Women's Ability Research Articles

Bi-causality between gender inequality and wage gap and its impact on economic growth

It is imperative that research be conducted on the intricate and important subject of how gender inequality and the pay gap connect to the development of India's economy. There are significant differences between the genders in a range of social, health, educational, and professional possibilities in India, just as there are in many other regions of the globe. In India, this is also the case. The main factor that contributes to the gender pay gap is the fact that women get less money than men do for doing the same job. A cycle of gender inequality is maintained and exacerbated by the salary disparity that exists today. In addition, the gender pay gap restricts women's ability to achieve economic independence, which in turn restricts their opportunities to pursue higher levels of education and healthcare. This has repercussions for the expansion of human capital, which plays an essential role in the development of the economy. Women who earn less than males are less inclined to invest in their own education and professional development, which in turn lowers the general level of competition in the labour market in developing countries.

Women's Perspectives on the Unique Benefits and Challenges of Self-Injectable Contraception: A Four-Country In-Depth Interview Study in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Implementing self-injection (SI) of subcutaneous depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) is a key self-care strategy for sexual and reproductive health, but SI uptake remains low, and assertions about the potential of SI to increase women's control over contraceptive use lack evidence. We sought to qualitatively explore how women with diverse contraceptive experiences-including those with and without experience using SI-view the benefits and challenges of SI as compared to other methods. We conducted 241 in-depth interviews with women across four sub-Saharan African countries and found alignment between the perceived and experienced benefits of SI across our diverse sample. Through the benefits of privacy, easier access, and self-management, we found SI can promote greater control over the contraceptive experience by facilitating a woman's ability to act on her preferences and control who is involved in or aware of her contraceptive use. Interviews revealed SI's potential is, however, constrained by inherent limitations in the method; for example, it is often not private or accessible enough and many fear injecting themselves. SI has the most potential when implemented with programmatic solutions that mitigate challenges women experience or anticipate and allow more women to benefit from the privacy, easier access, and self-management that SI offers.

Compensation to Ex-Wives for Domestic Violence in Indonesia

This paper examines divorce lawsuits caused by domestic violence committed by husbands against wives, focusing on the rights of women as victims. In such cases, wives can file for divorce and demand compensation for the physical and psychological harm they have suffered. The study employs a qualitative approach with an analytical descriptive method, using the library method to gather and analyze both primary and secondary literature, including legal documents, laws, scientific articles, and case reports. The research aims to identify patterns, challenges, and solutions related to legal protection for victims of domestic violence in divorce proceedings. The findings reveal that while there are legal provisions for compensation, significant challenges remain, such as social stigma, economic dependence, and limited access to legal resources, which complicate women's ability to claim their rights. Additionally, societal attitudes and gaps in law enforcement further hinder the realization of justice for victims. The study concludes that public awareness campaigns and stronger advocacy are essential to empowering women and ensuring their rights are protected throughout the divorce process. It also emphasizes the need for stricter law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice for victims. This research contributes to improving legal and social frameworks for the protection of women facing domestic violence.

Effect of an educational intervention program on pregnant women’s ability to cope with childbirth pain in Western Kenya

INTRODUCTION Childbirth pain has remained a major challenge to women of child-bearing age over the years. Studies have shown that most women are not aware of the coping strategies to employ during childbirth. Severe childbirth pain can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to develop safe and innovative methods to cope with childbirth pain. The study aimed to investigate the effects of an educational program on women's ability to cope with childbirth pain in the context of lower and middle-income countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Quasi-experimental design was used to assess the impact of an educational intervention built on self-efficacy theory. Pregnant mothers were recruited at antenatal care services and were assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. The intervention group received two sessions of 2 hours each of the intervention between the 32nd– 35th weeks of gestation. Follow-up and evaluation on outcome measures were conducted within 48 hours after delivery. The strength of pain was measured by the visual analogue pain scale and the Mac-Gill pain questionnaire. RESULTS Findings indicate that relative to the control group, the intervention group was significantly more likely to demonstrate lower perceived pain both on the visual analogue scale (P<0.001) and the McGill pain questionnaire (P<0.001). Further analysis revealed that the non-intervention group had increased severe pain [OR=3.099,95% CI (1.080-8.887), P=0.035], unbearable pain [OR=27.930,95% CI (9.354-83.399), P=<0001], while permanent employment reduced unbearable pain [OR=0.038 95% CI (0.003-0.549), P=0.016]. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The educational intervention program was effective in decreasing pain intensity and severity during childbirth. Training programs should be integrated into the antenatal care program and offered to mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy to enhance women's coping skills during childbirth.

Career Duality and Work Performance: Insights from Women in Bangladesh

This study looks into how women's professional success in Bangladesh is affected by career dualism, work-life balance, and cultural expectations. Data were gathered from thirty women in Dhaka who worked in the public, private, and self-employed sectors using a qualitative study methodology. The research utilized semi-structured interviews and theme analysis to effectively capture the intricacies of the participants' perspectives, underscoring the subjective aspect of work-life balance. The participants brought to light considerable difficulties in juggling dual responsibilities as careers and professionals, which are made worse by inflexible gender stereotypes and restricted access to childcare facilities. The results show that women's ability to balance conflicting demands is greatly aided by family support, especially that provided by mothers and spouses. However, respondents said that the lack of maternity benefits, childcare services, and flexible schedules were substantial barriers, and that workplace regulations frequently lacked the flexibility required to meet women's multiple obligations. The study also looks at the post-pandemic trend towards remote employment, which brought difficulties since it blurred the lines between home and professional life even while it offered flexibility. The critical need for institutional reforms-including the implementation of family-friendly workplace practices like paid parental leave, on-site daycare, and remote work options-is highlighted by this study. It also emphasises how crucial cultural changes are to easing the burden on women who want to advance professionally but are under pressure to live up to conventional norms. To investigate the effects of career duality on professional women's long-term career growth and well-being, longitudinal research approaches should be used in future studies.

Justification of the effective sequence of group fitness classes with second mature women (45-55 years old)

This article deals with issues that are aimed at the organization of strength training. First of all, it is necessary to note significant differences between women and men in terms of strength. In women, they are 15-20% lower than in men. Women have a lower tendency to gain muscle mass. This is primarily related to the hormonal background, since the male hormone testosterone is responsible for the growth of muscle mass, and its amount in the body of women is many times smaller than that of men. At the same time, women's ability to display strength indicators of leg muscles is close to men's. Experts in age-related physiology note that at the age of 40-45, reverse processes begin in a woman's body. The main metabolism slows down, the productivity of various organs and systems decreases, the possibility of various pathological processes, chronic diseases, etc. increases. In connection with the decrease in the hormonal background, negative changes are observed in all organs and systems of the body. Blood pressure often rises, a tendency to osteoporosis appears, fat metabolism is disturbed, which often leads to an increase in body fat. There are significant changes in the respiratory system, the vital capacity of the lungs decreases, the mobility of the chest decreases. After 40 years, there is a significant decrease in muscle strength in women. The elasticity of muscles, tendons, and joint performance is lost. At the same time, muscle tone decreases, which leads to negative changes in posture.

Psychometric evaluation of the wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire for pregnant women in Taiwan

BackgroundFear of childbirth profoundly affects women's ability to cope during pregnancy and influences birth outcomes. In Taiwan, there's a lack of validated tools for assessing childbirth fear. ObjectiveTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Taiwanese version of the Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire version A (WDEQ-A) in pregnant women. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with pregnant women, using the WDEQ-A and a Visual Analogue Scale to assess childbirth fear. We employed the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale to measure depressive symptoms, anxiety, and mindfulness, respectively. We evaluated internal consistency reliability and construct validity using exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis. Pearson correlations measured the association between childbirth fear and psychological variables. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used for determining the sensitivity and specificity indices. ResultsThe WDEQ-A demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and revealed a three-factor structure, including fear, lack of positive anticipation, and isolation. Rasch analysis supported the dimensionality of each of the three revised factors. The total score significantly correlated with depression (r = 0.56), anxiety (r = 0.19), and mindfulness (r = -0.40) (Ps < 0.001). The optimal cut-off for WDEQ-A was established at 55.5, with a sensitivity of 83 % and a specificity of 65 %. ConclusionsThe Taiwanese version of WDEQ-A proved to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing fear of childbirth in pregnant women, demonstrating excellent psychometric properties. Implication for practiceThese findings can assist midwives in Taiwan in identifying and promptly providing effective strategies for women experiencing a high fear of childbirth.

Barriers to Follow-Up of an Abnormal Clinical Breast Examination in Uttar Pradesh, India: A Qualitative Study.

To understand key barriers to diagnostic follow-up for women with an abnormal clinical breast examination (CBE) at the primary care level in the Uttar Pradesh state in India. We also explored acceptability of mobile phones to address barriers to CBE follow-up for women. We conducted 28 semistructured in-depth interviews with 12 women with an abnormal CBE at the primary health facility who did not have diagnostic follow-up, four community health workers, nine health care providers from health facilities in rural and urban settings, and three state-level decision makers. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated from Hindi to English. Thematic analysis was conducted using Dedoose qualitative software. Themes were organized by multilevel barriers to follow-up. Key barriers to CBE follow-up included knowledge, fear, and stigma about breast cancer; women's health not being prioritized in the family; discomfort seeing male providers; and difficulty navigating the diagnostic facility. Despite community education and outreach efforts by community health workers (known as Accredited Social Health Activists), lack of awareness of breast cancer and the importance of follow-up for abnormal CBE remains a barrier to early detection. Despite widespread access to mobile phones, perceived acceptability varied among stakeholders regarding mobile phone use for breast health education and communication with clients. Knowledge, cultural, and health system barriers challenge women's ability to follow recommendations for diagnostic follow-up of an abnormal CBE. Multilevel and gender-responsive strategies are needed to address these barriers. Our results suggest that mobile phones could be used to further improve breast health awareness, patient navigation, and tracking, and further research is needed.

A Comprehensive Theological and Scientific Study of Gestational Surrogacy

With advancements in science and in response to the desire of childless individuals, surrogacy has emerged as a contemporary method of treating infertility. Intriguingly, due to its novelty, this topic has sparked considerable legal and jurisprudential debate. In essence, this medical procedure involves fertilizing a woman's egg with a man's sperm outside the womb. Subsequently, due to the woman's inability to carry the pregnancy, the embryo is implanted into another woman's uterus. Surrogacy, in fact, is a means for infertile couples to have a child. Through assisted reproductive technologies, an embryo created via in vitro fertilization is transferred to a gestational carrier, who carries the pregnancy to term and then relinquishes the child to the intended parents. In Iran, assisted reproductive technologies are employed when couples, or either partner, experience infertility. In these procedures, the sperm and egg of the legal and marital couple are fertilized in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is donated to another legal and marital couple. A crucial issue in this context is the determination of the child's parentage, especially maternal lineage. Due to the silence of the law, this matter must be resolved by examining the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran and relevant jurisprudential opinions, as well as the perspectives of legal experts. In this regard, determining the maternal lineage, which involves the biological mother and the gestational carrier, presents a challenge and requires further exploration. The conclusion of this paper is that, based on Quranic verses, hadiths, the principle of freedom of will, the intentions of the parties involved, the best interests of the child, customary practices, and legal principles, the gestational carrier is considered the legal mother of the child.

Breaking Menstrual Inequality: A Multidimensional Approach to Addressing Period Poverty in China

Menstrual poverty is a complex public health problem that cuts across economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It refers not only to women's inability to afford sanitary products due to economic difficulties, but also to a broader lack of relevant knowledge, privacy protection, and social awareness of the importance of menstrual health. China lacks specific policies to address menstrual equity, especially the social disparities between urban and rural areas. This study aims to explore effective policies and community-based interventions to alleviate menstrual poverty among low-income women and girls in China, taking into account economic, social, and educational factors. The study proposes a comprehensive range of intervention strategies through a literature review, qualitative research, and case studies, including tax credits, public health policies, community distribution programs, education system reform, private-sector partnerships with NGOs, economic empowerment, and social and cultural change. The findings highlight the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, gender-sensitive policy development, and community engagement in addressing menstrual poverty.

From the Bio-Psycho-Social Model to the Development of a Clinical-Forensic Assessment Tool for Chronic Pain in Victims of Violence: A Research Protocol.

Violence against women impacts a minimum of 35% of the global female population, encompassing sexual, physical, and psychological forms. Perpetrators of this violence include partners, family members, or strangers. Its ramifications are substantial, evident in the prevalence of chronic pain reported by between 48% and 84% of women who have experienced abuse, with an odds ratio of 2.08. Notably associated diagnoses include pelvic/vaginal pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome/bowel symptoms, abdominal pain, migraine/headache, and back and neck pain. These diagnoses significantly limit a woman's ability to participate in daily activities, such as exercising or working, leading to genuine disability. Despite substantial evidence, the precise cause and etiology of these conditions remain unclear. Adhering to the bio-psycho-social model, it is conceivable that chronic pain in victims of violence cannot be attributed to a single factor alone, but rather to a combination of all three: biological, psychological, and social factors. Uncovering these factors could have significant clinical and legal implications. On one hand, it would be possible to conduct screenings to avoid developing chronic pain. and guide individuals toward the correct treatment. On the other hand, victims could seek compensation for chronic pain resulting from violence. Considering the limited knowledge about the causes of chronic pain and the absence of tools to identify risk factors or a set of tests for evaluating victims of violence, the goal of the research described in this project protocol is to pinpoint the specific contributing factors for chronic pain due to violence victimization. Additionally, it aims to devise a comprehensive protocol for assessing these factors in forensic science.

Access to Justice for Women: A Comparative Study between Subarnachar and Begumganj Upazila of Noakhali District

Access to justice is the first step towards justice in the current legal system and is recognized as a fundamental human right in both the Constitution of Bangladesh and several international conventions. Despite this recognition, many Bangladeshi citizens, particularly women, face significant barriers to accessing justice due to gender and other factors. Access to justice is an important human right, but women in rural areas often face significant challenges in exercising this right. This study compares women's access to justice in two upazilas of Noakhali district: Subarnachar and Begumganj. By examining the sociocultural, economic and institutional elements that influence women's ability to seek and pursue legal remedies, this study highlights the differences between the two regions. Data obtained through interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions with women, lawyers and community leaders. The study shows that while both upazilas face challenges such as patriarchal norms, lack of legal awareness and limited access to legal representation, the intensity and nature of these challenges differ significantly between Subarnachar and Begumganj. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address the specific barriers faced by women in each upazila and promote equal access to justice. This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender and justice in Bangladesh and provides insights for policymakers, legal practitioners and civil society organizations working to reinforce the legal empowerment of women in rural areas.

Opinion of Women on Possession of Land and Risk Handling Capacity

Abstract: This study shows that and ownership affects women's risk management abilities. This study was conducted in the two upazilas (Sub-districts) namely Delduar, and Nagorpur of Tangail district in Bangladesh. In this study, data were collected during the period of February 2024 to March 2024 from the studies areas. We found a favorable correlation between women's land ownership and risk management. Larger landholding women were more confident and competent in managing financial, environmental, and social hazards. This higher risk handling capability is due to land assets' financial stability, the ability to invest in risk-reducing technology or practices, and community bargaining power. This study shows that property ownership gives women a greater buffer against economic uncertainty and allows them to take proactive risk mitigation strategies. Data also shows that landowner women are more likely to have diverse income sources, minimizing their market susceptibility. They also use support networks and community risk management efforts more. The study concludes that land ownership improves women's risk management. Women acquire economic stability and risk management leverage by obtaining land holdings. This shows that land access regulations might boost women's resilience and risk management. Future study should examine how land ownership affects risk management and how to give disadvantaged women land access.

An Investigation into Educated Women's Perceptions of the family's Influence on Women's Education in 21st Century India. A Comparative study

The role of the family in society is evolving in the social environment, especially in the urbansector. A woman's ability to choose a job is being facilitated by education. The percentage of Indianwomen who attend school is now higher than the global average and rising. Family support and loftyemployment goals are to blame for this. Indian women have benefited from education to some extent,and many of them have earned higher degrees and are employed in a variety of fields. The researcher inthis work examined how educated women in 21st-century India perceived the impact of the family onwomen's education.

Gender Ideology and Women's Autonomy in Colleen Hoover's Regretting You

This study investigates the issue of women's autonomy through Colleen Hoover's novel Regretting You. With MacKinnon's dominance theory as a tool, this research paper explores the impact of patriarchal societal norms on power dynamics between men and women. The study's objective is to examine how gender ideology shapes women's choices without their awareness. By investigating the consequences of these norms, this study aims to focus on how sexual dominance inhibits female autonomy. The study employs a qualitative research method, specifically close textual analysis with thematic coding, to identify recurring motifs and character archetypes. Through this approach, the study examines how the novel portrays women as oppressed, victimized, and objectified within the dominant cultural discourse. The findings of the study indicate that internalized patriarchal norms have a significant influence on female characters' attitudes towards domestic violence. Ultimately, this study emphasizes how systemic oppression impedes women's ability to make autonomous choices and underscores the importance of addressing issues such as domestic violence and sexual domination through the experiences of female characters.

THE ADOPTION OF ISLAMIC FINANCE BY CAMEROONIAN SME ENTREPRENEURS: ARE THERE GENDER DISPARITIES?

The recent surge in the global asset value of Islamic finance has pushed Cameroonian policymakers to consider this mode of finance as an important element of the national financial inclusion strategy. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of Islamic finance by SME entrepreneurs on the one hand and gender differences in adoption on the other hand in Cameroon, a non-Muslim-dominated African country. Based on a sample of 1,358 SME entrepreneurs, a simple logistic model is adopted to analyze the determinants of the decision to adopt Islamic finance while the Fairlie decomposition is afterward employed to test for gender disparities vis-a-vis the adoption of this mode of finance. Results of the logistic regression show that the need to abide by the Sharia law, awareness, attitude, intention, location, and gender positively and significantly affect the decision to patronize the Islamic mode of financing by Cameroonian SME entrepreneurs while subjective norms and age exert negative effects. The results of the Fairlie decomposition show that there exists a mean difference of 8% to the disadvantage of female entrepreneurs concerning the adoption of Islamic finance and that this gap is widened by religious motivation, awareness, intention, and location. Policymakers are encouraged to enhance the level of Islamic finance awareness of SME entrepreneurs, and the sharia compliance of Islamic finance institutions by obliging them to operate under the guidance of qualified sharia boards. These policies should be supported by the implementation of accompanying measures, such as the eradication of societal norms that restrict women's ability to use Islamic finance services.

Dissecting Gender Bias: Critical Discourse Analysis of Advertisements in Indonesia

This research aims to identify gender equality issues by deconstructing the meaning of gender equality in advertisements from a feminist perspective through Critical Discourse Analysis. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research design with a Critical Discourse Analysis approach developed by Fairclough, which focuses on three main dimensions: textual dimension (microstructural), text production practice dimension (mesostructural), and socio-cultural practice dimension (macrostructural). Research data were obtained through interviews with informants as well as from advertisements related to gender equality aired on YouTube. Data collection techniques include interviews and the method of free listening and listening (SBLC) with note-taking techniques. The data collected was then analyzed using triangulation and deconstruction methods to reveal the ideology contained in the ad text and compare it with the informants' views. The results of this study show that societal norms often undermine women's abilities and limit women's roles to the domestic domain or as companions to their husbands. This research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning of gender equality in advertising media and help build a new perspective that is more inclusive and acceptable to society in Indonesia. The phenomenon of gender equality remains a challenge in many countries, including Pakistan and Nigeria, although the approaches and responses to this inequality differ in each country. In Pakistan, gender representations in media and advertising tend to reinforce traditional stereotypes, while in Nigeria, women are more active in fighting inequality through platforms such as blogs, which are used to criticize patriarchy and fight for social change. Deconstructing meaning in advertising allows researchers and academics to critically evaluate whether gender equality always places men in a dominant position over women, thus opening space for deeper analysis and more equitable solutions.

Gender Representation in Moroccan Orature: Moroccan Folktales as a Case Study

Scholars worldwide are fascinated by oral traditions, and Moroccan folktales are particularly striking within a mosaic of spoken narratives and cultural past. Storytellers bring these stories, rich in traditional wisdom, to life in both public and private spaces. To showcase their storytelling abilities, women are assuming roles that have historically been held by men, such as "storyteller" and "orator." Researchers are now examining the forms in which women are portrayed in these tales, as well as how female narrators engage with and contest these representations within the oral tradition. This paper looks at the stories that women tell and how often they connect female characters to negative stereotypes like evil intent, jealousy, and deceit through an exemplifying analytical approach. While these tales demonstrate women's storytelling abilities, they also reveal women's self-doubt and uncover women’s underestimation of themselves and their intellectual abilities, hence showing the contradictions residing in female-narrated stories. Thus, one should advocate for a revised view of the female voice in storytelling.

Cooperatives and Socio-Economic Empowerment Among Rural Women

This paper discusses the role of cooperative societies in empowering rural women through Nalachhap Pragatisil Women Saving and Credit Cooperatives Limited (NPWSCCL) in Bhaktapur particularly focusing on socio-economic aspects. It also highlights the social and economic challenges faced by rural women, such as limited decision-making power and poor economic conditions. The study uses descriptive research design followed by 55 sample respondents. Data were of both qualitative and quantitative nature collected through survey and interview respectively. The findings indicate a positive change in women's decision-making abilities after joining the cooperative, along with slight improvements in income and expenditure patterns. However, there is a need for skill development training programs for rural women. Overall, the efforts have not only empowered women but also contributed significantly to societal well-being and the promotion of social and economic change within the community but further efforts are needed to provide comprehensive support.

Scientific production about the influence of health literacy during the gestational period

Introduction: Health literacy is crucial for pregnant women's ability to access, understand, and use health information. Objeivo: to assess its impact on the quality of care during pregnancy. Method: An integrative review was conducted using LILACS, MEDLINE, and BDENF databases. Results: highlighted the influence of inadequate health literacy on prenatal care and interventions promoting health literacy during pregnancy. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals must recognize and address health literacy challenges in pregnant women to enhance care quality. Strategies focusing on health literacy promotion can empower individuals, promote awareness, and improve healthcare outcomes during pregnancy.