Promote Gender Equality Research Articles

Roles of Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Education for Sustainable Development in Lower-Middle-Income ASEAN Economies

This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in lower-middle-income ASEAN economies, focusing on two critical areas: the challenges to AI adoption and strategies to optimize AI alignment with sustainable development goals. The research identifies key barriers to AI integration, including technological readiness, financial constraints, policy gaps, and socio-cultural factors, through document analysis and case studies. It highlights region-specific challenges, such as inadequate digital infrastructure and limited teacher training, that hinder AI adoption in education. Additionally, the study explores how AI can be optimized to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure), by enhancing educational access, promoting gender equality, and enabling personalized learning. Using the Grounded Theory model, the findings suggest that AI can reduce inequalities and empower underserved communities by improving educational outcomes. However, successful AI integration requires a balanced approach that prioritizes ethical considerations and inclusivity. The study advocates for collaborative efforts between governments, educational institutions, and technology providers to establish an ecosystem that supports responsible AI deployment. By addressing these challenges and leveraging AI’s potential, stakeholders can unlock new opportunities to foster sustainable development and improve educational outcomes in ASEAN lower-middle-income economies.

How do firm-level and country-level sustainability governance shape corporate sustainability? Insights from environmentally-sensitive industries

Purpose This study aims to explore how firm-level and country-level sustainability governance can shape corporate sustainability performance. Design/methodology/approach This study uses an international sample of 2,460 observations from 2010 to 2019 for firms in environmentally-sensitive industries (i.e. energy). Various measures have been used to measure corporate sustainability performance, firm-level and country-level sustainability governance. This study uses a range of statistical models, including fixed effects, random effects, a two-step generalized method of moments, along multiple sensitivity checks to provide accurate empirical evidence. Findings A specialized sustainability committee and environmental management team enhance corporate sustainability performance. Likewise, a country’s regulatory quality and its environmental performance positively affect the sustainability performance of firms operating in this country. Besides, companies operating in a country with a higher gender gap have a lower corporate sustainability performance. Practical implications Energy firms should prioritize establishing sustainability committees or environmental management teams to enhance sustainability practices. Likewise, policymakers should develop robust regulatory frameworks that promote sustainability. Besides, countries should enforce policies promoting gender equality to enhance corporate sustainability. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on environmentally-sensitive industries by examining both firm-level and country-level sustainability governance attributes using three proxies (environmental, social and governance, sustainability strategy and environmental performance) to measure sustainability performance, providing a holistic perspective of how governance attributes influence sustainability outcomes in energy industries.

Gender Disparities in Child Labor and Economic Development in Nepal

Child labor continues to be a significant problem in Nepal, particularly in rural areas where poverty and restricted access to education contribute to the perpetuation of the cycle of economic deprivation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the gender differences in child work and the consequences such differences have for the improvement of Nepal's economy. Utilizing information obtained from the Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS) conducted in 1995, this study illustrates the numerous ways in which gender influences decisions about child work and schooling. Particular attention is paid to the role that poverty, access to credit, and household characteristics have in these decisions. As a result of the findings, it appears that girls are more likely to be engaged in household work and less likely to attend school in comparison to males. This has ramifications for Nepal's economic development in the long run. In order to address these discrepancies and to promote gender equality in school and the labor market, policy solutions are presented throughout this article.

The Expanding Definitions and Impact of Domestic and Family Violence on Family Dynamics and Legal Frameworks

This article explores the evolving definitions of domestic and family violence and their implications on family dynamics, legal frameworks, and cultural contexts. Traditionally seen as physical violence, domestic and family violence now encompasses emotional, financial, and psychological abuse, a broader definition supported by organizations such as the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the United Nations. This broadened scope, while intended to protect vulnerable individuals, has sparked debates on potential overreach, with critics warning of its effects on family autonomy and privacy. Through examining varied family models patriarchal, egalitarian, and modern, this article assesses how expanded legal interpretations intersect with family structure, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions sensitive to relationship dynamics and mutual conflict. Additionally, the article discusses how cultural heritage, and socioeconomic factors influence domestic violence perceptions and interventions, advocating for approaches that respect cultural diversity while promoting gender equality and reducing power imbalances. Subsequently, the article calls for balanced domestic violence frameworks that support family cohesion and resilience without undermining family harmony or autonomy.

Video Games That Educate: Breaking Gender Stereotypes and Promoting Gender Equality with a Serious Video Game

By incorporating elements such as storytelling, problem-solving, and rewards, serious games can appeal to varied users, making the learning process more experiential, engaging, and enjoyable. Gender stereotyping is a prevalent social problem that occurs to a greater or lesser extent in all countries and cultures around the world. However, it is more present in certain places like Latin American countries. This study presents the evaluation of Kiddo, a serious game to raise awareness about gender stereotypes among school-aged children (10–13 years old). After its validation with teachers, this evaluation study was carried out with 210 students in a public school in Mexico. By conducting a pre-post experiment while collecting game learning analytics data, we explore how Kiddo can raise students’ awareness of gender stereotypes. Results show a statistically significant increase in awareness of all gender stereotypes addressed in the game. In addition, we explore the acceptance of the video game, the feelings that it causes in players, and the validity of its design as an educational tool including requirements such as class duration and participants’ reading ability. Kiddo provides a valuable real-world experience in a safe and controlled environment.

Mapping gender wage gaps in regular employment: a counterfactual decomposition analysis for India

PurposeIn India, women encounter twofold challenges – declining labour force participation and a widening gender wage gap (GWG). The study explores the precarious position of women during the third decade of economic reforms. It examines the influence of demographic and job characteristics on wages, uncovering socioeconomic imbalances and disentangling wage disparities attributable to productive and non-productive factors.Design/methodology/approachUsing unit-level data from the NSS EUS (2011–12) and PLFS (2018–19), the study employs OLS and quantile regression methods to estimate the contribution of socioeconomic factors in wage determination. It applied Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition alongside other mean-based decomposition approaches. Furthermore, the counterfactual decomposition proposed by Machado–Mata and Melly is also applied.FindingsStructural and socio-cultural barriers continue to depress women’s LFPR and wages. Women remain concentrated at the lower end of the wage spectrum, earning less than men. However, GWG has slightly narrowed, but discrimination remains substantial, which is primarily driven by employers’ undervaluation of women’s work, rooted in prejudice. Additionally, the sticky-floor phenomenon worsened in 2018–19, further hindering upward mobility.Originality/valueLeveraging recent survey data helps inform policy discourse to promote gender equality and address workplace disparities. It urges policymakers to re-evaluate anti-discrimination measures to combat socioeconomic challenges.

The Influence of Cooperative Financial Literacy, Training and Advisory Strategies on Women's Financial Empowerment: A Review

This systematic review investigates the impact of cooperative financial literacy, training, and advisory strategies on women's financial empowerment, with a focus on rural areas. Recognizing the critical role of financial empowerment in achieving sustainable development goals and promoting gender equality, this review synthesizes existing literature to identify effective strategies, key influencing factors, and areas for future research. A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, reports, and grey literature reveals that cooperative financial literacy initiatives can significantly enhance women's financial knowledge, skills, and confidence, ultimately contributing to economic stability, increased income, and gender equality. This review provides policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with evidence-based recommendations to inform the design and implementation of effective cooperative financial literacy programs.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT OF THE MAIN CHARACTER MALEFICENT MISTRESS OF EVIL (2019)

The film Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), is a Disney film produced apart from entertainment for the public. With the aim of uncovering the representation of women's power through qualitative descriptive approaches and feminist theories. The depiction of the characters Maleficent and Aurora is positioned as a powerful and independent symbol, to face the challenge of patriarchal power displayed through the antagonist character, Queen Ingrith. Studi ini adalah studi descriptive qualitative. As well as by describing the data obtained through scenes, images, dialogues and narratives to reveal facts in accordance with the objectivity of the research. This study employed Madsen’s theory on women empowerment and Karl Max’s marxist feminist supported by Tong’s feminist theories. The film also highlights the emotional, moral, and social complexities that women face. The results of the study show that the film Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) depicts women's resistance and response to traditional norms, and offers a form of leadership based on equality and empathy. The study found out that there are some issues found in the film. They are advancing gender equality, facing social inequality and promoting systemic change for gender equality. The film highlights the importance of systemic changes in the concept of power and gender, which shows that women can also use power and leadership without having to resort to violence

Islamic Theological Perspectives on Human Rights: Bridging the Gap between Faith and Universal Principles

This research aims to examine how human rights (used here as HR) principles are interpreted and integrated within the context of Islamic theology, highlighting how Islamic teachings can support universal HR principles while maintaining a distinctive religious identity. The urgency of this study arises from the frequent discrepancies between global HR norms and legal and religious practices in predominantly Muslim countries, where conflicts in interpretation and application often pose significant social and political challenges. The methodology employed is qualitative with a content analysis approach, examining primary sources of Islamic religious texts such as the Qur'an and Hadith, as well as international HR documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. This study utilises extensive literature reviews, searching for interactions between religious principles and universal ethics to identify and understand differences and similarities in views on HR. Aligning with Indonesia's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting reduced inequalities and gender equality, this research explores the potential of Islamic teachings in supporting these objectives. The findings indicate that Islamic teachings, through texts like the Qur'an and Hadith, often uphold principles consistent with universal human rights, such as justice, equality, and human dignity. However, there is significant variation in the application of these principles depending on local interpretations and state policies. The discussion in this study also highlights how theories such as Maqasid al-Shariah (The Objectives of Sharia) and Fiqh al-Aqalliyyat (Jurisprudence of Minorities) can serve as bridges to integrate HR principles into Islamic practice, promoting intercultural dialogue and tolerance. In alignment with Indonesia's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities and Goal 5 on Gender Equality, the principles elucidated within Islamic teachings provide a robust theological foundation for advocating broader social justice and enhanced roles for women in society. The Qur'anic verses highlight the inherent value of equality and dignity for all, which not only supports efforts to diminish socio-economic disparities but also promotes gender equality as essential to societal well-being. Recommendations from this study include enhancing cooperation among scholars, legal experts, and policymakers to facilitate deeper integration of HR into religious practices and national law.

Role of Hostile and Benevolent Sexism in Shaping Prejudice Against Working Women in the United States and Pakistan

This study aimed to examine cultural differences between the United States and Pakistan on prejudice against working women, including employment skepticism and traditional role preference. Another purpose of the study was to assess how social dominance orientation (SDO), hostile sexism, and benevolent sexism explain the prejudice against working women. This study collected data online from a sample of 289 working women including N = 152 from the United States and N = 137 from Pakistan. Pakistani participants had higher scores on all the study variables than the U.S. participants. The results of mediation analyses showed that hostile and benevolent sexism significantly mediates the relationship between countries and employment skepticism. Moreover, hostile and benevolent sexism also mediated the relationship between countries and traditional role preferences. This study advances our knowledge of the complex relationship between cultural factors, SDO, hostile and benevolent sexism, and prejudice against working women. These findings offer a strong platform for further investigation and have practical applications to design programs aimed at reducing prejudice against working women and promoting gender equality in a range of professional settings.

Board Gender Diversity, Information Asymmetry, and Investment Efficiency: Do Female Voices Make a Difference?

This paper investigates how board gender diversity (BGD) impacts information asymmetry (IA) and investment efficiency (IE), in addition to the moderating role of board gender diversity on the nexus between information asymmetry and investment efficiency in Egypt, motivated by the unclear lens and mixed evidence in the previous literature within this area, especially in developing countries. Thus, the paper followed a deductive research approach for 84 listed firms on the Egyptian Exchange from 2014 to 2023. The findings present new evidence that differs from the common findings in the literature, such as a U-shaped non-linear impact that was found regarding the impact of BGD on both IA (20.71% turning point) and IE (20.38% turning point). However, the IA shows a U-shaped non-linear effect on IE, and the incorporation of BGD as a moderator cause shifting from a (U) shape curve to an inverted (U) shape curve. Our findings from Egypt can motivate future academic research to re-examine the role of BGD from other perspectives in other countries and circumstances. In addition, this paper gives professional authorities and regulators insights into the optimal level of BGD and its critical role in corporate governance and performance, not just the benefits of increasing the diversity ratio, and can also help promote gender equality in corporate management, which can have social and economic benefits.

A Multifaceted Approach to Uplifting Tribal Communities: A Viewpoint of Tribes through Empowerment and Development

Tribal communities face marginalization and limited access to necessities and economic opportunities. This research proposes a multi-pronged development approach to empower these communities. It emphasizes education (including culturally sensitive early childhood programs and skill development), women’s empowerment (through promoting gender equality and economic independence), and sustainable land and livelihood practices. Additionally, it explores fostering economic development by supporting traditional livelihoods and micro and small enterprises, alongside ensuring access to healthcare and addressing social issues. By analysing existing literature and conducting interviews with community members, this research aims to assess the effectiveness of this multi-faceted approach in achieving sustainable development and uplifting tribal communities. This research explores fascinating results of tribal communities’ perspective and actual problems that include, these 84.2% remote dwelling families encounter difficulties accessing basic healthcare services due to the absence of primary health centres (PHCs). Decision-making power typically lies with family heads, predominantly male figures. While agriculture remains the primary occupation, 66.7% tribal individuals work as agricultural labourers despite owning land. Superstitions persist, impacting health-seeking behaviour. Education and awareness play a crucial role, and addressing irrational practices is essential. Additionally, alcohol consumption patterns affect tribal health. Bridging gaps in healthcare, promoting education, and dispelling superstitions are vital steps toward improving the well-being of tribal communities.

Assessing Determinants of Business Performance and Growth in Rural Areas: A Case of Grocery Stores in Mwense District of Luapula Province

This study looks at what affects grocery stores in Mwense District, Zambia. It was a case study with 50 participants, a mixed approach method to collect quantitative data through questionnaires and shows how important small businesses are for local economies and examines the owners' backgrounds, financial skills, marketing methods, and other factors. Most grocery store owners are middle-aged men with good experience, but there aren't many women, which limits new ideas. Many owners struggle with money management and finding loans, making it hard to invest in their businesses. Traditional marketing is important for getting noticed and attracting customers, but many stores aren’t registered, which restricts their access to loans and support. Good leadership and strong relationships with suppliers are key for keeping product quality high. The study suggests that grocery store owners should improve their financial skills, marketing, leadership, and use of technology. It ends with recommendations to promote gender equality, encourage business registration, and engage with the community, helping grocery stores in Mwense District to become more successful and sustainable.

Transforming Lives: The Livelihood Program for Gender Empowerment and Sustainability

This study presents an analysis of a rag weaving training workshop, focusing on participant demographics, training effectiveness, and socio-economic impacts. Specifically, the extension project aimed to conduct profiling of target beneficiaries, develop skill sets in rag weaving, enhance participants' economic opportunities, promote gender equality, and evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the livelihood training. Quantitative data were gathered using a standard evaluation form, while qualitative data were collected from participants' comments, suggestions, and interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The training included participant sharing, skill demonstrations, and practical rag weaving sessions. The workshop primarily attracted a female audience (80%), reflecting traditional gender roles in textile crafts. The age distribution showed significant participation from middle-aged and older individuals, driven by economic necessity due to rising living costs. Notably, participants hailed from diverse municipalities, underscoring the program's inclusivity across different economic classifications. High satisfaction scores indicated the program’s relevance, with a mean score of 4.78 for training content and delivery. Feedback analysis revealed themes of gratitude, effective support, and a strong desire for continued learning. Participants recognized the potential for economic improvement through newly acquired skills, highlighting the workshop's role in enhancing livelihoods. The training also fostered a positive learning environment, with high ratings for food, accommodation, and service delivery. The findings illustrate the program's success in meeting participant needs and promoting skill development while emphasizing the importance of ongoing education for economic empowerment. This initiative supports individual growth and broader community development, reinforcing the relevance of vocational training in today’s economic landscape.

Exploring strategies for ending child marriage in Indonesia: A transition from tradition to transformation

Child marriage remains a significant challenge in Indonesia, driven by cultural traditions, economic pressures, and social expectations. This study systematically reviews existing literature to identify strategies that have been employed to combat child marriage and facilitate the transition from traditional practices to transformative solutions. Using a thematic analysis approach, the study synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and reports. The results highlight the importance of education, legal reforms, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration in reducing child marriage rates. Key interventions include strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing access to education for girls, engaging religious and community leaders, and leveraging technology and media for awareness campaigns. The findings suggest that a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach is necessary to address the root causes of child marriage. This study concludes that long-term policy commitments, interdisciplinary cooperation, and grassroots initiatives are essential to breaking the cycle of child marriage and promoting gender equality in Indonesia.

Judicial Policy and Societal Implications: Marriage Dispensation Rejections in Pangkalan Bun's Religious Court

This study examines the complex interplay of legal, religious, and social factors influencing the rejection of marriage dispensation requests in Pangkalan Bun's Religious Court. Through in-depth interviews and document analysis, the study explores the court's decision-making process, the prevailing societal norms, and the broader societal implications of these rejections. Findings reveal that the court's decisions are shaped by a combination of legal precedents, religious interpretations, and social pressures. Individuals denied dispensations often face stigma, economic hardship, and mental health challenges. At the community level, these rejections can lead to increased social conflict, weakened social cohesion, and changes in family structures. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the multifaceted consequences of rejecting marriage dispensations, including strengthening education, improving access to support services, and promoting gender equality.

Percepção de estereótipos de gênero na intenção de empreender na área de tecnologia da informação: Um estudo qualitativo com estudantes de graduação de uma universidade federal

The objective The aim of this study is to understand how women in higher education in Information Technology (IT) perceive the influence of gender stereotypes on their intention to undertake their field of activity. Through basic qualitative research, nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with students of the Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology (BTI) at a Brazilian federal university. As an analysis strategy, content analysis was used, in the thematic/categorical modality, with the support of the ATLAS.ti® software. The main results showed that gender stereotypes are common in the IT sector and that the insertion of women in entrepreneurship tends to be affected by this perception. As theoretical contributions, a lack of female self-representation in leadership positions in business was observed, and sexism was perceived as a social problem and a cause of the reported inequalities. The relevance of this article lies in the gap in the literature on female entrepreneurship from the perspective of gender stereotypes, especially in the IT sector. Social contributions to management consist of producing insights into the problem of female entrepreneurship in the IT sector, an area with little empirical research on the subject, which can assist in the development of public policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women in this field.

Gender impact on business growth in Europe and the Middle East and North Africa

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse how gender diversity within corporate boardrooms influences business growth, specifically comparing the contexts of Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It aims to explore the dynamics of gender representation in leadership roles, evaluate its impact on organizational performance and assess how cultural and socio-economic factors affect gender diversity in these distinct regions. The study seeks to provide insights that can inform policies promoting gender equality in leadership, contributing to improved decision-making and potentially enhancing business outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative and comparative approach, this study includes responses from 430 business leaders, with 210 from MENA and 220 from Europe. Data were collected through structured surveys and analysed using SPSS to determine the correlation between gender diversity in boardrooms and business growth. Data were collected through structured surveys and analysed using analysis of variance in SPSS to determine the potential gender diversity in boardrooms and business growth. Findings The analysis reveals a strong male dominance in decision-making roles in both European and MENA businesses, with men holding most power and influence. European boardrooms show slightly more gender diversity than MENA, though this does not consistently correlate with higher business growth. Interestingly, MENA reports stronger growth despite less diversity. Women leaders in both regions are effective and dedicated but remain underrepresented. Research limitations/implications The findings call for region-specific policies to enhance gender diversity in leadership, with Gender Equality Action Plans tailored to Europe and MENA. Businesses should adopt mentorship and inclusive policies to support growth through diverse leadership. Promoting diversity can drive workplace equality, supported by education. Further research on long-term impacts and stakeholder engagement is recommended to foster change. Originality/value This research enhances literature by examining women’s representation in gender-balanced boardrooms and addressing the East-West divide. It fills gaps with practical, policy and theoretical recommendations, offering valuable insights for businesses and policymakers promoting gender equality in leadership.

Founding team gender diversity and social entrepreneurship: implications for venture growth and equity acquisition

PurposeThis study addresses the intersection of team gender composition, social entrepreneurship and new venture performance, aiming to understand the unique dynamics shaping these areas. The authors discuss why female and diverse founding teams often gravitate toward social ventures and explore the relevance of this phenomenon. By investigating the impact on new venture performance, this study examines the effect of team diversity in the context of social entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a survey among new ventures in Austria. Data from 326 new ventures were analyzed using linear and logistic regression analysis. Drawing on gender role theory, the effect of diverse and female founding teams on the amount of acquired external capital was tested, emphasizing how social goals may serve as a signaling mechanism to investors.FindingsIn line with gender role theory, the study confirms that female and diverse founding teams are more inclined to establish social ventures. While the authors find empirical support for this assertion, there was no evidence found for a second assertion by the gender role theory stating that social entrepreneurship can specifically reduce gender bias with respect to external equity funding of new ventures. Contrary to expectations, the tendency of female and diverse founding teams to prioritize social goals hinders their ability to secure external equity. Furthermore, this research indicates that gender-diverse and all-female teams achieve lower levels of employment growth compared to all-male teams. These results provide insights into the relationship between team composition and venture performance.Originality/valueAdding to gender role literature, this research expands the current understanding of how team gender diversity and social entrepreneurship affect venture performance. The study indicates a high prevalence of social entrepreneurship among gender-diverse teams and highlights specific challenges faced by female and gender-diverse founding teams. The findings underpin the need for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by female and gender-diverse teams in the entrepreneurship area. By addressing these dynamics, the study offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs, laying a foundation for future research into promoting gender equality and fostering inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems.

An Analysis of Motivations and Typologies for the Consumption of Prostitution as Perceived by a Young Spanish Sample

Our study addresses prostitution as a phenomenon linked to the feminization of poverty, the exploitation of women, and gender inequality, highlighting the role of male demand in its perpetuation. Spain is positioned as one of the main destinations for prostitution, with a high incidence of men paying for sex, normalizing this practice. Male motivations, classified in categories such as loneliness, risk attraction, domination, and validation of masculinity, reinforce objectification and violence against women. The aim of this study is to explore the different motivational typologies of prostitution consumption perceived by the Spanish population, as well as the perceived differences between men and women with respect to these typologies. With a sample of 198 young Spaniards (57.1% female, M = 22.5 years), we used the Motives for Prostitution Consumption Scale (MCP). Factor analyses identified two main factors: experimentation and attraction to the forbidden and sexual needs, satisfaction, and companionship, consistent with previous typologies in the literature. Results revealed that women perceive control and dominance as predominant motivations, while men emphasize sexual and affective needs. The MPC demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency indices (α ≥ 0.70) and the ability to discriminate between groups with different perceptions of the motivations of women and men. Limitations include a predominantly young university sample and the need for further validation with more diverse populations. The study reinforces the importance of analyzing male motivations for prostitution use in order to design educational strategies to promote gender equality and reduce prostitution.