Promote Gender Equality Research Articles

Gender empowerment and environmental impact: A quantile regression analysis in BRICS economies

This study, with its significant findings, delves into the impact of women's status on environmental quality in BRICS economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) from 1960 to 2022. Using a novel method, the Method of Moments Quantile Regression, this study has been able to analyse the relationship. The results, which are of utmost importance, show that women's political empowerment and leadership positions (government chief executives) significantly reduce carbon emissions, while the impact of women's civil liberties along with population growth increases emissions across the analysed quantiles. Economic growth is insignificantly negatively associated with environmental quality. The paper's findings reveal a unidirectional causal relationship from women's political empowerment to emissions, carbon emissions to women's civil liberties and emissions to economic growth. Additionally, a bi-directional causality connection is evident between population growth and environmental quality. These insights, which are crucial for policymaking, suggest that promoting improved women's status is a crucial policy strategy for mitigating climate change in BRICS economies. Thus, this paper suggests that empowerment of women is an effective strategy for reducing carbon emissions. It emphasizes the need for climate policy to promote gender equality, prioritise women's leadership in the clean energy industry, and enhance their access to resources and opportunities.

The influence of wife abuse on women’s reproductive choices in Southern African Countries: Findings from a cross-sectional analysis of demographic and health surveys

Understanding women's attitudes towards wife abuse and its effects on their reproductive choices is crucial for promoting gender equality in Southern Africa. However, a paucity of research has explored this relationship. Using IPUMS Demographic and Health Surveys data from 2011-2018 across eight Southern African nations, we analyzed 17,968 women's attitudes towards wife beating and their reproductive choices through a cross-sectional design and multilevel logistic regression models. Our findings reveal that 84.9% of women expressed negative attitudes towards wife abuse, with 44.2% demonstrating autonomy in reproductive choices. Women who opposed wife beating exhibited greater autonomy in reproductive decision-making (44.6%), while those justifying wife discipline showed decreased autonomy (aOR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.78-0.91]). Older age (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.19-1.58]) and higher education (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI [1.18-2.60]) increased the likelihood of autonomy. Country-level variations were evident, with Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia showing higher autonomy odds compared to Angola. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and policies to shift attitudes and promote gender equality and reproductive health in Southern Africa.

Indonesian Teachers’ Perspectives on Gender Representation in EFL Textbook Visual Images for Elementary Schools

Background: The use of gendered visual imagery in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks has raised concerns about perpetuating gender stereotypes and the potential effect on students' conceptions of gender roles. Despite the widespread use of mandated textbooks in primary classrooms in Indonesia, less is known about instructors' perceptions of gendered visual imagery. Methodology: This qualitative research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analytic methodologies. An investigation was conducted in Samarinda East Kalimantan to collect the perspectives of 41 teachers who teach English in elementary school regarding the gendered visual representations present in the mandatory EFL textbooks. Furthermore, 12 teachers were chosen to partake in exhaustive interviews to present more informed and profound perspectives. Findings: They merely focused on how to teach the materials rather than scrutinizing the gender bias represented through texts and visual images. The study revealed that a significant proportion of teachers (80%) believed that gendered visual imagery in textbooks was not impartial and could influence the gender roles of pupils. Furthermore, a significant majority (75%) said they often adjusted or avoided using these pictures in their teaching methods. The interviews highlighted the teachers' concern about the possible negative impact of these pictures on students' social relationships and self-image. However, they merely focused on how to teach the materials rather than scrutinizing the gender bias represented through texts and visual images Conclusion: The findings suggest that elementary school teachers in Indonesia know the potential negative repercussions of gendered visual images in EFL textbooks and have implemented measures to mitigate these effects. The study underscores the importance of incorporating diverse and inclusive visual materials into educational resources to promote gender equality and positive gender representations. This concept is new to them. They agree that gender equality needs to be addressed and discussed as part of the content in classroom practices to raise students’ awareness of gender bias. Originality: Previous studies have investigated the frequency and occurrence of gender bias in textbooks, found in images and texts. However, there is a lack of investigation into teachers' awareness of gender stereotypes in textbooks. This study enhances the existing corpus of literature by examining the perspectives of teachers on the use of gendered visual images in EFL textbooks in elementary schools in Indonesia. It emphasizes the importance of teachers and policymakers advocating for more inclusive educational resources and considering the impact of visual materials on students' gender perceptions

The impact of education and training on promoting gender equality while simultaneously contributing to sustainable peacebuilding

The interplay between education, training, and gender equality is crucial in the context of peacebuilding. This paper investigates how educational initiatives can foster gender equality while simultaneously contributing to sustainable peace in conflict-affected societies. By examining the transformative role of education, This research investigate the potential to empower women and girls, challenge traditional gender norms, and facilitate social cohesion. Giving access to quality of education enables women to gain essential skills and knowledge, which are vital for their participation in peacebuilding processes. Educational programs that incorporate gender sensitive curricula not only promote awareness of gender issues but also encourage critical thinking and dialogue about conflict resolution and civic engagement. Such programs can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster a culture of respect and collaboration between genders. vocational training initiatives aimed at women can enhance their economic independence, which is crucial for their active involvement in peace processes. Empowered women can act as catalysts for change, advocating for their rights and contributing to community resilience. Some case studies from various regions illustrate how education and training have been instrumental in mobilizing women as leaders in peacebuilding efforts. This research discusses the importance of involving men and boys in educational programs that promote gender equality. By engaging all genders in discussions about peace and equality, communities can work towards a more inclusive approach to conflict resolution. The findings indicate that education serves as a critical foundation for building a peaceful society where gender equality is prioritized. The integrating education and training focused on gender equality into peacebuilding strategies can lead to more sustainable outcomes. Investing in the education of both women and men is essential for creating a culture of peace, reducing violence, and fostering inclusive governance. Ultimately, this approach not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities and contributes to broader societal stability.

Fostering Gender Transformative Cities around the World

In the context of rapid urbanisation and the effects of climate change and conflicts, social inclusion and stakeholder engagements remain a low priority for most decision-makers in shaping the future of cities. The urban development initiative Her City intends to mainstream gender and age perspectives in urban planning and design decision-making processes. Her City offers a toolbox for municipal professionals, urban actors, and local decision-makers to involve girls and young women in urban planning and design processes and challenge exclusionary practices and social inequalities. This viewpoint asserts that integrating girls' perspectives leads to more responsive urban planning and the creation of inclusive and economically viable public spaces across the world. Applying an intersectional approach to urban planning, in a multitude of urban settings with different social, cultural, political and economic prerequisites, have proven to be an efficient shortcut to sustainable cities, Additionally, the initiative's success is underscored by its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), delivering resilient cities for all. This viewpoint presents lessons learned from the application of Her City in Peru, Jamaica, Mozambique, Uganda, Palestine, Thailand, and Italy. These localised projects in various regions demonstrate how Her City can deliver tangible outcomes, such as the revitalisation of public spaces, community empowerment, and the promotion of gender equality, while fostering social cohesion, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. By championing gender-responsive urban development, Her City offers a blueprint for creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities globally.

Research on the Impacts of Social Media Public Opinion on Women and Related Countermeasures

The development of social media platforms allowed people to express their perspectives on hotspot events freely. These different perspectives belong to public opinion, and they can affect people in several ways. Women are usually associated with many hotspot events, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and so on, and social media can make these events highly exposed and discussed. Some women use public opinion to speak up for themselves successfully, while others endure the injuries brought by public opinion because of some stereotypes and the dissemination of rumors. So, understanding the formation and propagation of public opinion, the specific pros and cons produced by public opinion, and the appropriate solution to reduce injuries can help to create a harmonious online environment and promote gender equality all over the world. Therefore, this essay reviews and analyzes the previous research to explore the procedure of how positive and negative effects were created by public opinion. Ultimately, it offers disparate strategies that different stakeholders can adopt to minimize the negative impacts.

Protection of Women’s Rights in Workplace Sexual Harassment

In contemporary society, the impact of workplace sexual harassment on women is increasingly drawing attention. This paper, focusing on the study of workplace sexual harassment issues in China, aims to explore the current state of legal protections for women and the corresponding measures. The study utilizes regulative analysis and case study methods to examine the drawbacks and limitations of the legal framework in practical application, revealing deficiencies in safeguarding women’s rights. The research finds that despite some legislation in China specifying the legal consequences of sexual harassment, the legislation lacks specificity and sufficient protection for women in its implementation. Therefore, this paper aims to provide theoretical support and policy recommendations to enhance the legal framework for preventing and addressing workplace sexual harassment, thereby promoting gender equality and a healthier workplace environment.

Gender inequality in Chinese Civil Service System: Dilemma Faced by the Female in the VUCA world

The role and socio-economic status of women in the public/private sphere are deeply influenced by a country’s historical, political, economic, and social policy development. In today’s VUCA era, the pattern of gender inequality still highlights women’s disadvantages in education, employment, social security treatment, and political participation. In such a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous era, Asian women prefer the relative stability and security of the civil service in their employment choices. Still, they are often disadvantaged in the workplace due to gender discrimination. Despite the measures taken by the Chinese government, the important goal of achieving social equality between men and women has remained an unfinished political agenda due to the lack of a holistic redistributive mechanism that promotes gender equality. In the future, the awakening of women themselves and the development of gender mainstreaming strategies and social policies will have a profound impact on the realization of gender equality in China.

The role of cybersecurity in women’s involvement in online sexual violence and its response strategies

With the rapid development of information technology, cyberspace has become an indispensable part of people’s daily lives. However, cyberspace is not a pure land, especially with the increasingly prominent issue of online sexual violence against women. This article explores the role of cybersecurity in women’s involvement in online sexual violence and its response strategies. The article first analyzes how cyberspace has become an important platform for people’s lives and work in the background of the popularization of the Internet and social media. Still, it also brings about network security problems, especially the increasingly serious phenomenon of online sexual violence against women. These behaviors seriously violate women’s privacy and reputation rights and cause significant harm to their mental health. The article demonstrates the widespread and severe nature of online sexual violence through specific cases and statistical data. At the same time, the article also analyzed the causes of online sexual violence, including insufficient regulation of social media platforms, information overload of personalized algorithm recommendations, and the impact of user emotional intelligence on online behavior. Regarding response strategies, the article proposes various suggestions, such as improving network security regulations and protection systems, enhancing public awareness and education, and promoting social cooperation. In particular, it emphasizes the importance of formulating and improving laws and regulations against online sexual violence, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, enhancing digital literacy programs, and promoting gender equality through school education and media publicity to raise awareness and respect for women’s rights.

The gendered division of household labor and decision-making in Tehran, Iran

The division of labor and decision-making within households is highly influenced by gender norms and resource allocation. However, there has been a marked shift away from traditional gender roles in domestic tasks and decision-making in recent years. This study examines the division of domestic responsibilities, childcare, and decision-making within households, as well as the socioeconomic factors that influence these dimensions in Iran. Data come from the “Survey of Married Lifestyle,” which included 1736 married people aged 18 years and over in Tehran, selected through a multi-stage random sampling process. The results reveal that while women are increasingly involved in decision-making, they still primarily shoulder the burden of household chores and childcare. Factors such as women’s education and income, as well as men’s education and dual-earner status, are key determinants of the division of labor in households. Social policies that focus on enhancing women’s access to education and economic opportunities are crucial for promoting gender equality and empowering women in household decision-making.

Examining the Domestic Adversities Imposed by Patriarchy on Working Women: A Sociological Perspective

This paper explores the domestic adversities faced by working women as a result of patriarchal structures. Through a sociological lens, it examines how traditional gender roles and societal expectations contribute to the unequal distribution of domestic labor, limited support systems, and the subsequent impact on women's mental and physical health. The study aims to highlight the need for systemic change to promote gender equality in both professional and domestic spheres. This work seeks to inform policy recommendations and interventions aimed at fostering more supportive environments for working women, promoting gender equality, and enhancing overall wellbeing in both professional and domestic spheres. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 11, Issue-4: 95-105.

The lived experiences of Women's identities and intersections in accessing social justice within the Ghanaian informal legal system: A phenomenological investigation

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is insufficient formal justice infrastructure in many countries, so informal courts play a significant role. This paper examines the intersections of women's identities and access to social justice within Ghana's informal court system. Using an exploratory qualitative research approach, the study involved 15 women who utilised the informal court system. Findings indicate that traditional gender roles, social harmony-based adjudication, and the social consequences of court decisions on family households hinder women's access to justice. While these courts are accessible and affordable, their decisions primarily focus on reconciliation, failing to provide women with equal access to social justice. The study emphasizes the need for promoting gender equity, enhancing fairness in informal justice mechanisms, and creating supportive environments for women's access to justice. It suggests socio-legal reforms to address socio-cultural barriers and promote gender equality within informal justice systems.

Gender Equality Through Abortion Rights: Exploring the Constitutional Framework and Social Justice

This paper examines the legal protection of the right to abortion under the U.S. constitutional framework and its impact on women's equality. The study traces the historical and jurisprudential development of the right to abortion and examines the impact of restricting this right on women's education, employment, and overall social justice. This is achieved through the analysis of relevant legal documents. The findings indicate that the protection of the right to abortion is crucial for the assurance of women's autonomy in matters of reproduction, and has a substantial influence on their educational and economic prospects. The paper concludes that the constitutional protection of abortion is a crucial step in achieving gender equality and social justice. It is incumbent upon governments and courts to promote gender equality and social justice by introducing legislation to protect the right to abortion and by creating social security systems. The following section will examine the aforementioned topic in greater detail.

A Renewable Energy Program to Address Power Dynamics in East Sumba, Indonesia

The Indonesian government's commitment to sustainable development includes reducing emissions by 29% by 2030, with initiatives like the Sumba Iconic Island, which aims to provide 100% renewable energy on Sumba Island. Despite the economic opportunities this initiative offers, women in Sumba, especially in remote areas like Luku Wingir Village, face significant barriers, including limited access to energy resources and exclusion from decision-making processes due to traditional power dynamics and caste systems. This research aims to explore how renewable energy programs can address these challenges and promote gender equality. Using qualitative methods such as desk research, interviews, and focus group discussions, the research examines the potential of renewable energy initiatives to transform gender norms and empower marginalized groups. The results suggest that such programs can positively influence women's economic participation and improve overall rural community well-being by challenging existing power dynamics. The research’s findings have important implications for the design and implementation of inclusive renewable energy initiatives, particularly in fostering gender equity and sustainable development in rural areas.

Empowering Women: Economic Participation And Leadership Development

Empowering women in economic participation and leadership development remains a critical issue globally, with significant disparities in opportunities and representation. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing women's economic participation and leadership roles through a quantitative approach. They were analyzed using statistical methods, including regression analysis. The results reveal a significant positive correlation between access to education, mentorship programs, and economic empowerment, highlighting that women with leadership training exhibit higher participation in leadership roles. The findings emphasize the importance of policy frameworks and support systems to bridge the gender gap in economic and leadership domains. The conclusion underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance women's leadership capabilities and economic participation, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders in promoting gender equality.

The Gender Inequality in The Peruvian Labor Market, 2004-2021

The objective of the research is to describe gender inequality in the Peruvian labor market, 2004-2021, identifying the main factors that trigger this problem. The metho-dology applied is documentary type because different articles, works and research reports are collected. For this purpose, a descriptive and comparative analysis was carried out by gender of the following aspects: economically active population, activity rate employ-ment, economically active employed population, labor income, gender wage gap, emplo-yed population in the secondary sector, underemployment, salaried employment and une-mployment. Despite the advances in gender equality, a constant and wide gap remains between men and women in the labor market. Likewise, the results found show that most of the labor market variables by gender have a positive impact and are statistically signifi-cant on the human development index, the estimates would be affected by other gender inequalities that exist in the labor market such as discrimination, stereotypes, among ot-hers.

Gender role in food rights and sovereignty in West Africa: A rapid review

Recognizing the critical role gender plays in food systems within West Africa, this review paper explores the contributions women make throughout the food value chain and the challenges they face in achieving food and nutrition security. A search across the databases; Hinari, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science targeted peer-reviewed articles reporting on studies published between 2000 and 2023 in English or French and focused on women in West Africa. Data were extracted using a predefined form in Covidence and a narrative synthesis was used to summarize women’s roles and challenges within food systems. Thematic analysis of 69 peer-reviewed articles out of a total of 9,789 screened revealed West African women as central figures in regional food systems. Beyond their well-documented roles in land preparation, planting, and harvesting, women actively engage in processing, distribution, marketing and household consumption of diverse food crops (fruits, vegetables, grains and tubers) across rural and urban agri-food systems. This multifaceted engagement extends far beyond production, demonstrably impacting key socio-economic and nutrition metrics including food security, food sovereignty, and sustainable livelihoods of countless communities across the region. Nonetheless, women are disproportionately affected by challenges such as unequal access to resources, limited decision-making power, and restrictive cultural norms and education. These factors hinder their participation in different activities within the food system. To address these gendered disparities and promote equitable food systems, targeted interventions are crucial. These interventions must prioritize education and training to equip women with knowledge, skills, and modern technology. Additionally, policy changes are necessary to promote equitable access to resources, financing and land ownership. Furthermore, dismantling discriminatory cultural norms and promoting gender equality are essential steps along with implementing infrastructure and technologies that address women's specific needs. By prioritizing women's empowerment through a combination of education, policy changes, technological upgrades, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, West Africa can strive towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. Key words: food sovereignty, food rights, food systems, gender dynamics, West Africa

How psychological perceptions and family dynamics shape necessity- and opportunity-based female entrepreneurship: the role of gender equality

Purpose This paper aims to explore how psychological perceptions and family situations drive women into necessity- or opportunity-based female entrepreneurship (NBFE or OBFE) and the moderating role of gender equality. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts multilevel logistic regression analysis to examine relationships based on a sample of 6,843 women across eight developing countries drawn from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Findings The findings suggest that capability and opportunity perceptions positively affect NBFE and OBFE. Family responsibility burden positively affects NBFE and has a U-shaped relationship with OBFE. Household income negatively affects NBFE but positively affects OBFE. Gender equality weakens the U-shaped relationship between family responsibility burden and OBFE but strengthens the positive relationship between capability perception and NBFE and between opportunity perception and NBFE. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support that consider the distinct antecedents and mechanisms of NBFE and OBFE, as well as the importance of promoting gender equality and entrepreneurial education to empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. A limitation of this study is the reliance on older data from the GEM, which may not fully capture the current dynamics of developing societies. While the study provides valuable insights, future research should incorporate more recent data to enhance the applicability of the results. Originality/value This study deepens the understanding of antecedents of NBFE and OBFE, breaking through the existing literature that neglects the heterogeneity of female entrepreneurship (FE).

The Collateral Damage of Policy Reform: Low-Income Women Retirees, State Feminism, and the Pension System in Sweden

In 2014, the Swedish government declared itself the first feminist government in the world. Indeed, the country has been successful in promoting gender equality, yet many retired women, particularly in rural areas, live on an income below the EU poverty line. Based on analysis of Sweden’s pension system, the country’s commitment to gender equality, and interviews with low-income women pensioners in rural Sweden, this article explores why some women end up living in poverty in later life. The article demonstrates how the Swedish pension reform of the 1990s has generated a structural lag; today’s older women have lived during times that were radically different from the world nowadays, yet their pensions are based on forward-looking ideals. Consequently, today’s older women have become “collateral damage” (Bauman 2011) of securing a new form of pension system, and seemingly also neglected in the state’s promise of ensuring gender equality.

The Contribution of Halide Edib Adıvar to the Development of the Women’s Movement in Türkiye and Her Influence in the Context of Gender Equality

Halide Edib Adıvar, a prominent literary figure, holds a significant place in Turkish political scenes and Turkish literature during the Republican era. Her personal life, activities she participated in, and particularly her views on women's rights distinguish Halide Edib in a unique position. During the National Struggle, Halide Edib actively engaged in Anatolia and was among the first female speakers to emphasize the need for Turkish women to attain a dignified position in modern societies through her speeches, literary works, and writings. Acting as an educator advocating for active female participation in the education sphere, Halide Edib portrayed modern and educated female models in her works. Through her novels and writings, she made substantial contributions to the Turkish women's movement by presenting strong representations of women and questioning societal gender roles. Halide Edib Adıvar used various media outlets such as columns, articles, and books to promote gender equality. Drawing attention to women's education in her novels and writings, she encouraged awareness on the subject. In accordance with the directive of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, she co-founded the Anadolu Agency with Yunus Nadi Abalıoğlu in Ankara on April 6, 1920, seventeen days before the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on April 23, 1920. Halide Edib actively engaged in journalism by translating the political content of newspapers published in English at the agency. Halide Edib also played a role in the Women's Defense of Homeland Society, one of Turkey's first women's associations, striving to empower women for greater societal and political involvement. This study employs qualitative research methods to comprehensively examine Halide Edib Adıvar's role in societal change, her contributions to the women's rights movement, and her impact on empowering and raising awareness among women in Turkey and globally.