Promote Gender Equality Research Articles

The Interplay of Digital Technologies and Gender in Imtiaz’s Karachi, you are Killing me: A Cyberfeminist Analysis

This article examines the complex dynamics of women’s relationships with technology in modern urban difficulties, focusing on Saba Imtiaz’s Karachi, You’re Killing Me!. Keeping in view how Sadie Plant’s cyberfeminist theory informs about the revolutionary possibilities of the digital world, the study examines the challenges and opportunities that influence women’s use of technology as they navigate the complexity of a diverse yet dangerous metropolis, Karachi. This article argues that analysing women’s interactions with technology inside the novel, delivers a larger implication of women-tech interaction for promoting gender equality in metropolitan area of Karachi where socioeconomic gaps are prevalent. It is important to examine how gender nequities in the digital world, access concerns, and societal norms interact with the novel’s nique depiction of technology as a tool that amidst these challenges empowers women. Finally, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge on women’s agency in the digital era by highlighting the importance of the particular urban setting for conversations about technology, gender and empowerment.

Stolen Childhood and Desolate Future: On Child Marriage in the Makawanpur's Chepang Community

Child marriage remains a critical issue not only in Nepal but globally, predominantly affecting South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In Nepal, the Terai region, rural areas, particularly among economically disadvantaged and Dalit communities, faces alarmingly high rates of child marriage. Main objective of this study is to investigate the causes and consequences of child marriage in the Chepang Community. This phenomenon is driven by poverty, social pressure to maintain ties, and the misconception that it offers protection. ADD Primary data has directly been taken from the Chepang community through interview, and Previous studies, book, articles, bulletin, journal are used as a secondary data. This paper employs qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with twenty households and case studies involving two Chepang women, to explore the causes and consequences of child marriage in the study area. Its consequences are profound, directly impacting girls' health and education. Many girls drop out before completing primary education due to domestic responsibilities like cooking and household chores. Early pregnancies, despite physical immaturity, contribute to high maternal and child mortality rates. The statement effectively highlights the multifaceted issue of child marriage in the Chepang community, touching on key factors such as socio-cultural norms, purity, economic pressures, and educational limitations. It also emphasizes the negative impacts of early marriage on health, education, and economic independence, reinforcing cycles of poverty and gender inequality. The proposed solutions education, legal enforcement, awareness, and promoting gender equality are crucial for addressing this issue. However, a deeper exploration of specific interventions tailored to the Chepang community's context could further strengthen the argument.

Integrating Global Norms for Gender Equity in Kazakhstan: Aligning Workplace and Social Security Legislation with Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study investigates the impact of international standards on shaping national approaches to gender equality, focusing on Kazakhstan’s legal and social frameworks. Theoretical Framework: This research is based on theoretical perspectives regarding implementing international law, offering a foundation for understanding how global norms influence national policies. Method: A multidisciplinary methodology is applied, including comparative legal analysis, normative-legal methods, systems analysis, and legal modeling. Forecasting techniques are also used to anticipate future trends in the alignment of national policies with international gender equality standards. Results and Discussion: This study identifies several critical challenges that Kazakhstan faces in reforming its social and labor policies to align with international standards. Significant institutional and legal barriers hinder progress in promoting gender equality and eliminating discrimination. The discussion focuses on these obstacles and examines their implications for policy development and implementation. Research Implications: The findings of this study contribute to academic research and policy development by enriching the scientific discourse on gender equality and offering recommendations for integrating international standards into national legislation. This study not only provides a theoretical basis but also offers practical ideas for improving policies and legal frameworks. Originality/Value: This study sheds new light on the relationship between international legal standards and national legislation. It offers practical recommendations for advancing gender equality and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) by promoting the empowerment of women.

Assessing the Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Women Faculty Members in PU Colleges of Kalaburagi District, Karnataka: A Gendered Perspective

This study explores the information needs and seeking behaviors of women faculty members working in pre-university (PU) colleges in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, India. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates the primary sources of information, satisfaction levels with library services, and the impact of socio-demographic factors on information-seeking behaviors. The study reveals significant disparities in access to and use of digital resources, influenced by factors such as age, marital status, and educational background. The findings highlight the critical need for enhanced library services, tailored training programs, and policy interventions to support women faculty in their academic and research activities. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on gender and technology in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of equitable information access in promoting gender equality in STEM fields.

Preventing and responding to violence against women: A case study from Vietnam

Violence against women (VAW) has significant detrimental effects on the daily lives of women and the overall development of society. Addressing VAW poses a considerable challenge for nations striving to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Vietnamese society, deeply influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism, continues to perpetuate male preferences. The persistence of gender stereotypes and discrimination shaped by societal norms serves as an underlying cause of VAW in Vietnam. Despite the Vietnamese government’s efforts since 2010 to implement prevention and response programs for gender-based violence, the alarming reality is that nearly 63% of women report experiencing at least one form of violence in their lives. However, various obstacles prevent many of these women from seeking legal protection. These obstacles include inadequate support services, burdensome proof requirements, and fear of re-victimization. Thus, the crucial question of how to effectively eliminate VAW in Vietnam remains a major concern, influencing the nation’s progress toward achieving the SDGs and upholding its commitment as a member country of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. This paper analyzes the obstacles Vietnam faces in its efforts to prevent and respond to VAW, aiming to safeguard women’s rights and advance gender equality.

Connecting gender equality with sustainability in early childhood: educators understandings in Victoria, Australia

Three decades of international recommendations have highlighted the importance of advancing gender equality in achieving the aims of Education for Sustainability (EfS) at all levels of education. However, there has been a persistent disconnect between considerations of gender and sustainability in early childhood education (ECE). This article presents findings from a small-scale, mixed methods research project that sought to address this gap. The project explored educators’ understandings of the relationship between gender equality and sustainability, using survey and interview methods, with early childhood educators in Victoria, Australia. Key findings indicate a disconnection between discourses of sustainability and gender equality obscures educators’ perceptions of the ways that gender influences EfS in ECE. Equally, while the majority of participants had not previously considered their connection, they believed gender equality is important to, and pedagogically aligned with, their sustainability teaching objectives. The findings are used to propose a Continuum of Gender Equitable Early Childhood Education for Sustainability.

The lack of STEM vocations and gender gap in secondary education students

The gender gap in STEM vocations among high school students still remains a troubling reality. Several studies indicate that students in general have less interest in science and technology subjects, and this disparity is even more distinguishable among female students. In fact, the aforementioned gender gap in STEM begins to manifest itself at an early age and worsens during adolescence. Some of the multiple causes include cultural factors, gender stereotypes, and lack of female role models. Therefore, it is essential to promote gender equality and encourage inclusion and diversity in the educational environment as a key measure to reduce the gap. This is why in this study comprehensive research was carried out to analyse the factors that contribute to the gender gap in STEM careers. To this end, a survey was conducted of approximately 1,000 secondary education students from a range of centres in the Canary Islands. The survey yielded insights into the direct influence of close references on students and the lack of female role models. This allowed the identification of effective measures to increase women’s participation in these fields. One of the suggested solutions is the implementation of practical workshops, in which female figures play a key role. These workshops are used to demonstrate to students that there are numerous role models nearby who can motivate and encourage them to explore and develop their interest in the field of science and technology. By providing said opportunities and role models, our aim is to build their confidence and provide them with the necessary tools to take advantage of all the opportunities that the STEM field has to offer.

Miscarriage: cases of unfair incrimination reveal weaknesses in the criminalization of abortion

The article examines the historical, religious and legal context of abortion, highlighting its criminalization in Ecuador and its impact on women's health and rights. Subsequently, it addresses the injustice of criminalization derived from a situation of spontaneous abortion and proposes to evaluate the theoretical elements that should be considered to avoid the issuance of sentences to women who experience this condition. To this end, the methodology employed focused on the analysis of representative cases. The cases analyzed include Sara, Marta, Paola and Maribel, who suffered unjust detentions and cruel treatment in the judicial system due to medical complications or situations of gender violence. The findings reveal a pattern of discrimination and stigmatization against low-income women and marginalized communities and conclude that the criminalization of abortion increases risks to women's health and lives, perpetuating gender-based violence and inequality. This ultimately highlights the urgent need to reform abortion laws and policies in Ecuador to protect human rights and promote gender equality.

Promoting Gender Equality Through Cross-Disciplinary Collaborative Online International Learning Projects: The Students’ Perspective

Promoting Gender Equality Through Cross-Disciplinary Collaborative Online International Learning Projects: The Students’ Perspective

Impostor syndrome among Ecuadorian women in the labour market

This article deals with the impostor syndrome in Ecuadorian women in the labour market, highlighting its impact on professional development and emotional well-being. The literature review analyses its definition, causes and manifestations, as well as its effect on decision-making and labour relations. A qualitative methodology was used for data collection, including a documentary review and interviews with experts to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. In this sense, the importance of addressing this syndrome to promote gender equality, well-being at work and productivity is highlighted.

Female Image and Gender Discourse in Drama, Film and Television Literature

This paper aims to explore the multiple representation of female images in drama, film and television literature and the construction of gender discourse behind it. Through analyzing the shaping of female roles in different historical periods and cultural backgrounds, this paper reveals how they reflect the changes and conflicts of social gender concepts. The article emphasizes that the female image is not only the product of artistic creation, but also the mirror image of social gender power relations, which is of great significance to promote gender equality.

Empowering Women in Saudi Workforce: HR, Job Satisfaction, and Policies for Work–Life Balance

The present study investigates the sustainable influence of human resources (HR) support on job satisfaction and work–life balance among female employees in Saudi Arabia, underlining its significance in advancing social sustainability within the workforce. It seeks to analyze the role of job satisfaction as a mediator and organizational policies as moderators in these relationships. This study analyzed data from a simple random sample of 145 employed women in different sectors in Saudi Arabia, utilizing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as inferential statistical methods for hypotheses testing. We conducted an evaluation of mediating and moderating effects in the investigated relationships using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The findings show a strong positive relationship between HR support, work–life balance, and job satisfaction in Saudi Arabia’s female workforce. The mediation function of job satisfaction in the relationship between HR support and work–life balance emphasizes the critical role of positive working experiences in achieving work–life balance. Furthermore, this research highlights organizational policies as a crucial mediator, indicating that implementing supportive and progressive policies might amplify the beneficial impacts of HR practices on work–life balance and job satisfaction. The present study enhances the existing body of knowledge by offering empirical findings on the importance of culturally customized sustainable HR practices and the crucial function of organizational policies in advancing gender equality and achieving a healthy work–life balance.

The impact of digitization in manufacturing on female employment and gender wage gap

This paper comprehensively examines the impact of digitization in manufacturing on female employment and the gender wage gap, utilizing data from Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The findings indicate that digitization creates more employment opportunities for female workers, increases their employment share, and narrows the gender wage gap. Notably, the increase in female employment due to digitization is more pronounced in private enterprises, as well as in the eastern and central regions, particularly within low-tech industries. Similarly, the effect of digitization on reducing the gender wage gap is most significant in private enterprises, eastern regions, and low-tech sectors. The mechanism underlying these changes suggests that manufacturing digitization enhances female employment through increased output and productivity, thereby contributing to a reduction in the gender wage gap. This study holds significant value for advancing digitization and promoting gender equality in the labor market.

Prevalence and factors associated with the perpetration and victimization of teen dating violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Dating violence is a global health problem that affects adolescents physically, psychologically and sexually. During adolescence, there is a high prevalence and negative consequences in both perpetration and victimization, which can vary according to culture, but maintain common characteristics in traditional societies. Factors associated with the perpetration and victimization of gender-based violence among adolescents include gender inequality, discrimination, substance use, parental neglect, peer influence and exposure to family violence. Despite modern criticisms of gender expectations, traditional views that legitimize violence persist. In this sense, the collection of global data on the prevalence and factors associated with dating violence among adolescents could favour comparative studies between Western and Eastern cultures and is fundamental for informing public policies in a globalized world. It is hoped that the results will contribute to expanding scientific knowledge in the area, as well as helping managers and the academic community to target resources, identify risk groups and promote gender equality from adolescence onwards. In this sense, this study aims to globally assess the prevalence and factors associated with the perpetration and victimization of dating violence among adolescents. It is hoped that the results will expand scientific knowledge in this area.

Advancing gender equality in international ocean science: Participatory approaches for institutional actions

Gender inequality in international marine and ocean science is an ongoing barrier to ocean governance sustainability goals and requires systemic institutional transformation. Examining how participatory approaches can be applied at international level and contribute to advancing a gender equality agenda can help identify pathways for change. This study uses a timeline of a feminist participatory action research (FPAR) to explore its application within the International Council of the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), working with its community of marine science professionals, to advance gender equality. By documenting and mapping formal and informal actions against a theory of change, the research reveals that stages of awareness, understanding, and action are dynamic and overlap. Despite varying degrees of short-term acceptance and resistance, ongoing community engagement, monitoring, and evaluation is essential for fostering longer-term change. The analysis demonstrates how FPAR can be applied in an intergovernmental organization, with multiple factors, including drivers, data collection, co-creation through dialogue, and specific actions contributing to driving a change agenda and the formulation and publication of a gender equality plan for the organization. The results demonstrate that meaningful actions can occur at various scales, with participatory engagement as central. The results provide evidence of how gender equality as a global meta-norm is diffused into practice and are discussed in the context of the limitations of formal gender equality plans to realize change.

ДЕКОНСТРУКЦИЯ И РЕКОНФИГУРАЦИЯ ГЕНДЕРНОГО ДИСКУСА В КАЗАХСТАНЕ: АНАЛИЗ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКИХ ВЕКТОРОВ

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the deconstruction and reconfiguration of gender discourse in Kazakhstan, based on an examination of current political vectors guiding transformations in the field of gender relations. The central task of the study is to identify key factors influencing the transformation of gender policy in Kazakhstan against the backdrop of global changes and modernization processes taking place in the country. The article examines the stages of the evolution of gender policy, starting from the post-Soviet period, when Kazakhstan began integrating into international organizations, paying special attention to promoting gender equality. Special attention is given to analyzing the interaction between national and international norms in the context of gender policy formation, as well as adapting global initiatives to local conditions. Structural issues, such as the insufficient institutionalization of gender strategies and the slow progress in achieving real gender equality, are highlighted. The article discusses both normative achievements, including the adoption of new legislative measures and programs, and the challenges of their implementation in the face of socio-economic and cultural barriers. The research is based on a comprehensive approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. Data from international studies, statistical reports, and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders involved in the gender policy-making process are utilized. A comparative analysis of Kazakhstan’s gender initiatives with similar processes in other post-Soviet countries is also presented. In conclusion, the article offers prospects for the further development of gender policy in Kazakhstan, including potential strategic directions for deepening the integration of gender equality into the country's social, political, and economic spheres. The author hypothesizes that successful promotion of gender equality requires not only political will but also a profound transformation of societal attitudes and practices, which can be achieved through a strengthened interdisciplinary approach and active engagement of civil society.

Beyond the ‘gender gap’ in agriculture: Africa's Green Revolution and gendered rural transformation in Rwanda

The African Green Revolution (AGR) aims to modernize, intensify, and commercialize agriculture through increasing technology adoption by smallholder farmers. AGR interventions also promote gender equality, aiming to close the ‘gender gap’ in agriculture by enhancing women's access to purchased inputs, technology, land, and finance. With an empirical focus on Rwanda, this article examines the gendered implications of the AGR. We critically reflect on the notion of gender gaps and the associated tendency of development research to treat gender as a variable, assessing outcomes for male-headed versus female-headed households in terms of their access to material assets. We argue that these assessments overlook (1) the differential impacts of AGR policies within households and (2) how agricultural modernization influences gendered access to material resources as well as immaterial responsibilities, norms, and identities. Our findings from a mixed-methods study with four Rwandan communities show how the AGR empowers men as ‘modern’ farmers while marginalizing women's agricultural spaces, labor, and crops. We argue that development research and practice should move beyond the narrow focus on gender gaps to additionally consider how technologies and policies are themselves gendered in ways that can constrict food security, entrench inequitable power dynamics, and further marginalize women.

Influence of Parental Attitudes Towards Girls Regular School Attendance in Public Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

The study was designed to examine the factors influencing parental attitudes towards girls' regular school attendance in public secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. The study was guided by feminism theory based on the framework of gender relations. The study employed descriptive research design. Purposive sampling and simple random were used to determine the sample size from the target population for the study. The content validity of instruments was assured while reliability of the data collection tool was tested using Cronbach coefficient correlation for consistence. Internal consistence of items in the questionnaire was established at r=0.871. The quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive statistical through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. While qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that, lack of parental attention on their daughters’ education at home, early pregnancy and or marriages, cultural dance such as “vigodoro”, household chores and activities, tendencies of parents not to encourage girl-child education, poor parent’s education and security concern for girls were the major factors that hindered girls from attending school regularly. The study also found that, other factors apart from the socio-cultural factors included, level of the education of parents, parents’ occupation, missing parents, negative attitudes on girls’ education and long distance to school played a significant role in hindering girls from attending school regularly. The study proposed several remedial measures such as construct of girls’ hostel, establishment and or promoting gender equality policies and enhancing girls’ educational opportunities be put in place to facilitate girls’ regular school attendance. It was recommended that, advocating for the policy reforms to support gender equity in education, revising the current policy of fee-free education to be relevant with parent’s economic status and creating supportive school environments would support female students regular school attendance. Community engagement and the awareness campaigns could shift societal attitudes and foster parental support for girls' education. It was concluded that, addressing the socio-cultural factors and economic barriers is crucial for ensuring equitable access to education for girls in public secondary schools

Meaning of work for South African women during the pandemic

Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted workplaces worldwide, prompting a re-evaluation of the meaning and significance of work, particularly among women who were uniquely impacted by the crisis.Research purpose: This study aimed to understand the meaning that South African women attributed to their work during the pandemic. Additionally, the research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 5 and 8), contributing to efforts to improve well-being, promote gender equality and ensure decent work.Motivation for the study: Understanding how the pandemic altered women’s perceptions and experiences of work can provide valuable insights for human resource professionals, helping to create more inclusive and supportive work environments.Research approach/design and method: A generic qualitative approach was employed, involving 10 semi-structured interviews with South African women who were formally employed both before and during the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data collected.Main findings: The study revealed that women had individual motivations for their chosen work, with the meaning of work varying among participants. Factors such as organisational and personal challenges, as well as the support received, significantly shaped these meanings.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations need to consider the unique challenges and support needs of women in the workplace, especially in the context of recovery from the pandemic.Contribution/value-add: The study enriches the body of literature on the meaning of work, particularly focussing on South African women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and informs organisational practices that can better support employees during crises and beyond.

Feminist Perspective of Community Development Practices in Nepal

Feminist perspective of community development encompasses the gender sensitive development practices to ensure the equitable share of benefits and progress to all community members regardless of gender disparity. This research paper aims to examine the current status of gender inequality and the application of feminist principles into community development initiatives in Nepal as a pathway for achieving gender equality. This paper has prepared in a descriptive research design which is based on the secondary information collected from different scholarly published sources such as journal article, edited books, publication of government and other organization along with online database through official websites of respective organizations, Google scholar, NepJOL and so on. The findings reveal that incorporating feminist principles in community development practices can result in positive outcomes such as increased participation of women and leadership in decision-making processes and improved access to resources and services. It concludes that incorporating feminist principles into community development initiatives can play pivotal role in achieving gender equality, reduced gender-based violence and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Nepal. Therefore, the study suggests that it is essential to implement targeted capacity-building programs to empower women with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring their active participation and leadership in community development initiatives to promote gender equality and inclusive progress in Nepal.