Inclusive Policies Research Articles

Island destination workforce development and inclusion

The one island-one resort concept of the Maldives features a distinct upscale tourism experience for visitors that offers seclusion, remoteness, and privacy. In view of each island as its own resort, the isolation among the islands poses unique challenges for workforce development as employees live on the same island where they work to serve the tourists. In an increasingly competitive tourism market, the resilience of the Maldives as a tourism destination stands on the inclusion of its local residents in the workforce. Largely dependent on tourism to sustain the economy, the Maldives persists with environmental concerns, political strife, and rapid socio-cultural changes along with other unprecedented challenges of an island destination. To understand the experiences of the local employees working in remote upscale resorts, the transcendental phenomenology approach was used to capture the essences of the employees’ lived experiences. Essences are the building blocks of experiences with narratives filtered into specific essences and sub-essences derived from the one island-one resort model. The examined essences including serenity, solidarity, self-development, discontentment, antagonism, and workplace alienation can advance understanding to promote inclusive tourism policies for transitioning remote island destinations.

The Purple Economy and the socioeconomic development of vulnerable groups in Ecuador

This study examines the impact of the violet economy on the socio-economic development of vulnerable groups in Ecuador. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research employs an econometric model to assess the relationship between key variables such as the Gender Gap Index (GGI), the Economically Inactive Female Population (EIFP), and the Human Development Index (HDI). The findings reveal a significant influence of the violet economy on human development, underscoring the importance of inclusive policies. While progress has been made, the minimal impact of female unemployment highlights the need for further investigation. The study concludes that policies to reduce the gender gap in access to resources and economic opportunities can promote sustainable development and greater equity in Ecuador.

Breaking Down the Gender Divide: A Study of Women’s Hiring and Representation in the Workplace

This research article, Breaking Down the Gender Divide: A Study of Women’s Hiring and Representation in the Workplace, investigates the gender disparities in hiring rates and overall representation of women in the workforce. Utilizing secondary data from global corporate diversity reports, including Google's annual diversity reports, the study analyses trends in the participation of women in various industries, particularly in leadership and technical roles. The findings highlight both the progress made and the persistent challenges women face in achieving equal representation across different levels of the workplace. While there has been incremental growth in women’s hiring rates and leadership roles, the data reveals that significant gaps still exist, particularly in male-dominated fields. The article further discusses the implications of these findings, offering recommendations for organizations to improve gender diversity through targeted hiring practices, leadership development programs, and inclusive workplace policies. This research contributes to the ongoing conversation about workplace equity and offers valuable insights for both policymakers and businesses aiming to foster a more inclusive environment. KEYWORDS Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, Workplace Diversity, Gender Gap

A Multilevel Analysis of Out‐of‐School Children by Gender and Educational Level

ABSTRACTChildren are the builders of the future, and their education is crucial for societal development. This study aims to identify and analyse the barriers that prevent marginalised communities from participating in educational activities and explore strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Focused on Pakistan, which has the second highest number of out‐of‐school (OOS) children globally according to UNICEF, this research utilises data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) Wave 6. Employing logistic regression and generalised structural equation modelling (GSEM), we investigate the impact of foundational skills, child disabilities, socioeconomic factors and regional differences on school attendance. The study particularly examines the role of financial assistance, including tuition fees and social transfers, in addressing the issue of out‐of‐school (OOS) children. The findings highlight the need for inclusive policies, adequate funding and enhanced foundational skills to improve school attendance and academic outcomes.

Representações sociais, racismo e educação

We intend to address, in this production, reflections on the reproduction of racist social representations in the educational field, the bases for identifying ideological mechanisms that produce and reproduce ethnic-racial inequalities. Based on the theoryof social representations formulated by Serge Moscovici and in dialogue with Historical and Dialectical Materialism, the aim is to interpret the power relations and the instruments that promote oppression and exclusion based on the racialization and hierarchization of society as mechanisms of perpetuation of privileges. In this way, we intend to address elements that obstruct an anti-racist education and reproduce segregating actions, highlighting the recent setbacks that marked the conduct of social policies of social and racial inclusion.

Adapter Le Systeme Alimentaire Rd Congolais Au Changement Climatique

Purpose: This research on "Adapting the DR Congolese food system to climate change" aims to make available scientific data likely to curb the divide between potential wealth and food security on the one hand and to realize the state of research on the subject on the other hand. Methodology: We carried out documentary research using the digital network for data collection. We consulted articles published in international journals, activity reports of specialized structures (UN, OECD). Certain programs and documents developed by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of the DRC. At the end of the compilation, we proceeded to the objective analysis of the capacities of the DRC to want to overcome climate hazards. Finding: At the end of our investigations, we estimate that efforts to adapt to climate change in the DRC are at the embryonic and fragmentary stage. There is no inclusive, coherent and binding policy for adaptation to climate change. We insist on the fact that "Adapting the DR Congolese food system to climate change" must be considered as a four-link cycle including: Implementation of the general principles of combating and/or mitigating GHG emissions, Research and development with substantial investment, Transformation of GHGs, waste, etc, Finally, the fourth link that completes the cycle; it is the range of solutions in terms of reactions, responses, advice, awareness of the entire national community. Recommendation: To adapt the Congolese food system to climate change; it will require a synergy of activities spread across the four links forming the planning cycle

Exploring the public dialogue on government school costs in Australia: a content analysis of print media

ABSTRACT Objective All children deserve high-quality education. In order to promote inclusive educational policies and practices, understanding barriers to participation in education is necessary. School costs is one potential barrier that has garnered limited attention in the literature to date. The objective of this research was to better understand public dialogue concerning government school costs in Australia. Method We conducted a content analysis of print media coverage on government school costs in Australia between 2011 and 2023. Results In total, 118 print media articles met the inclusion criteria. Six categories were generated: School Costs, School Fees, Payment Approaches, Support Services, Funding of Government Schools, and Impact on Children and Families. Parent voices were the most common in the included articles (30.5%), followed by government officials (17.8%). Conclusion Australian print media has documented that school costs are problematic for families in Australia. The perspectives of parents are central in public dialogue on this issue. There is a need for empirical research to better understand the impacts of school costs on Australian families, particularly those who are experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.

Formulasi Kebijakan Pola Pengasuhan Berbasis Hak Anak Pada Lingkungan Pendidikan Pondok Pesantren

The formation of childcare regulations based on children's rights within the Islamic boarding school (pesantren) environment has become a crucial necessity in addressing the prevalent issue of violence against students (santri) in recent times. In the context of education, childcare based on children's rights is essential to ensure the protection, development, and optimal well-being of students, thereby creating a child-friendly educational environment in pesantren. By employing the library research method and a phenomenological approach derived from the researcher's experiences, this study explores the conditions of childcare patterns in pesantren, the differences in the characteristics of student care, and the urgency of establishing relevant regulations. The research findings indicate that a childcare pattern based on children's rights is urgently needed to prevent violence and ensure quality care provision within the pesantren environment. The government needs to take concrete steps in the formulation of such regulations by involving relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and enhancement of the quality of education in pesantren while effectively safeguarding children's rights. This research is expected to contribute to the development of inclusive education policies that prioritize children's interests in Indonesia, particularly within pesantren contexts.

Changing Human Resource Professionals from Gatekeepers to Enablers of Disability Employment: Lessons Learned from Disability-Employment Research

Background People with disabilities are one the most discriminated groups in the United States, and this discrimination negatively impacts the ability to find and maintain employment. While more companies are making it a priority to include people with disabilities in their workforces in order to diversify talent pools, many organizations still lack knowledge regarding the benefits of disability-employment and effective strategies for disability inclusion in the workplace. Objective There is a need to provide an integrative review of the disability inclusion literature for vocational rehabilitation professionals to expand employer engagement efforts by helping companies adopt strategies to hire and support people with disabilities in the workplace. Method A review of disability employment and disability inclusion publications was conducted. Findings from the research were compiled into a discussion of lessons learned for vocational rehabilitation professionals. Results The article shares the lessons learned from conducting disability-employment research with attention to the following domains: (1) stigmatizing attitudes of employers, (2) disability employment legislation, (3) characteristics of companies that promote disability-employment, (4) disability inclusion policies and practices, and (5) implicit bias and disability inclusion training for human resource (HR) professionals. Conclusion Providing employers and HR professionals with trainings on these domains will increase awareness of bias toward people with disabilities in the workplace and develop increasingly effective disability inclusion policies and practices for their organization.

Teaching social inclusion, public policy and governance through active learning and educational games

How can an active learning approach enhance how key topics in public policy, public administration, and governance are taught? This article describes four educational game scenarios that illustrate decision-making processes in social inclusion policies. Various governance aspects can be examined through these games, including accountability reforms, crisis management, challenges in implementing artificial intelligence in social service provision, and market regulation. All these cases have been developed within the framework of the P-Cube project, an Erasmus + project that aims to foster active learning through the use of educational games for teaching public policy. The first case illustrates the effect of regulation on nursing home services, and aims to examine the implications of establishing independent agencies to regulate specific social sectors and the involvement and participation of the market and stakeholders in these regulatory bodies. The second case explores the application of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making in a surveillance system for detecting welfare fraud, in which the main learning objective is to discuss governance implications and consequences for social innovation and inclusion. The third case examines the implementation of alternative solutions for providing school meals to children from low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective here is to explore the role of participatory mechanisms in driving policy change and to identify the factors influencing their degree of effectiveness. The fourth case explores the potential ways of regulating the rights of workers employed in the digital platform-based economy. Our cases target graduate and postgraduate students in political science, public administration, public policy, social policy, and other related fields. They also offer valuable insights for practitioners, specifically public managers at different organizational levels.

Implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Program on Curriculum Management and Human Resources at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta

Indonesia encounters substantial challenges in higher education during the digital revolution and post- COVID-19 era, particularly in aligning graduates with the demands of the workforce. The Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program has been implemented as a solution, offering experiential learning opportunities through off-campus activities. However, its implementation at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) encounters various obstacles, including limited human resources, challenges in developing flexible curricula, and disparities in educational access. This study explores the implementation of MBKM at UMJ using a qualitative case study approach, focusing on curriculum management, human resource readiness, and challenges faced. The findings reveal that while MBKM contributes to enhancing students’ skills and the relevance of education to workforce needs, barriers such as limited technology in partner schools, intensive schedules, and inadequate administrative support persist. This study provides strategic recommendations to enhance MBKM implementation, including enhanced faculty training, better resource management, and increased accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. These findings are expected to serve as a foundation for developing inclusive and competency-oriented higher education policies.

PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION POLICY IN SPECIALIZED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

The article reflects on pedagogical practice and inclusion policies in the contemporary educational context, emphasizing inclusion as a fundamental right for all people with disabilities. The author discusses the need for a less prejudiced and segregationist approach, highlighting the importance of a government commitment to guarantee investments that enable inclusive educational actions. The research also addresses diversity in schools, proposing that they become spaces that welcome and respect differences.

Menuju Dunia Kerja yang Inklusif bagi Penyandang Disabilitas : Tinjauan Laborem Exercens Art. 22

This article examines the importance of creating an inclusive workplace for persons with disabilities from the perspective of the encyclical Laborem Exercens, which emphasizes the value and dignity of human beings in the context of work. Pope John Paul II asserts that work is a fundamental right of every individual, including persons with disabilities, enabling them to fully participate in society and develop their potential through employment. The aim of this article is to explore how the principles of Laborem Exercens can be implemented to create a fair, flexible, and accommodating workplace for persons with disabilities. The methodology employed in this article involves a literature review of the texts of Laborem Exercens and various sources related to inclusive policies, physical adjustments, and the use of assistive technologies in the workplace. This article also highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, companies, and communities as a key factor in establishing productive and empowering workplaces for persons with disabilities. Providing accessible facilities, flexible policies, and awareness training for managers and colleagues are proposed as concrete steps to realize an inclusive workplace. Achieving an inclusive work environment requires a collective commitment to respecting the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities, which, in turn, will improve their quality of life and contribute to the overall welfare of society. Implementing the values outlined in Laborem Exercens represents a significant step toward a more just, equitable, and inclusive working world.

A Review of The Research on the Implementation Effect of Inclusive Financial Policies in China

The inclusive financial policy aims to address the financial needs of the vulnerable, such as small and micro enterprises (SMEs), farmers. The Chinese government places significant emphasis on the advancement of inclusive finance, and this paper employs a literature review method to demonstrate the positive effects of inclusive financial policies and digital inclusive finance (DIF) in the areas of small and micro enterprise financing, rural revitalization, urban development, real economy, and virtual economy.

Implementasi Nilai-Nilai Islam dalam Mendorong Kesetaraan Gender di Pendidikan: Studi Literatur dan Studi Kasus

Gender equality in education is a critical issue, particularly in the context of Islamic education. This study aims to explore the concepts, implementation, and challenges of gender equality based on literature analysis and case studies. The research employed a qualitative approach with a literature review method, involving 20 articles from reputable journals, with 5 selected for in-depth analysis. The findings reveal that Islamic education strongly upholds the principle of gender equality, as reflected in the values of *rahmatan lil 'alamin*. Inclusive policies, such as mixed-gender classrooms and equal leadership opportunities, have proven effective in overcoming cultural barriers and gender stereotypes. However, challenges such as conservative interpretations of religious teachings and the influence of patriarchal cultures remain significant obstacles. This study contributes to the literature on gender equality, emphasizing the role of Islamic education as a tool for social transformation. Future research is recommended to expand geographic coverage and incorporate empirical data to deepen understanding of gender equality implementation in various cultural contexts.

Digital Higher Education and Adult Education in Greece and Other Balkan Countries

Digital innovation has paved the way for new educational opportunities and enhanced lifelong learning in Greece and other Balkan countries, aiming to bolster digital literacy and competencies. There is a discrepancy between developed countries, which seamlessly integrate technological advancements, and developing countries, which face unique challenges. This article examines the state-of-the-art in higher digital education and adult continuing education in Greece and the Balkans, identifying key factors contributing to digital gaps and suggesting strategies for successful digital transformations. Significant progress has been made through EU-funded programs and national initiatives like the Digital Transformation Strategy and the National Digital Policy in Greece. It has enhanced digital literacy and online education in the country. Nevertheless, there are still challenges such as insufficient lifelong learning strategies and digital skills development. Other Balkan countries, on the other hand, face similar issues, with varying degrees of success in adopting digital technologies. This review underlines the need for comprehensive, inclusive policies and investments to bridge digital divides and ensure sustainable digital education across the Balkans.

Smart and Sustainable Doha? From Urban Brand Identity to Factual Veracity

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is the country’s administrative, economic, and political hub. With most of Qatar’s population residing in the metropolitan area, Doha effectively functions as a city-state. While the rapid growth of this Gulf metropolis is often celebrated as an emerging center of economic and cultural activity, the subtle yet crucial socio-cultural influences shaping its development as a rentier city-state are frequently overlooked in the existing literature. This research article explores the unique challenges rentier cities like Doha face in becoming truly smart and sustainable. Using a case study approach, the analysis draws from secondary data sources, including city reports, policy documents, and academic studies. By examining publicly available data and Doha’s urban planning history, the article identifies the critical issues and challenges the city faces, particularly following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It reviews existing planning policies and offers insights into current initiatives and future directions aimed at achieving smart and sustainable development. The findings suggest that while Doha has made considerable progress, more inclusive and comprehensive policies are needed to move beyond entrenched socio-cultural influences and align the city’s growth with its broader sustainability and smart city goals.

Five to Five: Sex-Disaggregated Issues in Bicol Region (V), Philippines Through the Lens of SDG 5

The paper examines the sex-disgregated issues affecting men and women in Bicol Region (5), Philippines, through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5) indicators. Utilizing qualitative-evaluative research methodologies such as comparative data analysis and documentary analysis, the study analyzes data from various government agencies to identify persistent gender disparities in labor market participation, health, and political representation. Findings revealed that significant challenges remain unsolved despite gradual improvements in women's engagement in public life, including cultural barriers, income inequalities, and limited access to leadership roles. The paper emphasizes the necessity of generating sex-disaggregated data to inform policy-making and recommends that Local Government Units, NGOs, and private sectors institutionalize SDG localization to address identified issues effectively. The study also advocates for inclusive policies that promote gender equality and enhance women's societal roles, contributing to a more equitable and harmonious society.

‘One school, two systems’: Navigating the geographies of alternative education in an elite primary school in China

AbstractDespite the global rise of alternative education as a response to the limitations of standardised methods, little attention has been given to how these systems coexist with mainstream education, particularly in non‐Anglophone contexts. This article addresses this gap by examining a distinctive primary school in Guangzhou, China, where alternative and mainstream education coexist on the same campus. Utilising the framework of spaces of prescription and negotiation, the study explores how alternative educational spaces navigate the constraints of China's centralised educational system while maintaining their distinctiveness. The findings reveal that T School strategically adapts mainstream educational spatial forms to support its elite education philosophy, thereby underscoring the fluid boundaries and dynamic interplay between alternative and mainstream education. This research advances the understanding of the spatial and temporal strategies that alternative education employs within standardised systems, offering insights into the adaptability of educational boundaries. Furthermore, the study illuminates the flexibility of spaces of prescription and negotiation within overlapping and interconnected power geometries. By adopting a critical and poststructuralist approach, the framework could enrich the understanding of the fluidity and negotiation of educational boundaries globally. The study's findings carry significant implications for policymakers and educators, guiding the development of more inclusive and responsive educational policies worldwide.

The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Executive Functions

This study aims to examine the influence of socioeconomic status on executive function in Kindergarten children (Group B) in the DKI Jakarta Province in 2024. Using a quantitative causal associative approach with a survey method and path analysis technique, this research involved 102 students selected through multistage cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a modified BRIEF-P instrument to measure executive function and a questionnaire to assess socioeconomic status. The results indicate a significant favorable influence of socioeconomic status on children's executive function (path coefficient 0.358, t-value 5.47). Children with higher socioeconomic status tend to have better executive functions. These findings highlight the importance of interventions to improve executive function, particularly for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, to support their future academic success. This research provides valuable insights for developing more inclusive and equitable early childhood education policies.