Promote Gender Equity Research Articles

Mother-Coaches’ Experiences of Policy and Programs: “Whoever Wrote This Policy Doesn’t Understand What It Means to Be a Mom”

In this paper, we explore the lived experiences of mother-coaches who, while coaching, navigate policy and programs aimed at promoting gender equity. Specifically, this study took place within the context of an amateur national, 10-day multisport games event in Canada. Using critical feminist narrative inquiry, 14 mother-coaches (apprentice, assistant, or head coach), representing eight different provinces, and 10 different sports, participated in this study. Three themes were constructed that call attention to the Canadian sport system broadly, as well as the 10-day multisport games event specifically: (a) performative policies and gendered assumptions, (b) programs that are band-aids for a “shitty culture,” and (c) a pathway to nowhere for mother-coaches. The findings complicate the hegemonic work–family conflict narrative, suggesting that mother-coaches’ advancement, opportunities, and quality experiences are impacted by the current heteropatriarchal culture and structure of sport that these programs and policy are rooted in.

The long-term impact of parenthood on women and men’s income in 26 European countries

Abstract Background Historically, women’s roles were predominantly associated with motherhood, leading to significant career interruptions and lower incomes compared to men. As gender roles have evolved, as did labor policies protecting parents, it would be expected that income penalties in women and income premiums in men would attenuate, especially in the long term. This study aims to assess the association between the number of children and the income earned by women and men in older adulthood. Methods We used data from wave 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which includes 43,772 participants with 50 years old or over and their partners, living in 26 European countries. Multilevel analysis was employed to estimate the association between having children and the total, employment-related, and pensions-related incomes, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and clustering by country. Results The highest median annual total income was identified for individuals living in Bismarkian (€19,000) and Scandinavian countries (€17,708), more than twice the income earned in the European remaining countries. Having had children was associated with lower total income (OR = 0.870 for 1-2 children, OR = 0.773 for 3-5 children, OR = 0.666 for more than 5 children; p < 0.005), and women received lower total incomes (OR = 0.694; p < 0.001). These patterns were also found for employment- and pensions-related incomes. Conclusions There is a long-term negative effect of having had children, and of the number of children, on income, both employment and pension-related, but women continue to receive about 30% lower incomes than men. The adoption of comprehensive policies stimulating a more equal gender distribution of childrearing responsibilities, while protecting parenthood, along with recognizing caregiving responsibilities in pension calculations, could mitigate these disparities and promote gender equity and better living conditions at the older ages.

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.

Aligning With SDG 5: Addressing Barriers and Fostering Female Participation in Stem Education in India

Objective: This study investigates the barriers preventing female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in India, aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The research aims to identify demotivation factors faced by female students and develop participant-informed recommendations to foster greater female engagement in these disciplines. Method: A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing open-ended surveys, narrative interviews, and focus groups with female students across various educational levels in India. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes related to the barriers and potential solutions for increasing female participation in STEM. Results: The study reveals key barriers, including cultural expectations, gender discrimination, institutional biases, lack of female role models, and social pressures, which discourage women from pursuing STEM careers. Specific challenges such as safety concerns, biased judgments, and limited mentorship opportunities were also highlighted. Based on these findings, several recommendations emerged, including policy reforms, inclusive curricula, gender sensitization programs, mentorship initiatives, and early engagement activities. Contribution: The study contributes to the understanding of gender disparities in STEM education in India by offering actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and communities. It emphasizes a multifaceted approach combining cultural change, policy reform, institutional support, and targeted interventions to foster an inclusive environment for women in STEM. This research aligns with SDG 5 by advocating for strategies that promote gender equity and empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term effectiveness of these interventions across diverse contexts and disciplines.

Interest, learning opportunities and teaching experience as predictors of professional vision in gender-sensitive physics education

ABSTRACT To promote gender equity in physics education, it is essential to understand the factors that influence how even pre-service teachers perceive, interpret and make decisions when gender inequities arise in the classroom. This means that we need to pay particular attention to teachers’ professional vision of gender-sensitive physics teaching. The following study examines pre-service teachers’ interest in gender-sensitive teaching and learning, as well as their learning opportunities and teaching experiences as potential predictors of their professional vision. A questionnaire and a vignette test were used for a cross-sectional survey of 586 pre-service teachers in Switzerland. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyse the predictors. The results contribute to the current research on gender-sensitive physics education, highlighting the importance of interest as the strongest predictor, followed by teaching experience and number of learning opportunities. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance for teacher training programs in gender-sensitive science education.

Gender Roles and their Influence on the Socio-economic Dynamics of the Community in Jamunar Char Under Manikganj District, Bangladesh

This study explores the influence of gender roles on the socio-economic dynamics of Jamunar Char in the Manikganj District of Bangladesh, focusing on their impact on household decision-making and economic participation. The research aims to assess how gender roles shape decision-making processes within households, with a particular emphasis on women's involvement in agriculture, fisheries, and other livelihood sectors. The study examines the barriers and opportunities that affect women's participation in income-generating activities and entrepreneurship. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore how gender roles influence socio-economic dynamics in Jamunar Char, Bangladesh. Combining quantitative surveys and qualitative case studies, the research reveals gender-based disparities in economic activities, decision-making, and access to resources. Findings reveal how entrenched gender roles impact economic opportunities and decision-making in the community. This study highlights the critical need for gender-sensitive policies to enhance women's economic contributions and address the structural challenges they face. By identifying these barriers and opportunities, the research provides valuable insights for developing targeted interventions to promote gender equity and economic resilience in Jamunar Char.

Empowering youth as Changemakers for gender-transformative action: a play-based participatory approach in South-East Nepal.

This study explored how youth participatory action research (YPAR) methods, specifically play-based activities integrated with cricket, can engage adolescent girls in Nepal's Terai region to identify and address gender-related health challenges. It aimed to assess how these methods contribute to empowering girls, developing research capacities, and promoting gender equity through sports. Three interactive workshops were held with adolescent girls forming 'Cricket Changemakers' teams. Through a combination of cricket-based activities, participatory games, and discussions, the workshops aimed to build research skills and explore gender issues in their communities. Qualitative data were gathered through observations, reflective notes, and outputs from play-based tasks. Data were analysed using framework analysis to evaluate the contribution of these activities to key YPAR processes such as power sharing, communication, and strategic thinking. The play-based methods improved collaboration, networking, and communication among participants. The cricket activities fostered collective power and provided opportunities for girls to reflect on and challenge local gender norms. Participants identified issues including restrictions on mobility, societal expectations, and the unequal distribution of household chores. The workshops facilitated the development of research action plans focused on increasing girls' participation in cricket and shifting community perceptions of girls' roles. The integration of play-based YPAR methods shows promise for fostering gender-transformative change among adolescent girls in Nepal. These methods created a space for girls to express challenges and co-develop strategies for social change. Findings suggest that sports-based participatory research can be a valuable tool in public health interventions for gender equity, though more work is needed to address methodological challenges and ensure meaningful participation.

Exploring career interest and STEM self-efficacy: implications for promoting gender equity.

This study explores the relationship between career interests and self-efficacy in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among young girls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Employing a quantitative research design with a correlational approach, we utilize the S-STEM survey to measure changes in students' STEM subject efficacy and their interest in STEM careers. Our sample comprises 671 middle and high school female students from 49 schools, representing a diverse cross-section of the population. The findings indicate that female students exhibit high levels of STEM self-efficacy and have a strong preference for medicine as a career choice. While the overall interest in STEM careers among students is moderate, there are notable variations in interest across different STEM fields. Importantly, a positive and significant correlation was observed between female students' interest in STEM careers and their self-efficacy in STEM. This research holds important implications for the promotion of STEM education and careers among female students. By recognizing the unique context of Saudi Arabia and the perspectives of young girls in Riyadh, this study offers a fresh perspective on the factors influencing STEM career aspirations and highlights the importance of fostering self-efficacy beliefs among female students.

Integrating gender-inclusive initiatives in medical school in Rwanda: Faculty and student experiences at the University of Global Health Equity

Purpose Significant gender disparities exist in the medical field. Medical schools play an important role in promoting gender inclusion, which can lead to increased gender equity in clinical settings. This study explores participants’ experiences and gender perspectives at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, which is prioritizing gender inclusion across several initiatives. Materials and methods This is a qualitative study with a feminist social constructivist approach. Participants included faculty and students in UGHE’s School of Medicine. Participants were selected via random stratified sampling by their role and sex. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted, six with faculty and six with students. The data was analyzed via coding and narrative analysis. Results Participants described their experiences at UGHE, including strengths, weaknesses, shifts in their own gender perspectives, and recommendations for the future. Three overarching themes included the role of affirmative action, integrating gender-based training and curriculum, and strengthening institutional policies to promote inclusion. Conclusion Medical schools play a key role in promoting gender equity and catalyzing a shift in gender perspective. Internal systems and policies impact gender inclusion. Medical schools should consider ways to build capacity for both its faculty and students in gender-related topics.

Intersectionality of HIV Stigma with Female Identity: An Investigation among Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam.

Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in Vietnam encounter challenges stemming from HIV-related stigma and gender disparities. This study delves into the intersectionality of HIV-related stigma and gender disparities as perceived by WLHA. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 91 WLHA in Hanoi, Vietnam. Two sets of identically worded scales were used to measure awareness, agreement, and application of stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) and WLHA. A larger difference between stigma scores towards WLHA and that of PLHA represents a higher level of female-specific stigma. Univariate analyses and multiple regressions were conducted to identify demographic and psycho-social factors associated with the gendered differences in stigma measures. Multiple linear regression showed that WLHA who were currently married were more likely to apply stigma concepts to themselves due to gender identity (adjusted beta coefficient (aBeta Coef) = 0.223). Psychological capital was negatively associated with awareness of stigma towards female identity (aBeta Coef = -0.261). A higher perceived norm in women's equity and power was associated with less self-application of female-specific stigma (aBeta Coef = -0.294). Our findings underscore the importance of addressing psychological well-being and promoting gender equity norms as essential components in the efforts to reduce female-specific HIV-related stigma in WLHA.

Women’s Health in Northeast India: A Study of the Challenges in Promoting Gender Equity and Well-being in Assam

Women’s Health in Northeast India: A Study of the Challenges in Promoting Gender Equity and Well-being in Assam

You Can't Be What You Can't See: The Progression of Women in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Objective: To examine trends in the gender composition of residents and faculty in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency programs in the United States and to investigate the correlation between women's representation in leadership positions and the proportion of women faculty and residents. Methods: A literature review was first performed to analyze trends in the gender composition of residents and faculty in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residency programs. Current residency programs were then identified using the Electronic Residency Application Service 2023 Participating Specialties and Programs website. The following data was collected from each program website: gender of associated medical school dean, gender of department chair, gender of residency program director, and total number and gender of fellowship directors, faculty, and residents. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fischer's exact test were used to analyze relationships between the number of women in leadership positions and the proportion of women faculty and residents. Results: An increase in the number of women chairs, residency program directors, residents, and faculty over the past decade is documented across published literature. One hundred twenty-three current academic residency programs were identified. Women accounted for 42%, 30%, 27%, and 8% of current residents, residency program directors, faculty, and department chairs, respectively. Department chair gender was significantly correlated with number of women faculty (P = .01). Any women in a leadership position were correlated with a statistically significant increase in median percent of women faculty (P = .006). Conclusion: Further understanding of how the mentorship of women promotes gender equity is necessary to promote gender diversity in OHNS.

Gender Dynamics in Beekeeping: An Examination of Roles of Men and Women in the Beekeeping Value Chain in Chamwino District, Tanzania

Information on gender specific contribution and challenges within the beekeeping values chain is vital for shaping policies that promote gender equity and enhance productivity. This study examined gender dynamics in beekeeping, focusing on the roles of men and women in the value chain. Using cross - sectional design, 265 individuals were surveyed, and interviewed. Descriptive statistics summarized respondent’s demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, while binary logistic regression identified factors influencing involvement in beekeeping. The findings found that most respondents (81.1%) were males aged 41-60 years, and over 80% were married. A majority (87.2%) were heads of their families, and over 60% had incomes below 1,500,000TZS. Most respondents (57.7%) involved in beekeeping as a part-time activity. Men were engaged in apiary preparation, placing hives, honey harvesting and selling with women’s involvement significantly lower across most beekeeping activities. Older men, household heads from large families, and those attending seminars were more involved. Factors such as a gender, family size, household position, age, education, income, seminar attendance, technology, market access, and number of beehives influencing involvement, with a p – value of < 0.05, indicating strong associations with beekeeping activity levels. The illustrated notable gender disparities in beekeeping, with the beekeeping, with men dominating key activities compared to women

Designing an Effective Minimum Wage Policy for Sustainable Development in India

The articulated objectives of the minimum wage policy in India—specifically targeting poverty alleviation, reducing income inequality, promoting gender equity, and encouraging responsible consumption—are fundamentally aligned with the broader principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These policy goals, if effectively implemented, have the potential to make substantial contributions toward the achievement of multiple SDGs, particularly those related to ending poverty (SDG 1), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), promoting gender equality (SDG 5), and ensuring decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). However, the complex structure of minimum wages in India poses several challenges to achieving these outcomes. Among these challenges, we specifically discuss partial coverage, low rates of minimum wage fixation and a high incidence of noncompliance. The limited coverage undermines the effectiveness of minimum wage policies as a tool for poverty reduction and income redistribution. Noncompliance not only denies workers their rightful earnings but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. It particularly affects vulnerable groups, such as women and rural workers, who are more likely to be employed in sectors with weak enforcement of wage standards. By surveying some recent empirical literature, we identify the significance of minimum wages in mitigating poverty, income inequality and promoting gender equality and decent work. Literature from India suggests that minimum wages if implemented with full compliance would reduce poverty by 7-10 percent and gender wage gap up to 18 percent. Further, we elaborate briefly on strengthening the minimum wages. Universalising the legal coverage of minimum wages is the first step towards an effective minimum wage policy. Fixing adequate levels of minimum wages and then revising them from time to time with inflation indexing is the next important step. Lastly we argue that enabling a conducive environment for firms; compliance is the most crucial. This paper is intended to stimulate further discussion and reflection on the vital role that minimum wage policies can play in advancing the SDGs in India. By linking minimum wages more explicitly to the SDGs, policymakers can develop more integrated and effective strategies to tackle poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable economic growth. The goal is to ensure that minimum wages not only provide a safety net for workers but also contribute to broader social and economic development objectives.

The Relations Between Caregiver Education, Home Stimulation, and Children’s Developmental Outcomes: Research in Majority World Countries

AbstractCaregiver education and home stimulation have shown positive associations with children’s developmental outcomes in early childhood in high-income “Minority World” countries, and these processes also predict children’s long-term health and well-being. However, relatively little is known about these processes in low- and middle-income “Majority World” countries, where an estimated 250 million children under the age of five are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential. This paper attempts to address these gaps in knowledge by exploring the relations between caregiver education, household stimulation, and early childhood development in a sample of infants and toddlers aged birth to three using data on 9,099 caregiver-child dyads from eight under-represented Majority World sites: Brazil, Guatemala, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Zambia. It also explored the differences in these developmental processes between children’s sex and geographical regions. Results showed that home stimulation partially mediated the associations between caregiver education and children’s developmental outcomes across eight sites. These developmental processes differed by geographical regions and by children’s sex. In sum, these findings contribute to the field’s understanding of the universality and specificity of child development across settings and child characteristics. They also suggest the importance of supporting caregiver education and home stimulation activities as means of promoting children’s developmental outcomes, as well as the need to promote gender equity in the Majority World to ensure equal access to learning opportunities, especially opportunities in the home.

Religious Myths and the Internalization of Non-Leadership Identities in Nigerian Women: A Symbolic Interactionist Analysis

Despite concerted efforts to promote gender equity in the global space, women remain underrepresented in leadership. This trend is most observed in Nigeria, where of the 49.99 percent of women in the population, only 6.7 percent are in elective and appointive political positions. Research suggests that men are usually seen as more capable leaders, even when women have higher qualifications. This paper attempts to investigate the etymology of this notion within the postcolonial framework and feminist research while drawing on a social psychology theory. Using the symbolic interactionist theory, I examine why/how the gender in which divinity is conceptualized sets the stage for stereotypes that inform a people's perception and conception of reality, thereby influencing how the attributes associated with the feminine and masculine are perceived in society. My argument is that the functionality of the symbolization process in religious myths is connected to the conscious and unconscious processes of human thought, perception, imagination, and intuition; therefore, it relates to epistemology as a means of knowledge. This makes it function dialectically and interpretively with the social processes, enabling outcomes such as the masculinization of the social reality and the internalization of non-leadership identities in women.

Gender Equality in Cambodian Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of the National University of Battambang

This study examines the gender distribution among students, faculty, and administrative staff at the National University of Battambang (NUBB). The research investigates the sociocultural, economic, and institutional barriers to gender equality at the university, assesses the effectiveness of existing gender equality policies and initiatives, and considers the role of university leadership in advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive culture. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. The findings reveal that the number of female students significantly exceeds that of male students, yet women constitute less than 25% of the faculty and administrative staff. Despite this disparity, NUBB's commitment to implementing gender equality policies and initiatives is commendable. The university's leadership is dedicated to these efforts and actively supports advancing gender equality, which bodes well for the future. The researchers offer practical recommendations to enhance gender equality at NUBB, contributing to broader efforts to promote gender equity in Cambodian higher education institutions. The results underscore the ongoing need for policy revisions and sustained efforts to address gender imbalances and create a more equitable academic environment.

Promoting Gender Equity through Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) Education

Promoting Gender Equity through Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) Education

Is there an editorial glass ceiling? Editorial leadership in nephrology and transplantation journals: A gender-based cross-sectional analysis.

Editors-in-Chief (EiC) play a key role as gatekeepers in academic medicine, often shaping research agendas. Women have historically been underrepresented in editorial leadership roles in academic medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine gender representation among EiC of contemporary transplantation and nephrology journals. This cross-sectional study evaluated gender disparities among EiC of transplantation and nephrology medical journals. The study population was drawn from journals in two subject categories (1) 'Transplantation' and (2) 'Urology and Nephrology' in the 2023 Journal Citation Reports. Binary gender classification (woman/man) was determined by the names/pronouns used to describe the EiC on the journal or institutional webpage. The primary outcome was the proportion of women EiC. Secondary outcome was the proportion of women EiC based on journal topic, location and metrics. Descriptive statistics were used. Gender differences were compared using students t-test or Fisher's exact test. A total of 79 EiC were identified of which 16 (20%) were women and 63 (80%) were men (p < .001). Transplantation and nephrology journals had 21% and 20% women EiC, respectively. The proportion of women to men EiC was not impacted by journal category (p = .93), journal location (p = .61), journal impact factor (p = .71) or quartile (p = .59). There was a disparity in gender representation in EiC in nephrology and transplantation journals, with men holding 80% of all positions. These findings, among growing evidence of gender disparity, highlight a need for targeted efforts to promote gender equity in academic medicine.

Promoting gender equity in a home visits programme: a qualitative study in Northern Nigeria

BackgroundGender inequities remain critical determinants influencing maternal health. Harmful gender norms and gender-based violence adversely affect maternal health. Gendered division of labour, lack of access to and control of resources, and limited women’s decision-making autonomy impede women’s access to maternal healthcare services. We undertook a cluster randomized controlled trial of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses in one local government area in Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. The trial demonstrated a significant improvement in maternal and child health outcomes and male knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. This paper qualitatively evaluates gender equity in the home visits programme.MethodsThe research team explored participants’ views about gender equity in the home visits programme. We conducted nine key informant interviews with policymakers and 14 gender and age-stratified focus group discussions with men and women from visited households, with women and men home visitors and supervisors, and with men and women community leaders. Analysis used an adapted conceptual framework exploring gender equity in mainstream health. A deductive thematic analysis of interviews and focus group reports looked for patterns and meanings.ResultsAll respondents considered the home visits programme to have a positive impact on gender equity, as they perceived gender equity. Visited women and men and home visitors reported increased male support for household chores, with men doing heavy work traditionally pre-assigned to women. Men increased their support for women’s maternal health by paying for healthcare and providing nutritious food. Households and community members confirmed that women no longer needed their spouses’ permission to use health services for their own healthcare. Households and home visitors reported an improvement in spousal communication. They perceived a significant reduction in domestic violence, which they attributed to the changing attitudes of both women and men due to the home visits. All stakeholder groups stressed the importance of engaging male spouses in the home visits programme.ConclusionThe home visits programme, as implemented, contributed to gender equity.