Socio-economic Well-being Research Articles

Empowering Lives through Water Sustainability: Assessing the Impact of Limited Access on Irula Women in Thethampakkam, Pondicherry

Abstract: This study investigates the challenges of water sustainability in Thethampakkam, Pondicherry, with a focus on the daily lives of 117 Irula women residing in the village. The research highlights the significant difficulties these women face in accessing clean drinking water, as the majority rely on public standposts located 101-150 meters from their homes. Limited water access disrupts their daily routines, causing delays in cooking, late arrivals at school or work, and exacerbating physical violence. These challenges underscore the critical role water access plays in the socio-economic and physical well-being of the Irula community. The findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions to improve the quality of life for the women and their families, fostering equity and resilience within the community

Unravelling the tapestry of struggle: an exploration of socio-economic challenges faced by internally displaced women in Bangladesh amidst the COVID-19 crisis

Purpose This study aims to identify and analyse the gender-specific challenges encountered by internally displaced women (IDWs) in developing countries, focusing on Bangladesh within the distinctive backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the paper recommends effective strategies to address and overcome these challenges. Design/methodology/approach This research, conducted by the PRISMA guidelines, investigated the socio-economic challenges of the pandemic for IDWs through a comprehensive analysis of diverse sources. These sources encompassed quantitative and qualitative studies, organisational reports, publications from UN agencies, the International Organisation for Migration, the International Labour Organisation, the World Health Organisation, case studies and newspaper articles. Findings This research sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on IDWs, encompassing aspects such as safety, shelter, livelihood, household responsibilities, health support, external aid, domestic violence and childcare facilities. In addition, it emphasises the pivotal contributions of government organisations (GOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in ensuring the well-being and survival of IDWs. Originality/value This paper represents one of the initial endeavours in exploring the socio-economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic on IDWs. Moreover, it highlights the significance of tailored gender-specific assistance for IDWs in challenging circumstances. Researchers, policymakers, GOs and NGOs can leverage the insights gleaned from this study to enhance the socio-economic well-being of IDWs.

Exploring the sensitive interplay between labour law and competition jurisprudence: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (PTY) Ltd v Competition Commission of South Africa & Another [2024] ZACC 3

On 17 April 2024, the Constitutional Court of South Africa handed down a landmark judgment in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (Pty) Ltd v Competition Commission & Food and Allied Workers Union [2024] ZACC 3. The case highlighted the intersection of labour and competition, two areas of the law that are cardinal to the protection, promotion, and realisation of socio-economic rights. Labour law is paramount to the realisation of socio-economic rights because it regulates, among other things, the right to fair wages, employment equity, safe working conditions, social security benefits, and job security, which all ensure that individuals can earn a living to support their families and afford access to goods and services essential for their socio-economic well-being. Competition law, on the other hand, advances the realisation of socio-economic rights through the promotion of fair markets and the combating of anti-competitive conduct, ensuring that consumers have access to the best quality goods and services at fair prices, which is essential for consumers' economic well-being.

Leaves to Lifestyle: Raising Awareness of Responsible Production Through Eco-Print Training in Yosowilangun, Gresik

The dimension of Responsible Consumption and Production encompasses the conscientious manufacturing process of a product, with a focus on minimizing waste and residues that may pose environmental risks. Strategically situated within an industrial region, Gresik plays a pivotal role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This research endeavors to achieve a dual objective. Firstly, it aims to raise awareness about the significance of responsible production in Yosowilangun, Gresik, one of the busiest villages in the area. Additionally, the research seeks to economically empower women residing in this village. The Eco-Print fabrication employed in this study goes beyond utilizing random waste materials; instead, it leverages the recycling of dried leaves waste, a readily available resource in Gresik. Acknowledging certain limitations, such as the scale of prototype production and the ongoing nature of the study due to the gradual nature of awareness-raising efforts, this research introduces a novel aspect by uniquely applying recycled leaf waste in textile production. This approach, not extensively explored in the industry, opens a new avenue for sustainable manufacturing and women's empowerment in developing regions. The product resulting from this research is not only environmentally friendly but also holds the potential to improve the socio-economic well-being of women in Yosowilangun Village.

The Role of Rresearch and Development in Global Technological Competition

Subject. Research and development in science and technology, as well as the development of the innovation sector, are top priorities for the country’s socio-economic well-being and security. Purpose. The competitive strategy is based on the analysis of the market for modern technologies and the identification of key areas for the development of competition. The goal is to ensure the country’s future economic competitiveness and the national security of Russia and other developed countries. Methodology. The study of priority scientific areas within the context of national scientific and technical policies in developed countries. It also explores the key characteristics of the information technology market and the unique features of its development and operation. Furthermore, the researchevaluates the financing of research and development activities. It analyzes the costs associated with these activities and their impact on economic growth. Results. The rationale for financing research and development in priority areas lies in the targeted strategic development of the economy. This development should be innovative, involving the creation of a high-tech complex and the effective use of the results of intellectual activity. The focus is on ensuring the security and competitiveness of the country in science, technology, and socio-economic well-being. The most important condition for the efficient use of public funds is the effective management of relevant programs and projects.

Empowerment Programs and Women’s Socio-Economic Well-Being in Artisanal Fishing in Asembo Bay, Siaya County, Kenya

This study evaluated programs that empower women to achieve their socio-economic well-being in Asembo Bay, Siaya County, Kenya. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design and a sample of 100 women was chosen to form the unit of analysis. The study used a Purposive Sampling approach to select participants. Data was collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observation guides. Based on the objective, this study used a thematic data analysis method where data was presented thematically. The findings revealed that the ward, constituency, county government of Siaya, and the National government have done little to empower women in artisanal fishing in Asembo Bay, the study also showed that the Centre for Health Solutions was still in existence and was assisting women in Asembo Bay with programs such as health programs, HIV/ AIDs education, and psychological support. The study also indicated that some community-based organizations such as Laven relocated to other places abandoning programs that they were overseeing in Asembo Bay. The findings showed that women faced financial, environmental, and governance challenges. The research proposed the following: the implementation of fisheries funds; the involvement of NGOs; local government, and CBOs in the daily activities in Asembo Bay; and the improvement of the working environment in Asembo Bay.

The Burden of Head Injuries in Iran from 1990 to 2019: Findings from The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Head injuries (HI) pose a significant public health concern globally, impacting morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and trends associated with head injuries in Iran from 1990 to 2019. Our study, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study 2019, undertook a comprehensive comparison of the burden of HI in Iran with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and global benchmarks. We assessed the incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLD) through various metrics, including absolute numbers, age-standardized rates (ASR), percentage changes, and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) from 1990 to 2019. The incidence of HI in Iran decreased significantly from 1990 to 2019, with a notable reduction compared to MENA and global trends (EAPC: -1.44, 0.71, and -0.11, respectively). Prevalence showed a declining trend (EAPC: -1.00), with a slight increase in YLDs (EAPC: 0.12). Notable peaks in HI incidence coincided with natural disasters, notably the 1990 Manjil-Rudbar earthquake and the 2003 Bam earthquake. Our study reveals a decline in the overall burden of HI in Iran over the study period. To sustain this positive trend and minimize the impact of HI on public health and socioeconomic well-being, policy efforts should be directed toward ongoing prevention, early detection, and preparedness for natural disasters.

Climate change driven land use evolution and soil heavy metal release effects in lakes on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.

In recent decades, global warming has intensified hydrological cycles, raising concerns about the impacts of climate change on hydrological processes, water quality, and water resources across various temporal and spatial scales. These changes significantly affect water resource management and environmental protection policies and may also influence the ecological health and socio-economic well-being of lake regions. Qinghai Lake, the largest inland lake and a major water source reservoir in China, plays a crucial role in the ecological security of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, in recent years, with the ongoing development of the economy and society throughout the province, there has been an increase in algal blooms in the nearshore area of Qinghai Lake, with the affected area expanding annually. There is currently no clear consensus on the causes of eutrophication in lakes, and comprehensive, in-depth research on how different land use types-critical to the material migration and transformation processes of natural water bodies-affects water quality and ecological security, as well as the interactions between nutrients and heavy metals, is lacking. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and understand the effects of climate change on lakes and to develop adaptive strategies to mitigate and respond to these impacts amidst rapid economic and social development. The lake environmental pollution early warning system developed in this study provides a scientific research paradigm for lake water pollution control and offers valuable data support for policymakers in formulating ecological protection and development strategies.

Accelerating Public-Private Partnerships for Overcoming Community Vulnerabilities in Coastal Peatlands Riau

Riau’s coastal peatlands face major challenges due to environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic vulnerabilities affecting local communities. This study aims to explore the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a strategic solution to enhance community resilience and promote sustainable development in the region. Through a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and case studies, this study identifies key factors that support the success of PPPs, such as active stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and data-driven policy innovation. The study findings show that PPPs can accelerate peatland rehabilitation, improve socio-economic welfare, and reduce the impact of natural disasters. However, challenges related to the imbalance of actor roles, inter-agency coordination, and limited local technological capacity remain major obstacles. This study concludes that effective PPPs require an inclusive policy framework, strengthening community capacity, and technology integration to ensure the sustainability and success of the program. Key recommendations include the development of more coordinated policies between the central and regional governments, and increasing community participation in every stage of the program.

The Effect Of Nutritional Education On Compliance Consuming Iron Tablets In Pregnant Women

Anemia in pregnancy is a national problem because it reflects the value of the socio-economic welfare of the community, and has a very large influence on the quality of human resources. Anemia of pregnancy is called "potential danger to mother and child" (potential to harm mother and child), that's why anemia requires serious attention from all parties involved in health services. pregnant women experienced an increase from the previous year which was 48.9% from the previous 37.1% in 2013 and it can be concluded that the proportion of anemia in pregnant women increased by 11.8% over a period of 5 years from 2013 to 2018. A total of 84 ,6% of anemia in pregnant women occurs in the age group 15-24 years. The coverage of giving iron tablets to pregnant women in Indonesia in 2018 was 81.16%. This figure has not reached the 2018 Strategic Plan target of 95%. Objective : To analyze the effect of nutrition education on adherence to consuming iron tablets in pregnant women. Methods : Literature Review Study of journal articles that meet the inclusion and exclusion requirements in the search database using Google Scholar, DOAJ and Garuda using keywords: counseling, knowledge, compliance, pregnant women and anemia. Result : In the 10 articles studied, the majority of the p value of knowledge and adherence to iron tablet consumption <0.05 which means that there is an influence between counseling and adherence to iron tablet consumption of pregnant women. Conclution : There is a significant relationship between counseling adherence to iron tablet consumption of pregnant women.

Counseling on the Prevention of Early Marriage in Adolescents at Smpn 5 Praya Timur

Child marriage among teenagers has become a serious social issue, particularly in Central Lombok Regency. This phenomenon shows a tendency for teenagers to opt for marriage at a young age rather than continuing their education, which brings negative impacts on health, education, and socio-economic welfare. According to data from BKKBN NTB, in 2015, West Nusa Tenggara had the second-highest rate of child marriage in Indonesia, with a percentage of 5.81%. Despite government regulations aimed at preventing early marriage, their implementation has been less than optimal. SMP Negeri 5 Praya Timur, located in Beleke Lebe Sane Village, East Praya District, Central Lombok Regency, faces this issue directly, with many students deciding to leave school to marry at an early age. A lack of understanding regarding the negative impacts of early marriage, particularly related to reproductive health and education, is one of the primary causes of this phenomenon. The community service activity conducted at SMP Negeri 5 Praya Timur aimed to provide comprehensive counseling to students about the dangers of early marriage and the importance of continuing education to higher levels. The method used was Participatory Action Research (PAR), which involved active participation of students in understanding issues related to early marriage. This counseling was expected to raise student awareness about the risks of early marriage and motivate them to pursue further education. The results of this activity showed an increase in students' understanding of the negative impacts of early marriage and the importance of education as a path to a better future.

Investigation of the flow characteristics of slit check dams using novel models

Floods, which cause loss of life and property and destruction of the environment, have devastating effects on socio-economic welfare. Slit-check dams are essential structures for managing the transport of silt and woody debris, especially in events of significant floods. The current study presents the hydraulic characteristics of slit-check dams with different geometries for experimental and numerical tests. First, the Butterfly model was produced with a 3D printer and examined experimentally. Then, the Butterfly model was validated extensively using OpenFOAM (v7) software for the numerical analysis. Finally, the other models were examined numerically using the k-ε turbulence model. The changes in water surface profile, velocity profiles, energy dissipation rates, and streamlines were comprehensively examined and discussed. The results showed that slit-check dams caused hydraulic jumps and dissipated flow energy. The Arced and Rectangular models, in particular, demonstrated a significant performance for energy dissipation, which is essential for flood management. Water surface profiles are directly affected by discharge. Moreover, the cross-sectional length of the model in question significantly affects the water surface profile. Accordingly, an increase was observed in the velocity profiles along the slit-check dam. While the maximum velocity for all unit discharge was observed in the V-shaped model, the minimum velocities were observed for the Arced and Rectangular models. Thus, the energy absorption performance of Arced and Rectangular models is higher.

Socio-economic determinants of willingness to expand palmyrah palm cultivation: An econometric analysis

The Palmyrah palm (Borassus flabellifer L.), often referred to as the "Tree of Life". It holds a significant cultural and economic significance, serving as a cornerstone for rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Despite its numerous advantages, the expansion of Palmyrah palm cultivation is influenced by a range of socio-economic factors. This study examines the socio-economic determinants affecting farmers’ willingness to expand Palmyrah palm cultivation in Vembar South Gram panchayat, located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, South India. To analyse the binary nature of the outcome variable, the Probit Econometric Model was employed to assess the factors influencing the likelihood of expanding Palmyrah cultivation based on various socio-economic parameters. The findings reveal that farming experience, higher income, and larger landholdings significantly increase the likelihood of expansion, whereas gender, occupation (agriculture), and family size are associated with a decreased likelihood. Notably, female landowners, non-agricultural workers, and farmers from smaller families with higher income levels are particularly inclined to expand Palmyrah cultivation. The study’s findings provides important insights for policymakers aiming to promote Palmyrah cultivation and foster rural economic development through targeted interventions that could effectively support the socio-economic well-being of the farming communities.

Gauging Socioeconomic Wellbeing, Scholastic Achievement and Kinesthetic Competencies of Middle School StudentsofBharath Group of Institutions in Ilanji, Tenkasi District, Tamilnadu

Gauging Socioeconomic Wellbeing, Scholastic Achievement and Kinesthetic Competencies of Middle School StudentsofBharath Group of Institutions in Ilanji, Tenkasi District, Tamilnadu

Do renewable energies moderate the effect of climate vulnerability on women’s socio-economic well-being? Evidence from African countries

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the role of renewable energy as a means of promoting women’s economic participation and improving their health by mitigating climate vulnerability.Design/methodology/approachTo shed light on this relationship, the authors assess the capacity of renewable energy to reduce the negative impact of climate vulnerability on women’s economic empowerment and health, using the generalized method of moments estimator for 36 African countries over the period 1990–2021.FindingsThe empirical results show that climate vulnerability reduces economic empowerment and climate vulnerability increases child mortality. These results are mitigated by the use of renewable energy. The use of renewable energy mitigates the negative impact of climate vulnerability on women’s economic empowerment. Renewable energy use also reduces the pressure of climate vulnerability on child mortality. In addition, the authors take into account regional heterogeneities and find distinct effects. The results remain stable after further robustness testing.Originality/valueRenewable energy thresholds are provided at which climate vulnerability no longer reduces women’s socio-economic well-being.

Gaps Manifesting in African Social Work: Eclectic Contexts in Africa

Although the discipline of social work is pivotal in rejuvenating socio-economic welfare in ubiquitous corners of the world, it has paradoxically scored poorly in managing and leveraging welfare-based interventions in many African countries. The paper aims to discuss social work gaps in social welfare in some African countries. The paper used a review of the literature methodology that drew variegated literature from different research engines such as Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Research Gate, and a few books and book chapters. The study has the following findings: poor professional conceptualisation, inadequate social workers in African countries, social work’s visibility deficits compared to its sister disciplines, absence of social workers in institutions of learning, poor policy and leadership involvement, social work gap in dealing with indigents, and social work suffers from gender stereotyping. The paper recommends that for social work to leverage its service delivery interventions, a collaboration between the forces of government NGOs and other social service professional bodies is necessary. The paper also advocates that the discipline be catapulted to its noble and honorable status as a very important discipline that enhances and turns around the service delivery process for a country’s citizens. The paper is very important for scholarship in that its content will add knowledge to the domain of social work by offering suggestions for leveraging social work service delivery, as well as informing policy and programmatic improvement in social work service delivery in the countries discussed. Keywords: Social Work Obscurity, Inadequate Training, Professional Visibility, Gender Stereotyping, Paradigm Shift, Poverty.

New Approaches to the Development of the EAEU's Foreign Trade

Historically, foreign trade played a big role in the states development and became the basis of socio-economic well-being. It is possible to imagine the existence of ancient villages and communities practically isolated from large centers, providing themselves with food and a set of craft tools. However, when production processes and socio-economic structures become more complex, it became difficult to guarantee self-sufficiency even for states with a population of tens and hundreds of millions of people. This task is extremely relevant for states at the present stage. In this regard, export promotion became one of the priorities, both in the context of Russian policy within the framework of the national project “International Cooperation and Export” and at the supranational level of the Eurasian Economic Union. This article is dedicated to an integrated approach to restructuring instruments for promoting foreign trade.

The Scale Validation of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia’s Microfinance Services and Household Socioeconomic Instrument

Households' socioeconomic outcomes play a crucial role in sustainable development. Both public and private organisations have introduced various microfinance schemes to address economic deprivation. Nevertheless, there is ongoing debate in the literature about the effectiveness of these strategies in improving household socioeconomic performance. Researchers continue to face challenges in identifying key factors that enhance the performance of low-income households, largely due to the absence of reliable measurement tools. This study develops and validates a scale specifically designed to capture the multifaceted effect of microfinance on household socioeconomic well-being. The research introduces measuring constructs for first-order constructs relating to variables such as microfinance services, household Entrepreneurial Competencies (EC), Financial Management Practices (FMP), and socioeconomic performance. Using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on data collected from low-income households engaged in microfinance programs in Malaysia, the study assesses the instrument’s reliability and validity. Findings ensure the potential of the validated measurement tool to evaluate the effectiveness of microfinance interventions. The results confirm that the developed instrument is valid and reliable for future studies on microfinance and household economic models.

Enhancing livelihood resilience through hybrid ecological compensation: evidence from Potatso National Park, China

Abstract Balancing biodiversity conservation and the socioeconomic well-being of ethnic minority communities presents a significant challenge in protected areas (PAs). Ecological compensation (EC) is a crucial policy instrument for improving the livelihood of affected residents, but its application in ethnic minority-dominant regions is complicated by cultural differences and fragile economic foundations. This study evaluates the impact of an innovative hybrid EC mechanism, integrating cash payment, employment support, and education incentive, on the livelihood resilience of ethnic minority groups and identifies the most cost-effective mechanism. Using field data from rural households in Potatso National Park, analyzed through hierarchical multiple regression and scenario simulations within the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, the study finds that: (i) hybrid EC mechanisms significantly improve overall livelihoods, with households receiving employment support and education incentive showing 0.074 and 0.052 higher average livelihood score, respectively (on a 0–1 scale); (ii) different EC types have varied effects across households; and (iii) hybrid EC mechanisms increase social benefits by 6.97%–37.65%, with only a 1.30%–20.15% cost increase compared to baseline scenario. The findings highlight the need for diversified and optimized EC policies to improve livelihood resilience and maximize cost-effectiveness in PAs.

UNDERSTANDING THE ADOPTION AND IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS: EVIDENCE FROM UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN PAKISTAN

Climate change is a pressing issue that significantly impacts agriculture, health, biodiversity, water resources, forests, and the socioeconomic well-being of populations, particularly in developing and least developed nations. Raising public awareness of climate change through accurate knowledge is a key strategy to encourage proactive mitigation and adaptation efforts. This study investigates the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by university graduates to enhance climate change awareness, focusing on the role of both educators and students in knowledge transfer within academic environments. The research was conducted across 15 major universities in Pakistan, using a structured questionnaire to collect data on demographic, socio-cultural, technological, and economic factors influencing graduates’ awareness and perceptions of climate change. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of ICTs on climate change awareness. The results indicate that access to smartphones, agricultural magazines, news bulletins, newspapers, television, and internet connectivity significantly enhances climate change awareness. However, access to radio and computers or laptops did not show a significant impact. Universities should integrate ICT-based training and outreach activities into their curricula, promoting technological solutions that address climate change challenges. Furthermore, collaboration between technological solution providers, environmental departments, and academic institutions is recommended to design ICT-driven strategies for raising climate change awareness among the youth.