Women's Rights Research Articles

VIOLÊNCIA OBSTÉTRICA CONTRA MULHERES NEGRAS:IMPACTOS NA SAÚDE MATERNA

Obstetric violence is a form of abuse that occurs in healthcare services, involving physical, verbal abuse, and neglect, often perpetrated by healthcare professionals. This violence has an even greater impact on Black women in Brazil, who face additional barriers to accessing prenatal care and maternity services. General Objective: To highlight how obstetric violence directly affects the lives of these women, causing emotional, physical, and maternal trauma. Methodology: This study is a bibliographic review that investigates obstetric violence, with a special focus on the experiences of Black women. The research was based on scientific articles published between 2019 and 2024, collected from databases such as BVS and SCIELO. The selection of articles included the analysis of titles, abstracts, and full readings of the texts, aiming to gather relevant information for the proposed review. Results: Obstetric violence is recognized as a serious public health issue in Brazil, where the lack of clear management policies hinders reporting and perpetuates the vulnerability of women. This situation highlights the urgent need for increased social awareness, as well as investments in the education and training of healthcare professionals, to prevent this form of violence and ensure respect for women's rights.

Between International Policy and Local Practice: Nepali Service Providers' Constructions of Domestic Violence in Context.

The conceptualization of social problems is an important site for examining the extent to which the knowledge and priorities of local practitioners are reflected in international policy. This study employed critical discourse analysis to examine the constructions of domestic violence (DV) used by service providers in Pokhara, Nepal, as compared with two major international women's human rights policy documents. Both constructed DV as a human rights issue that should be contextualized within patriarchal and intersecting oppressions. Service providers additionally emphasized the denial of rights and entitlements of family life as DV. This finding underscores the long-term risks that survivors navigate and suggests that international human rights policymakers should broaden conceptualizations of DV.

Study of U.S. Democratic and Republican Senators' Political Framing Strategies on Abortion Rights Based on Social Identity Theory and Framing Effect

Political framing significantly shapes public opinions and legislative outcomes in the United States, making the understanding of Democratic and Republican senators' strategies concerning abortion rights necessary. This study employs Social Identity Theory and Framing Effect to analyze cognitive and affective language patterns, as well as frequent references to specific word count in senators' speeches, using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) program. The findings reveal distinct partisan differences: Democrats frequently emphasize women's rights and personal freedoms, while Republicans focus on morality and the sanctity of unborn life. These divergent framing strategies highlight how party affiliation influences the discourse on this contentious issue. The research, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, underscores the complexity of political communication and the need for nuanced studies to explore how language reflects and shapes political identities and ideologies.

Empowering Women across Borders: A Study on Equality and Inclusion

Abstract: This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of women's empowerment and gender equality across various cultural and socio-economic contexts through The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It was adopted by the United Nations in 1979, and serves as a foundational international treaty aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide. This paper explores the impact of CEDAW in transforming legal frameworks, fostering social change, and enhancing women's rights. By obligating signatory nations to eliminate discrimination against women in all forms, CEDAW provides a comprehensive framework for addressing issues such as violence against women, economic inequality, and political participation. It is instrumental in reshaping societal norms and legal frameworks, driving systemic change that empowers women and promotes their fundamental rights on a global scale. The paper will discuss in detail the barriers that women face, including legal, economic, and social challenges, and highlights successful strategies implemented in different countries to promote gender equity at International Level.

Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia: Leveraging Opinions, Perceptions, and Experiences for Effective Interventions

This review critically examines the socio-cultural and religious landscape of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somalia, where the practice remains pervasive despite global condemnation and human rights infringements. With the highest FGM rates globally, Somalia's scenario underscores the complexities of eradicating practices deeply embedded in societal fabric. The purpose of this review is to understand prevailing attitudes towards FGM among various Somali stakeholders and to recalibrate intervention strategies accordingly, with an emphasis on harm reduction as a pragmatic initial approach towards a long-term eradication goal. The review employs a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies to discern Somali communities’ awareness of FGM health risks, ongoing support for the practice, and resistance to its abandonment. It reveals a perceptual shift towards Sunna, a less extreme FGM form, influenced by religious considerations and health awareness, yet still infringing on women's rights. The contentious role of medicalization as a harm-reduction tactic is also discussed, which, while safer, may perpetuate the practice. Overall, the review underscores the necessity for culturally sensitive, community-driven interventions that advocate for collective action against FGM. These interventions should integrate educational efforts, legal frameworks, and redefinition of FGM's socio-cultural importance, aiming for a gradual yet definitive end to the practice.

Women's Rights in Papua New Guinea: An Analysis Through the Lens of Galtung's Triangle

Women's Rights in Papua New Guinea: An Analysis Through the Lens of Galtung's Triangle

Implementation of Posyandu Program in Fulfilling the Rights of Pregnant Women and Toddlers in Cibinong Sub-District, Bogor District, a Case Study in Pondok Rajeg Village

Health issues are fundamental in society. Moreover, after COVID-19, several adjustments were made to strengthen public health. Then the importance of developing quality human resources as a national priority cannot be separated from good nutritional status, especially in nutritionally vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and toddlers. Optimal nutritional conditions for pregnant women are very important because they have the potential to influence the growth and development process of the fetus. Malnutrition in pregnant women can increase the risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight (LBW) and stunting. Likewise, toddlers as a group who are in a period of rapid growth and development are very vulnerable to malnutrition. Therefore, special attention to pregnant women and toddlers needs to be increased in an effort to improve national nutritional status. This research was conducted to determine the success of the implementation of the Posyandu program in Pondok Rajeg Village, Cibinong District, Bogor Regency in an effort to fulfill the rights of pregnant women and toddlers. The method used is a descriptive qualitative method using George C. Edward III's theory with four dimensions, namely Communication, Resources, Disposition and Bureaucratic Structure. The success of the implementation or implementation of the Posyandu program in Pondokrajeg Village, Cibinong District, Bogor Regency has been good, which can be seen from the results of research with resource persons, supporting documents and reports on improving the health of pregnant women and toddlers in Pondok Rajeg District, Cibinong District, Bogor Regency

Evaluating The Implementation of The Maputo Protocol in The Protection of Women's Rights in Kenya

The Maputo Protocol is the most progressive provision specified by the African Nations regarding the importance of women's protection. The content of the protocol was agreed upon by the board of the African Union in Maputo, Mozambique, in July 2003. Entering twenty years of implementation in 2023, 44 of 55 governments of the African countries have committed to protecting women's rights based on the protocol's provisions. Kenya has only ratified the protocol since 2010, which is relatively new compared to the other African countries. This research aims to explain and evaluate the implementation of the Maputo Protocol in Kenya from its ratification in 2010 until the end of 2023. This research uses a qualitative method to gain a comprehensive understanding by analyzing any information from official documents, previous research, related journals, news reports, and other secondary sources. The results show a huge commitment from the government, agencies, institutions, and the Kenyan community to improve women's conditions by supporting the protocol's implementation. As a result, women's rights in the country have shown some progress in recent years. However, some problems related to gender inequality still exist and need to be the primary concern of the government and the people of Kenya. Keywords: Maputo Protocol, Women’s Rights, Kenya Protokol Maputo merupakan aturan mengenai perlindungan perempuan yang berlaku di kawasan Afrika. Pemberlakuan protokol disepakati oleh negara-negara anggota African Union di Maputo, Mozambik, pada Juli tahun 2003. Memasuki dua puluh tahun implementasi Protokol Maputo pada tahun 2023, sebanyak 44 dari 55 negara Afrika telah menyatakan komitmennya untuk melindungi hak-hak perempuan sebagaimana yang diatur di dalam ketentuan protokol. Kenya merupakan salah satu negara yang baru meratifikasi Protokol Maputo pada tahun 2010. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan dan mengevaluasi implementasi Protokol Maputo di Kenya sejak meratifikasi pada tahun 2010 sampai 2023. Penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif dalam rangka memperoleh pemahaman komprehensif dengan menganalisis berbagai informasi terkait dari dokumen kenegaraan, penelitian sebelumnya, jurnal, berita, dan sumber-sumber sekunder lainnya. Secara umum, diketahui bahwa sejak meratifikasi Protokol Maputo, Kenya telah menunjukkan beberapa progres perlindungan hak asasi perempuan. Kendati demikian, berbagai permasalahan mengenai ketidaksetaraan gender masih terjadi dan patut mendapatkan perhatian serius dari pemerintah dan komunitas masyarakat di Kenya. Kata-kata Kunci: Protokol Maputo, Perlindungan Perempuan, Kenya

RESILIENCE AND LIBERATION: ANALYZING WOMEN'S RESISTANCE IN NO FOURTH RIVER THROUGH THE LENS OF LIBERAL FEMINISM

This study is aimed at analyzing the gender issues presented in a literary work by Christine Clayfield. This study explores the manifestations and impacts of women's resistance in the novel No Fourth River through the lens of liberal feminism, primarily drawing on Naomi Wolf's concept of power feminism. The analysis is centered on the main character, Christine, and her relentless struggle against patriarchal oppression. Critical forms of resistance, including desire, courage, independence, firmness, and hard work, are identified and explored in detail. Christine's journey reveals how these attributes enable her to confront and overcome systemic injustices. The findings underscore the importance of resilience and agency in women's liberation, empowering us to understand that these are the keys to significant personal and social changes, such as increased self-confidence, elevated social status, financial independence, and the fulfillment of love. This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality in literary studies, offering valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for women's rights and empowerment. By contextualizing Christine's resistance within the framework of liberal feminism, the research motivates us to continue the fight for gender equality, empowering us with the knowledge of the keys to personal and social changes.

Hostile Sexism Predicts Annual Within-Person Increases in Sexual Prejudice for Both Men and Women: Evidence from an 8-Year RI-CLPM

Although many Western democracies have made important strides toward egalitarianism in recent years, members of the LGB+ community continue to endure sustained animus. Yet, little empirical work has examined the ideologies that promote sexual prejudice in the twenty-first century. We address this oversight by positing that hostile sexism temporally precedes increases in sexual prejudice for both men and women. Accordingly, we used nine annual waves (2014–2023) of longitudinal panel data from a nationwide random sample of New Zealand adults to examine the within-person cross-lagged associations between ambivalent sexism and sexual prejudice across heterosexual men ( n = 22,751) and women ( n = 38,004). As hypothesized, hostile sexism (but not benevolent sexism) predicted within-person increases in sexual prejudice for both heterosexual men and heterosexual women over time. These results replicated across ethnic majority men and women, ethnic minority men (but not women), and LGB+ men (but not women), as well as when adjusting for participants’ age. Together, these results demonstrate that the pernicious effects of hostile sexism extend beyond women's rights, and highlight the importance of addressing sexism to foster broader egalitarian ideals over time. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843241275579 .

THE EVENT: ON SCREEN, REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

This article analyzes the feature film The Happening (Audrey Diwan, 2021) based on the journey and experiences of its protagonist, a young French woman in the 1960s who seeks a safe abortion despite living in a patriarchal context marked by oppression, condemnation of women's bodies, and violence. The aim is to relate the aesthetic, visual, and sound analysis to the current and urgent debate on women's reproductive rights, with an emphasis on abortion. The theoretical framework is anchored in contemporary feminist theory and criticism, especially Federici (2018) and Diniz (2020), and the methodology of film analysis is understood here as a recreation of the original narrative, an exercise that prioritizes passages and frames allied to interlocutions with the theme addressed.

THE FIRST WOMEN IN RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS IN THE MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF POLAND AND UKRAINE (Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna and Nadia Surowcowa)

The article shows the fate of the first women to hold responsible positions in the foreign ministries of Poland and Ukraine in the period of formation of the diplomatic services of both countries during the struggle of Ukrainians and Poles for the restoration of state independence in 1917-1921. At that time, diplomacy was a purely male field of activity. However, Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna in Poland and Nadia Surowcowa in Ukraine have proven that women can work effectively in the diplomatic service. They were both fluent in several foreign languages, demonstrated creative approaches to solving complex problems, and fought for women's rights. Surowcova became the first woman in Ukrainian diplomacy to hold the position of head of an independent unit, the first spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first Ukrainian woman to defend her dissertation at the University of Vienna. Iłłakowiczówna proved the effectiveness of women in Polish diplomacy in various positions, she was the first to use the tools of public diplomacy during foreign trips with lectures on Poland and J. Piłsudski, she introduced diplomatic protocol in the Ministry of Military Affairs. Through their activities, both diplomats left important lessons of responsibility, professionalism, and creativity to future generations of women in diplomacy. The article concludes that these two unique women, despite extraordinary challenges, lived long and vibrant lives, went through fame, envy, oblivion and revival of memory, and became true legends - as diplomats and writer and journalist. Each of them found themselves in the diplomatic service by accident, but immediately realised their mission and pride in joining diplomacy as an important state institution in the days of its formation.

ANALYSIS OF WOMEN’S SERVICE NETWORKS IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SERVICES

This article proposes a critical analysis of women's care networks in the Northeast of Brazil, focusing on support services for victims of violence and the promotion of women's health and rights. The research aims to identify the main challenges faced by care networks in the region and explore possible strategies for improving the effectiveness of these services. The analysis will be based on a combination of literature review, secondary data analysis.

Women Empowerment in Rural Sindh: A Case Study of Pano Aqil, Pakistan

This research paper investigates the strategies to enhance women's empowerment and address gender inequality in rural Sindh, with a focus on Pano Aqil. Through a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative data analysis, the study explores the current level of awareness regarding women's rights and empowerment, the impact of traditional practices such as Jirgas and Panchayats, and the opportunities and barriers to education and employment for women. Additionally, it evaluates the perceived effectiveness of legal reforms and assesses awareness of harmful practices like 'Karo-Kari.' The study reveals significant gaps in awareness, persistent gender biases, and the ongoing influence of traditional practices on women's rights. By addressing these issues, the research aims to provide actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers, community leaders, and organizations to improve women's empowerment and reduce gender inequality in rural Sindh.

Gender emancipation and its impact on happiness: An examination of the happy wife, happy life formula

The adage "happy wife, happy life" implies that women's gender emancipation could contribute to the overall societal quality of life. However, it raises at least two questions: Does advancing women's rights lead to increased happiness for women? Is it possible that advancing women’s rights occurs at the expense of men? The study examines the relationship between gender emancipation and happiness, aiming to determine whether gender emancipation genuinely enhances the happiness of both women and men, and whether the focus on women’s well-being might negatively impact men. Data from the World Values Survey were used to conduct cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. The cross-sectional analysis focused on the relationship between emancipation and happiness, while the longitudinal analysis explored trends in gender emancipation and happiness from the 3rd cohort (1995-1998) to the 7th cohort (2017-2022). Women had higher gender emancipation scores, but the genders did not differ significantly in happiness scores. Surprisingly, there was no significant correlation between gender emancipation and happiness, whether analysing the entire sample or each gender separately. Longitudinal data revealed increasing gender emancipation and happiness over time. This similarity in trends was interpreted as a spurious relationship. It was hypothesised that happiness could stem from gender emancipation. However, despite longitudinal data revealing growing gender emancipation and happiness for both sexes, the cross-sectional analysis showed no such correlations. Gender emancipation and happiness, as measured by the World Values Survey, were not related. Emancipation does not necessarily equate to a happy life.

Economic freedom and legal gender disparity

AbstractUsing a panel dataset from 1970 to 2019, this paper theorizes and empirically demonstrates that countries with higher levels of economic freedom have fewer legal differences between men's and women's economics rights. Specifically, economic freedom promotes equal legal treatment of women to work, get paid, and be entrepreneurs. This finding is robust to controlling for income, political institutional quality, and country and period fixed effects. Furthermore, economic freedom's impact is amplified in democratic countries. The results challenge the prevailing notion that capitalism is detrimental to women, instead providing evidence that economically free countries favor less legal discrimination against women.

Achievements and Challenges in the Development of a Nurse-Led Respectful Delivery Care Model Provided by Partners in Health in Rural Mexico.

The model of obstetric care predominant in Mexico in most public and private healthcare institutions is particularly focused on a physiological perspective of the female body that does not respond to women's need for emotional comfort and satisfaction. In the last decade, however, various initiatives that provide obstetric care centered on women's rights have emerged. To analyze the implementation of a model of humanized/respectful delivery care supervised by nursing and midwifery undergraduate interns in a birthing center in the state of Chiapas, in order to identify achievements and future challenges. We used information from secondary sources and carried out a descriptive analysis. Births attended at the birthing center increased in relation to all the births registered in the Angel Albino Corzo municipality between 2017 and 2022. Positive indicators of respectful care increased with the implemented model, while negative indicators decreased. Between 2016 and 2022, obstetric nurses attended more than 1500 births without maternal deaths and managed some emergency cases referred to specialized care. This case illustrates the potential of alternative models of obstetric care. Evidence-based, midwife- and nurse-led models of clinical obstetric care should be expanded in the Mexican healthcare system.

Utilizing Citizen Generated Data to enhance Women's Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Somalia: Insights, Barriers, and Pathways Forward

Purpose: This study was undertaken to capture citizen’s insights on practical steps that individuals, families, communities, and institutions could take to support the improvement of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in Somalia. This includes raising awareness of issues affecting women's access to SRH, such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Methodology: This research employed a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured radio questions distributed through various channels such as radio promos, mini-dramas, interactive radio shows, and Short Messaging Service (SMS) on mobile phones. To enhance and validate the findings from the radio series, thirty Focus Group Discussions (FGD) involving 270 'hard-to-reach' participants were conducted across all Federal Member States (FMS) of Somalia, excluding Somaliland. Collaborating with 20 radio stations, a total of 4,268 participants from across Somalia were involved in this study. The qualitative data obtained was categorized into themes, and the subsequent information was analyzed using content analysis methodology for qualitative data, as well as descriptive statistics and inferential analysis through statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25 and excel for quantitative data. The presentation of the data included the use of tables and figures. Findings: This study outlined key challenges in accessing quality SRH services for women in Somalia. Priorities included enhancing healthcare infrastructure and availability of SRH professionals, along with emphasizing health education on reproductive health and family planning. Food insecurity's impact, especially among displaced populations, was noted. GBV and FGM were highlighted, calling for comprehensive survivor care and male involvement in prevention. Collaboration between schools and the private sector was proposed for menstrual hygiene. Men's support for SRH access was deemed crucial. Addressing stigma around SRH access, GBV, and FGM was stressed, urging comprehensive awareness campaigns and improved healthcare provision for survivors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Addressing women's SRH in Somalia involves investing in healthcare infrastructure, expanding health education programs, ensuring access to nutritious food, and engaging men as allies in promoting women's SRH rights. Moreover, efforts to combat stigma, GBV, and FGM must be culturally sensitive and inclusive, involving religious and community leaders, and addressing underlying socio-economic factors contributing to these issues.

The Contribution of Halide Edib Adıvar to the Development of the Women’s Movement in Türkiye and Her Influence in the Context of Gender Equality

Halide Edib Adıvar, a prominent literary figure, holds a significant place in Turkish political scenes and Turkish literature during the Republican era. Her personal life, activities she participated in, and particularly her views on women's rights distinguish Halide Edib in a unique position. During the National Struggle, Halide Edib actively engaged in Anatolia and was among the first female speakers to emphasize the need for Turkish women to attain a dignified position in modern societies through her speeches, literary works, and writings. Acting as an educator advocating for active female participation in the education sphere, Halide Edib portrayed modern and educated female models in her works. Through her novels and writings, she made substantial contributions to the Turkish women's movement by presenting strong representations of women and questioning societal gender roles. Halide Edib Adıvar used various media outlets such as columns, articles, and books to promote gender equality. Drawing attention to women's education in her novels and writings, she encouraged awareness on the subject. In accordance with the directive of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, she co-founded the Anadolu Agency with Yunus Nadi Abalıoğlu in Ankara on April 6, 1920, seventeen days before the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on April 23, 1920. Halide Edib actively engaged in journalism by translating the political content of newspapers published in English at the agency. Halide Edib also played a role in the Women's Defense of Homeland Society, one of Turkey's first women's associations, striving to empower women for greater societal and political involvement. This study employs qualitative research methods to comprehensively examine Halide Edib Adıvar's role in societal change, her contributions to the women's rights movement, and her impact on empowering and raising awareness among women in Turkey and globally.

Analisis Tokoh Kartini dalam Teori Bandura

This research aims to analyze the personality of R.A. Kartini using Albert Bandura's social learning theory, focusing on the concepts of reciprocal determinism, cognition and self-regulation, self-efficacy, self-system, and the stages of learning through behavior. Kartini, a figure who advocated for gender equality and women's education, displayed a strong intrinsic drive despite facing social and cultural barriers. Through Bandura’s theory, this study explores how Kartini’s social environment, internal values, and life experiences influenced her efforts in creating social change. The findings show that Kartini's personality reflects a complex interaction between individual factors, the environment, and behavior, all contributing to her significant achievements in women's rights.