Voices Of Women Research Articles

Feminine Re-Narrating the Nation in Nawal El Saadawi’s: A Daughter of Isis

This study introduces a postcolonial feminist analysis of Nawal El Saadawi's A Daughter of Isis, focusing on the lived experiences of Egyptian women within the intersections of gender, colonialism, and religion. It examines how patriarchal structures and colonial legacies collectively shape women's roles and identities in Egyptian society. Central to this analysis is El Saadawi's challenge of oppressive cultural and religious traditions, including female genital mutilation and gender-restrictive roles, highlighting women's resistance against systemic inequities. The study explores the strategies employed by women to assert their agency and reshape narratives of national and personal identity amidst patriarchal dominance. Additionally, it critiques El Saadawi's use of autobiography as a tool for resistance, emphasizing the re-narration of history through marginalized voices. By intertwining personal memory with broader socio-political critique, El Saadawi reclaims women's voices, offering a nuanced perspective on identity formation and the quest for justice in a postcolonial context.

The VAC Rotterdam's Work on Model Home Exhibitions (1951-1956): Women's Voices in Housing Must be Heard

In the post-World War II period in the Netherlands, a women’s organization set the agenda for improving the quality of social housing projects. Beginning in 1946, the Vrouwen Adviescommissie (Women Advisory Committee, VAC) in Rotterdam established a pathway in the 1950s for women’s interventions at a municipal level through bureaucratic procedures, particularly by engaging in intensive advisory activities. Consciously or not, those voluntary consultants were also making politics and defining space: their expertise influenced housing and urban design. However, their early role as organizers of model home exhibitions has been little explored. Why did the VAC Rotterdam believe that such exhibitions were necessary? This article documents the conceptual and design work of the VAC through the model homes exhibitions they produced in the postwar neighborhoods of Rotterdam from 1951 to 1956. Even before the well-known model homes were exhibited in the mid-1950s and 1960s in the Netherlands by the organization Goed Wonen (Good Dwelling) to improve standards for furnishing homes, the VAC made visionary efforts to strengthen the public’s relationship with social housing and practical interior design.

Exploring homeplace as a nexus of learning and socially reproductive labour: A feminist perspective on internationalisation at a distance

This paper explores the concept of homeplace, examining how it serves as a nexus for learning, reproductive labour, and internationalisation while problematising the gendered and depoliticised nature of international distance education. Drawing on 60 interviews with international distance students at a South African university, the research employs Black and critical feminist perspectives to critique how the blurred boundaries between private and public spheres shape learning experiences. It addresses a gap in the international distance education literature by highlighting the insufficient consideration of the social reproduction responsibilities played out in homeplaces. Our findings reveal that homeplace is neither a gender‐neutral nor an idealised study environment. Instead, it leads to unequal participation in learning spaces and internationalisation efforts. Digital platforms, crucial for connectivity and collaboration in international education at a distance, also perpetuate gendered power dynamics that marginalise women's voices and contributions, but women, however, reach out and support each other in these online spaces. The research teases out the tensions between homeplace as a site for learning, living, and social reproduction, emphasising the need for international distance education institutions to address the gendered dynamics in their design and delivery that disproportionately burden those with responsibilities for social reproduction. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic International distance education focuses on distance education provided internationally. Internationalisation at a Distance (IaD) activities aim to reach a broader audience beyond local students, leveraging online and blended learning models. IaD activities depend on the home as one of the main spaces of study while seeing online platforms as the main point of internationalisation. Thus far, the literature on IaD has not undertaken a critical feminist analysis or deployed Black feminist theories to explore power relations in such spaces. What this paper adds Examines how the politics of the “homeplace” can be used to understand the educational experiences of international distance education students. Argues that current debates often overlook how the homeplace as a gendered site influences students' international distance education journeys. Highlights the gendered nature of the homeplace and complexities of studying from home and online, particularly for women Provides a critical feminist analysis of IaD, situating and problematising the homeplace as the main site for IaD. Implications for practice and/or policy Emphasises the need for institutional policies that consider the homeplace as a significant site for internationalisation at a distance. Recommends the development of support systems and resources to help students manage conflicting demands of home and study. Advocates for a more nuanced approach to distance education that addresses the diverse needs of students, including those balancing significant responsibilities like employment and family obligations.

Assessing Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening Among BIPOC Populations in the Twin Cities.

To identify barriers to breast cancer screening in BIPOC/immigrant populations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and to hear women's voices in these communities regarding interventions that may improve participation in breast cancer screening. The study had two components: surveys and focus group discussions. Participants were women by birth, over 30years of age, and from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities living or working in Minnesota. Forty-one participants from BIPOC communities participated. Common themes of barriers to breast cancer screening across all communities were: psychosocial, finances, lack of knowledge, healthcare system, community and culture, and logistics. Addressing barriers to breast cancer screening in Twin Cities BIPOC populations requires a multipronged approach that addresses knowledge gaps, psychosocial barriers, and logistical and financial barriers, delivered in a culturally acceptable format and in convenient locations.

Examining the Drivers of Sectarianism and their Impact on Rural Infrastructure: Implications for Rural Women's Plight

The study titled "Examining the Drivers of Sectarianism and their Impact on Rural Infrastructure: Implications for Rural Women's Plight" revealed that during sectarian clashes women's educational institutions, and hospitals were either damaged or fully destroyed. Further, women skills oriented centres and NGOs were forced to close their operations in Kurram. Likely, storage facilities for agriculture production and agro-based markets were also closed in the area. With reference to infrastructure development initiatives, women's voices are less acknowledged which in turn reduces women's participation in affairs pertaining to their socio-economic development. The study recommended devising holistic strategies while taking into consideration women's distress along with recurrence and insurgency through questioning the conventional gender role divisions and implementation of sustainable development interventions in conflicted areas that should be prioritized for women's empowerment and gender equality.

A proposal in plastic: Jane Austen in Barbie Land

I read the references to the Regency Romance in Barbie (2023) as key moments in the film's challenge to heteronormative structures of romance and marriage. Diplomat Barbie (Nicola Coughlan) and the Depression Barbie advertisement set up the premise of the film in terms of women's voice, women's self-actualisation and – with its claiming of selfhood – a rejection of heteronormative structures of romance as being one of the primary modes of defining women's role and function. The film's fundamental joyful unwillingness to detach from the unserious – while at the same time foregrounding and then rejecting the heteronormative marriage plot that is indispensable for the Regency Romance – brings us back to the unserious and to laughter as a mode of resistance to capitalism and the patriarchy.

Climate change mitigation policies in agriculture: An overview of sociopolitical barriers

AbstractThe realization of the economic and technical potential of climate mitigation policies in agriculture is influenced by how sociopolitical issues are considered in policy development and implementation. Based on a narrative review of the literature, this article provides an overview of common sociopolitical barriers facing supply‐side and demand‐side mitigation measures in agriculture. Understanding these sociopolitical issues can provide opportunities for the full realization of mitigation policy potentials. They are presented under four themes: local context, adoption capacity, and distributional impacts; food security, costs, and choices in food consumption; political considerations related to electoral weight and lobbying; and international aspects regarding emissions metrics, trade, and big agriculture. Designing complementary policies and second‐best options, incorporating local knowledge in policy design, recognizing women's voice and role in sustainable agriculture, planning for job transitions, engaging stakeholders through multiscalar platforms, and appropriately framing and communicating policies in a digestible manner are some considerations to address these sociopolitical barriers.This article is categorized under: Climate Economics > Economics and Climate Change Climate and Development > Social Justice and the Politics of Development Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation

Mitigating gender inequality in women's voices: the role of normative gender-egalitarian messages

Abstract This study empirically examines gender inequality in tolerance for women's opinions and identifies how the provision of normative gender-egalitarian message can mitigate this inequality by conducting online randomized experiments in Japan. In this experiment, I asked the participants to evaluate the agreement score for 10 anonymous statements and implemented two types of random interventions: disclosing the gender of the statement poster and providing normative statement for gender equality. The results of both cross-sectional and panel data analyses showed that people significantly reduced the agreement score for women's opinions compared with men's and non-gender disclosure opinions. Meanwhile, the negative impact of female gender disclosure was neutralized when participants were provided with a normative message.

Women in Radiology: Challenges and Opportunities.

Improving the status of women in radiology is crucial to better work environments. There is strong evidence in the business world that women leaders improve the workplace by making it more financially viable and by increasing collaboration, job satisfaction, and engagement. Diverse leadership fosters innovation, and women approach problem-solving with unique insights and collaborative styles. Gender diversity in leadership correlates with improved patient outcomes because women leaders prioritize patient-centered care and communication. Women create sustainable, productive work and improve radiology. Women serve as powerful role models, inspiring the next generation of women in radiology and addressing gender disparities. Increasing women leaders in radiology is essential to increase the number of women in radiology. This article summarizes many challenges women face when taking leadership roles: organizational biases prioritizing male viewpoints and marginalizing women's voices and contributions, a lack of role models, a lack of time ("second shift"), a lack of confidence, a lack of interest or perceived benefit, a lack of support, burnout, and previous poor experiences. While systemic issues are difficult to overcome, this article assists in the training and development of women radiologists by offering strategies to enhance job satisfaction and bring new and valuable perspectives to leadership.

'They will be like a person with a disease': a qualitative investigation of variation in contraceptive side-effect experiences in Central Oromia, Ethiopia.

Contraceptive side effects are consistently given as the main reason why women are dissatisfied with contraception or choose not to use it. However, why some women suffer more from side effects remains unknown. Through inductive analysis of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 40 contraceptive users and 3 key informants in Central Oromia, Ethiopia, we explored women's rationales for variation in side-effect experiences. The data first reveal the wide diversity in type and severity of side-effect experiences reported by users of contraception. Second, we found that women's rationales for why some individuals suffer more side effects from contraception invoke economic and physical hardship (food insecurity and heavy workloads), as well as interindividual differences in biology (one's blood must 'fit' with contraception). Finally, the analysis revealed the tension many women face in trying to negotiate the trade-off between the consequences of these side effects and those of an unwanted pregnancy. The results show the value of using a biosocial approach, which centres women's voices and experiences, for informing the measurement of contraceptive side effects within population health surveys and clinical trials. Additionally, the findings helpgain an understanding of how an individual's social, biological, and cultural contexts drive variation in when and why different side effects manifest.

Eco-Feminism and Translation: A Critical Reading of Abdel Rahman Munif's Cities of Salt

The complexities of language, society, and artistic expressions make literary works like novels difficult to translate. Translators encounter several problems such as cultural subtleties, colloquial idioms, distinctive writing styles, and other poetic aspects. Literary translation is a challenging process that necessitates a profound comprehension of the cultural and contextual nuances of the source material in addition to language proficiency. The Arabic novel Cities of Salt was written by Abdelrahman Munif, and was successfully translated into several languages, including English. Peter Theroux completed the English translation that was initially released in 1987, and he is the one who paved the way for opening up Munif's writing to a wider English-speaking community. The translated version preserves the novel's exploration of the impact of the oil industry on an unnamed Arab Gulf state and its reflection on the profound social, economic, and cultural changes brought about by rapid industrialization. Cities of Salt by Abdul Rahman Munif is a rich exploration of environmental exploitation and gender dynamics in the context of the Arab Gulf region's transformation due to the oil industry. The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the interconnected challenges faced by communities grappling with rapid industrialization and its far-reaching consequences on both the environment and societal structures, including gender roles. Moreover, this research paper reveals how the exploitation of land mirrors the exploitation of women. The destruction of the environment echoes the silencing and erasure of women's voices and agency. Through an eco-feminist lens, the paper exposes the interconnectedness between the oppression of nature and the oppression of women, both subjected to exploitation, commodification, and dispossession. Because this novel is a quintet, this paper examines excerpts from the first volume, Al-Teeh, which better fit the study’s argument.

Subjectivity in Women's Writing in the Cyber Age

Women's creativity has undergone a long and difficult development. The emergence of the intangible cultural heritage "Jiangyong Nvshu" gave women an exclusive language to express their life experiences, but in the feudal historical environment, women's self-consciousness was limited, not deep or firm enough,and they could not really fight against the structure, and the subjectivity of women's calligraphy was only a restricted narrative of suffering. With socio-economic development and the rise of Internet platforms, patriarchy and male power can no longer force women to be silent, and the situation of female creators has improved. The Internet is not only a platform for amplifying women's voices, but also a field for women and their creations to be discussed and interpreted again. The era of blogging is not only a time for women to bravely break into the public sphere to write about their subjectivity, but also a time when they may be pressurized and even violated by the words of the other on the Internet. Through the qualitative research methods of purposive sampling and semi-structured in-depth interviews, this paper investigates the personal experiences of four female Internet users to understand their feelings about contemporary female creators, and analyzes their interpretations of the public opinion environment in which female creators find themselves, taking Jia Ling's personal experience and the heated debates her work Yolo as an example on the Internet.The four interviewees are student MengQianye ,editor WangYanshi, operator Pangding and YouTuber HeNan.This paper explores the limitations and possibilities of female creators' writing subjectivity in the cyber era from public figures to the creators around them, and from the experience of the creative subject to the perception of the other, from multiple levels and perspectives.

Mournful Mothers and Damaged Damsels: Are We Really Listening to Women During Parliamentary Human Rights Scrutiny?

Scrutiny regimes in some Australian parliaments require consideration of human rights impacts of proposed legislation, but routinely ignore gendered impacts of legislation, particularly those relating to alcohol and other drugs. Where women's voices are heard, they are often only listened to according to stereotypes. Drawing on Anne Summers’ work on stereotypes of Australian women, an analysis of reports and hearing transcripts from major parliamentary inquiries into drug law reform, and in-depth interviews with those involved in parliamentary human rights scrutiny, we argue that parliamentary scrutiny regimes perpetuate paternalistic accounts of women to be pitied or punished: the ‘mournful mother’ whose child is affected by alcohol or other drugs and needs to be heard, and the ‘damaged damsel’ who is themselves affected by alcohol or other drugs and needs to be protected. This raises the question: are women listened to during parliamentary scrutiny processes or simply talked about in stereotypical ways?

Gender Disparities in Climate Resilience: Amplifying Voices of Women in Climate Change Issue in Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN 2023

Indonesia officially received the mandate as Chair of ASEAN from January 1 to December 31, 2023. During the post-COVID-19 pandemic, in the period 2022-2023 Indonesia received appreciation from the international community regarding the successful organization of international forums including the G-20. Indonesia's attitude is considered to remain neutral and maximize Indonesia's function as a middle-power at the level of multilateralism, amid geopolitical conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict and regional instability in the Middle East. But on the other hand, there are other issues in the realm of low politics, including the issue of climate change and women's vulnerability. As a region with a long coastline, it has a high potential risk as a chain effect of climate change. In addition, the gender disparity that is still quite high in this region is one of the factors that make women vulnerable to climate change issues, such as vulnerability in the labor, health and gender-based violence sectors. This paper focuses on seeing the extent to which Indonesia's role as chair of ASEAN in 2023 advocates the issue of climate change in a gender framework. The concept of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) which focuses on women's participation in the public sector and policy initiation is used as a framework. The expected results of this study can show the relationship between environmental issues and women's vulnerability and the imbalance between women's participation in the public sector and policy initiation. Keywords: GESI, women, climate change, ASEAN Chairmanship, Indonesia.

Our Stories: Cartography of a Conflict

This photo-essay, entitled 'Our Stories: Cartography of a Conflict', is born from the fieldwork carried out in the scope of the research 'Past, Present and Future in the Voice of Women and Girls Affected by the Conflict in Cabo Delgado: A Feminist Analysis', as a way of naming and disseminating the diversity of voices of displaced women, and broadening the visibility of their stories, which have very often been reduced to statistics. The aim of this article is to share their perceptions and demands, their stories and journeys in search of security and possible horizons for their re-existence. This photo-essay shows that women displaced and affected by the conflict need to be named, singularised in their aspirations, needs and struggles. Their life stories are the reason for this work. It is their pain and resilience, their desires, their invisible and visible powers, their strategies for rebuilding their lives, families and communities that we want to make known. Their voices need to be heard, read, understood and placed at the centre of all governmental and civil society interventions for reconstruction, humanitarian response and peacebuilding in Cabo Delgado. Each woman participating in this photo-essay has chosen to share her story and her face, and has decided how to be photographed and represented, with the desire that somehow their trajectories become sources of direct knowledge to guide the paths to Peace in the province. They want to be known and recognised in their dignity, in their determination and perseverance, as well as in their deepest needs. The story of each woman shared in this article is a local and national reference to build a nonviolent future in Mozambique.

The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions of Women's Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunities for Change

This paper delves into the complex role of media in influencing perceptions of women's empowerment, highlighting the various obstacles and possibilities for transformation. Through a meticulous examination of the available literature, this study offers valuable insights into the impact of media on societal perceptions of women's empowerment. The paper thoroughly examines the portrayal of women in traditional media outlets and the changing landscape of digital platforms by analysing secondary data from various academic sources. The findings shed light on the intricate relationship between media portrayals and efforts to empower women, underscoring the importance of actively analysing media stories to promote substantial advancements. The study highlights the impact of media on shaping and reinforcing societal views on gender, which in turn can shape public opinion and policy decisions. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of digital media in offering fresh avenues for women's voices, while also posing novel obstacles like online harassment and misinformation. In conclusion, the paper highlights the significance of media literacy and advocacy in addressing gender stereotypes and advancing gender equality. There is a need for greater awareness and education to empower audiences to evaluate media content in a discerning manner, resulting in a more balanced portrayal of women in media stories.

Gender and the public realm in Nigeria: Hannah Arendt‘s perspective

Hannah Arendt, renowned for her insights into political philosophy, particularly in "The Human Condition" and "On Revolution", delineates the dichotomy between the public and private realms. In her analysis, the public sphere represents a space of political agency and rational discourse, crucial for the realization of human freedom and equality. Conversely, the private realm, characterized by necessity and domesticity, traditionally excludes women from active participation in public affairs. This study explores Arendt's theories to analyze gender exclusion in Nigeria's public realm. Historically, Nigerian women have faced systemic marginalization, confined to the private sphere, hindering their political participation. This research aims to evaluate women's representation in Nigerian politics, the impact of colonial and post-colonial policies, and the role of patriarchal structures. Integrating Arendt's framework with gender theory and social exclusion, the study underscores the need for constitutional amendments and cultural shifts to enhance women's political agency. This research proposes multifaceted solutions. These include legislative reforms to promote gender equality, educational initiatives to empower women politically, and cultural shifts to challenge stereotypes and biases against women in leadership roles. Such interventions are crucial for dismantling existing barriers and fostering a more inclusive public sphere where women's voices are heard and their contributions are valued. This research uniquely applies Arendt’s political theory to the contemporary issue of gender exclusion in Nigerian politics, providing a comprehensive analysis that links historical, cultural, and structural factors. It offers actionable recommendations to improve women's political representation and participation, fostering women's education, political advocacy, and cultural change to achieve a more egalitarian society.

Using Vignettes to Gain Insights Into Social Norms Related to Voluntary Family Planning and Gender-Based Violence in South Sudan.

Social norms are the shared expectations about behaviors that are held within collective groups. These differ from attitudes and beliefs, which are individually held. In South Sudan, social norms can affect the use of voluntary family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH); some of these norms even present risks for women seeking FP/RH care and their FP/RH providers. This cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in 5 counties in South Sudan used vignettes as a qualitative method to explore social norms related to FP/RH and decisions related to contraceptive use and gender-based violence. Participants were asked to respond to vignettes about a fictional couple during various life stages of care-seeking. Vignettes allow respondents to share their opinions and feelings without directly speaking about their own experiences. Respondents included community members, FP/RH providers, and key influencers (e.g., religious leaders, traditional leaders, elders). The study identified restrictive social norms related to FP/RH, including entrenched, dominant gender roles (i.e., requiring male consent to use contraceptives) and risk for the woman and her provider if she accesses FP/RH services. Of note, supportive social norms are gaining acceptance regarding women's voice and agency; it was found that some women can negotiate their reproductive choice with their partners and participate in planning their families, which has not always been a widely accepted norm. The use of vignettes can lead to a better understanding of the challenges and provide insights on effective implementation approaches. It is essential for programs working to promote the use of FP/RH services in South Sudan to consider the challenges presented by social norms. Findings from this study were shared with stakeholders and communities to codesign interventions aimed at increasing the use of FP/RH services. Additionally, the dialogue stimulated by this study should lead to an organic transformation toward supportive social norms through collective agency.

The World of Women's Despair: An Unfolding Unitary Conceptual Journey.

In looking back over 3 decades since the development of his interest in developing a unitary conceptualization of despair, nurse scholar W. Richard Cowling, III, had new insights and revelations. The purpose of this dialogue article is to re-envision this journey as one of unfolding, seen with the gift of new eyes. Revisiting this journey allowed him to understand and appreciate it anew. Horizons of possibilities of this conceptual journey are explained in terms of conceptual-theoretical development, inquiry, and the advancement of discipline-specific knowledge, and improving the lives of women in despair. It is his sincere hope, as with all meaningful scholarly endeavors, that a wider discourse occurs with the persistent inclusion of women's voices and experiences.

In Search of Unheard Voices: Monologism in U.R. Anantha Murthy’s Samskara: A Rite for a Dead Man

Women are frequently oppressed by patriarchal ideals, leading to their voices being marginalized in society. The research elaborates on how the male characters representing hierarchical structures suppress the central female characters, to remain silent or prevent them from expressing themselves, as depicted in Samskara: A Rite for a Dead Man (1976), a translation of the Kannada novel Samskara (1965) authored by U.R. Anantha Murthy. The novel Samskara (1965) is translated into English as Samskara: A Rite for a Dead Man (1976) by A. K. Ramanujan. A patriarchal society is portrayed in Samskara: A Rite for a Dead Man (1976), where rituals and superstitious beliefs take precedence over compassion. Chandri, the only female character, has a major role yet speaks the least, sometimes being overpowered by the male characters. Hence, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, women are subjected to societal, economic, and physical exploitation. The purpose of this paper is to analyse, from a Bakhtinian standpoint, the representation of women's voices in monologism discourse. This research critically examines the portrayal of female characters in Samskara: A Rite for a Dead Man (1976), highlighting how they are reduced to submissive figures under the control of dominant males. While the female characters have limited dialogue, overshadowed by the presence of male characters, they still manage to make a significant impression on the readers. In his narration, the author presents the ramifications of societal regulations in an authentic circumstance from a singular perspective (monologic) as opposed to employing multiple voices (dialogic). The paper clarifies the current state of women's voices with the novel, which is set in traditional India where gender norms were dominant and female dissent was banned. A prevalent theme in contemporary society, intersectionality in gender is portrayed in the novel. Thus, the article sheds light on the contemporary gender empowerment movement and the significance of empowering women's voices in all aspects of life.