to their lower position in committees and gender. So, this paper highlights the need for gender, caste, and class-sensitive policies and programs that promote women's active participation in development program’s decision-making process and address socio-cultural barriers to women’s role in leadership in their communities.

Women Participation in Health Research of Iran: Analysis of Challenges and Strategies with Literature of Review.

Recent evidence provides the facts behind the perceptions about women researchers participating in health research (HR). Women scientists as almost half of active researchers in HR fields have important and fundamental role. The present study aimed to analyses the situation of women participation in HR of Iran. The present study comprised three complementary phases intended to identify and analysis challenges and problems of women participation in health research in Iran (2021-22). Following a review phase, using the content analysis approach through semi-structured interviews data gathered from key stakeholders of health research. At final step, aimed to aggregate and conclude the main key findings, through an expert panel all of the results analyzed to clarify the main messages of the study, focus on reflection to the target group. The results reveal considerable gender differences in research contribution between Iranian men and women. The need for legal infrastructure and support for the active participation of women in HR was the main extracted point of study. The need for transparent documentation and implementation of related research that demonstrates the necessary challenges and gaps was another major point. Findings may help illuminate policy makings to promote participation of women in the country research. The optimal management of HR require facilities can play an important role in improving the quality and quantity of health studies and achieving scientific competitive positions at the regional and global levels.

Coping With Women's Menstruation-Related Health Issues in Male-Dominated Companies: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan.

Japanese women face many female-specific health problems in the workplace, especially menstruation-related issues, which can adversely affect their quality of life and productivity. This study aims to examine how female employees in a male-dominated company in Hiroshima, Japan, cope with menstruation-related health issues in the workplace and the factors that influence their coping strategies. This study used a cross-sectional survey research method. The survey investigated age, health, and menstrual-related issues, as well as women's active participation support and health literacy (HL) levels. The sample population included employees of a manufacturer in Hiroshima prefecture. The data were collected from February 20 to March 10, 2023. The analysis subjects were 171 women who had experienced menstruation-related, women-specific health issues in the workplace. Their attitudes toward menstruation-related issues could influence their experiences. They were categorized into positive and negative groups based on their attitudes toward coping with women's health issues. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to compare the two groups. The study found that 50.3% (N = 296) of female employees had experienced women's menstruation-related health issues at work. As many as 62.6% (N = 171) of female employees showed a positive attitude, and the study also found that female employees with a positive attitude toward menstruation-related health issues had higher HL (odds ratio (OR) = 1.216, 95% CI: 1.007-0.1.468) and were more likely to be able to predict menstruations (OR = 4.528, 95% CI: 1.618-12.670). Conclusions: In male-dominated companies, many female employees are affected by menstruation-related problems in the workplace. A positive attitude toward women's health issues was positively associated with HL and predictive ability. Male-dominated companies should pay attention to women's menstruation-related health issues in the workplace, implement interventions to improve their health literacy and predictive ability, strengthen communication with them, and encourage them to actively participate in women's health initiatives.

Factors associated with negative birth experience in Peruvian Quechua-speaking indigenous women in a context of contagion due to COVID-19.

The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with negative birth experience in Peruvian Quechua-speaking indigenous women in the context of contagion due to COVID-19. This was a cross-sectional study, with 142 women from the Olleros community (Huaraz-Peru, 3336 m a.s.l.), whose birth occurred between November 2020 and December 2021. Two questionnaires were applied between January and June 2022, prior voluntary informed consent and approval by an ethics committee. The SPSS program version 24 and the odds ratio (OR) were used with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 62.7% of women (89/142) had a negative birth experience. The main factors associated were hospital and biosafety factors, highlighting the restriction to choose the position during birth (OR = 15.64, CI: 1.89-128.99, P = 0.001), care of women in a language other than Quechua (OR = 5.86, CI: 1.51-22.76, P = 0.005) and fear of health personnel when approaching women due to COVID-19 (OR = 10.61, CI: 3.94-28.56, P < 0.001). Hospital and biosafety factors are associated with negative birth experience in Peruvian Quechua-speaking indigenous women, with less emphasis on sociodemographic and obstetric factors. The results found show that, in the case of this research, the negative birth experience is not only due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic, but also to the limited application of the intercultural approach in Peru, where the opinion of women is not taken into account. In this sense, intervention actions are required through health policies with an intercultural approach that involve the active participation of women.

Evidence of the active participation of women in the intergroup conflict based on the use of aggression and cooperation

Intergroup conflict has been a persistent aspect of human societies since the emergence of our species. Various researchers have proposed that competition between groups has acted as a key selective force throughout human evolutionary history. Such intergroup competition for limited resources exacerbated the expression of intergroup aggression and intragroup cooperation. Furthermore, it would have a sexual dimorphism, with men demonstrating increased sensitivity to conflict threats—in order to maximize reproductive opportunities—, while women generally reject from active engagement in intergroup conflict. In the present study, we conducted behavioral experiments under controlled laboratory conditions to measure cooperation and aggression from using virtual games, specifically the Public Good Games and the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm, in a sample of 541 participants. We created control and experimental intergroup competition scenarios, where aggression and cooperation were necessary to increase monetary rewards. Our results shows that men modulate aggression and cooperation in the presence of intergroup conflict. In addition, our data also reveals that women cooperate more than men and display heightened levels of cooperation and aggression when confronted with intergroup conflict. These findings prompt a reevaluation of current functional theoretical models concerning the role of women in intergroup conflict and suggest that the dynamics of human aggression and cooperation may be more nuanced than previously believed.

Examining Political Representation of Women in Pakistan through Liberal Feminist Perspective: A Case Study of 2024 General Elections

Despite comprising half of Pakistan's population, women face significant hurdles in political engagement due to entrenched gender inequality and patriarchal structures. Despite measures like quotas, genuine participation remains limited. Liberal feminist theory advocates for addressing the root causes of gender disparity, advocating for gender-inclusive politics by removing institutional barriers. This paper examines structural impediments to women's political involvement in Pakistan, using a liberal feminist lens. It illuminates systemic challenges hindering gender parity in politics, evident in the 2024 general election despite reserved seats in parliament. Cultural norms, social constraints, and violence perpetuate gender inequalities, impeding women's active participation in political processes. This analysis underscores the persistent gender gap in political representation, urging comprehensive reforms to dismantle barriers obstructing women's full engagement in politics.

Strategy Change Cycle as Organizational Strategic Planning to Implement Gender Mainstreaming in Women in Tourism Indonesian

This research aims to determine and analyze the cycle of strategy change as an organizational strategic planning to implement gender equality for women. The method used by this research is a qualitative approach, the type of research to be carried out is Participatory Action Research (PAR). The result of this study is that organizations consider gender mainstreaming indicators such as gender analysis, gender goals, gender integration in policies and programs, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement. These indicators ensure women's active participation, equal employment opportunities, and the integration of gender perspectives in organizational policies and programs. By implementing a roadmap and considering gender mainstreaming, WTID aims to create a more sustainable and impactful organization that promotes gender equality in the tourism industry. The implications of this research can provide solutions to the challenges WTID faces and enable it to effectively encourage gender mainstreaming in Indonesia's tourism development while still being able to adapt in a dynamic environment.

A Mixed-Methods Study of Women's Empowerment through Physical Activities: Relationships with Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity Levels.

Participation in empowering physical activities may increase self-efficacy and facilitate long-term engagement. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined the relationship between physical activity empowerment, exercise self-efficacy, and engagement. Midwestern women (N = 147) aged 18-65, 90% white, completed an online cross-sectional survey that captured exercise engagement and self-efficacy for exercise. Participants entered up to five types of physical activities and ranked them from most to least empowering. Physical activities were coded by training type for statistical comparisons using independent t-tests. After survey completion, seventeen women completed a 30 min, 8-question semi-structured interview. Women ranked resistance training as the most empowering physical activity type (38%), followed by running (14%). Total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and self-efficacy for exercise scores did not vary between women empowered by cardiorespiratory or resistance training (i.e., total physical activity t(136) = 1.13, p = 0.11; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity t(136) = 2.42, p = 0.06; and self-efficacy for exercise t(136) = 0.66, p = 0.07). Themes identified from the interviews included: (1) women's physical activity participation barriers are gender-centric, (2) physical activity participation benefits extend beyond physical health, (3) some exercise types are more empowering than others, and (4) empowerment and enjoyment are closely related. Exploring empowerment in exercise may reveal mechanisms to facilitate exercise self-efficacy and engagement in physical activity.

Care, labour force participation and health: the case of Italy

PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between health and labour market participation considering the potential role played by the presence of children and elderly persons (with/without disabilities) in Italian households.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use longitudinal data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions and full-information maximum likelihood to estimate a two-equation model (one equation for labour force participation and one for health status) with instruments to address the endogeneity of the labour force participation choice. The model is estimated separately by gender.FindingsThe authors find that while the presence of children, elderly persons or both is positively associated with the health status of both genders, the presence of disabled elderly persons exerts a negative role. As for participation, interesting differences emerge. The presence of children discourages women's participation but is positively associated with men's labour force participation. Interestingly, a caring role for elderly persons without disability emerges for both genders when the presence of children is combined with that of elderly people. Gender differences are also at work for the role of childcare services and elderly and/or disabled home care/assistance.Originality/valueThe findings indicate a possible caring role for elderly persons without disabilities, neutralizing the effect of the presence of children on the labour force participation of both genders. The results also suggest that greater coverage of care services should increase the active participation of women in the labour market.