Women's Affairs Research Articles

Gender Equity in Nigeria: A Social-Psychological Explanation of Gender Prejudice

Gender equity is a global phenomenon. One of the central aims of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to eliminate gender disparity, ensure equality and human dignity to all men and women. Promoting gender equity and equality is important part of the development strategy that seeks to empower people (both men and women), diminish poverty and improve the standard of living. However, gender inequalities have existed and still persist in most Africa countries and women are not adequately represented in many social, economic and political activities. Consequently, women particularly in Nigeria are among the most disadvantaged population group. This paper aimed at investigating gender equity, identifying forms and causes of gender prejudice in Nigeria and suggesting plausible efforts and remedies to address the intersectional gender imbalance in this country. To achieve this, the study employed the use of secondary sources data and content analysis as its method of data collection and data analysis respectively. To ameliorate gender inequalities toward realization of millennium goals, the following recommendations were put forward: the need for pragmatic and specific gender- focused policies, programmes and actions across all level of government, using multidimensional strategies in uplifting women in politics, education, administration and security outfits, creation of a special agency - equal opportunities commission under ministry of women affairs in every state to address the issue of gender imbalance and lastly ensuring adequate and sustained media campaign and consistent public sensitization on the issues of gender prejudice with a view to achieving the target of SDGs on gender equality in Nigeria.

An Empirical Investigation of Entrepreneurial Orientation of Women Entrepreneur in Sabah

Entrepreneurial orientation has been recognized as one of the determinants of business performance. The purpose of this study is to determine the entrepreneurial orientation of women entrepreneurs in Sabah by adopting entrepreneurial orientation five-dimensions. A quantitative study using questionnaire was adopted. The respondents of the study were women entrepreneurs who took part in Sabah Women Entrepreneur Carnival 2020, organized by Sabah Women's Affairs Department. The sampling method adopted was convenience sampling. Questionnaires were distributed to 150 women entrepreneurs, but only 93 responses were usable. The findings of the study indicate women entrepreneurs in Sabah are entrepreneurial oriented as the mean scores were all above 3.5. Moreover, out of the five dimensions, these women entrepreneurs are more competitive as it has the highest mean score (M=4.18). However, women entrepreneurs in Sabah are found not proactive since the mean score generated was the lowest among all five dimensions with M=3.22. The study adds some contributions to the field of entrepreneurship. Ministries and agencies involved with the development of women entrepreneurs in Sabah can aid and support women entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their business. Various courses and training can be offered to enhance women entrepreneur’s knowledge and skills.

Government and Program Implementation Bodies Policies on Performance of Women Empowerment Projects in Dagoretti Area, Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: Women’s social, political and economic empowerment is a prerequisite for sustainable development and pro poor growth. Achieving women’s economic empowerment requires sound public policies, a holistic approach and long-term commitment and gender-specific perspectives must be integrated at the design stage of policy and programming. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the influence of government and program implementation bodies’ policies on the performance of women’s empowerment projects in Dagoretti area, Nairobi County, Kenya. To achieve this, the following specific objectives were utilized; to examine distribution of resources policies on the performance of women empowerment projects in Dagoretti area, Nairobi County, Nairobi, to assess decision making policies on the performance of women empowerment projects in Dagoretti area, Nairobi County, Nairobi, to assess monitoring and evaluation policies on the performance of women empowerment projects in Dagoretti area, Nairobi County, to examine leadership and coordination policies on the performance of women empowerment projects in Dagoretti area, Nairobi County.
 Methodology: The research design that was adopted was descriptive research design. The study involved interviewing of key actors involved in women’s empowerment programs (particularly in the community based organizations (CBOS). The target population comprised of 33 women groups in Dagoretti Area, 4 county officials and 20 Chair persons of Program Implementing Bodies. The sample drawn from the target population was based on the basis of 30% of 33 that resulted to a selection of 10 women groups that were randomly selected. 3 officials from the county office dealing with Youths and women affairs and 7 officials from implementing bodies were purposively selected. The scope of study was Dagoretti Area, Nairobi County. Data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered to the county official. Focus group discussion guides were carried out on women who were selected randomly during their meetings. Data collected was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively through the help of SPSS computer software and presented through themes percentages, frequencies, tables and bar graphs.

We Are All Afghanistan

On October 15, 2021, Women's Learning Partnership (WLP) convened an online, public conversation with former Minister for Women's Affairs in Afghanistan, Sima Samar, and former Governer of Bamyan Province, Habiba Sarabi, moderated by former UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid and WLP Founder and President Mahnaz Afkhami. Audience members were from around the world, including directors of WLP’s partner organizations in Asia, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. A question and answer session, moderated by WLP Executive Director, Allison Horowski, followed the conversation.

Lived experiences of intimate partner violence survivors during pregnancy and who had spontaneous abortions: A phenomenological study to inform survivor-centered strategies.

Previous studies quantified that women who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) had a higher risk of spontaneous abortion than women who did not experience IPV. However, there is limited evidence documenting the experiences of women in Northern Ethiopia who have been subjected to partner violence and who had spontaneous abortions. This evidence is critical for policymakers looking to improve women's access to maternity care. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of IPV survivors during pregnancy who had spontaneous abortions in Northern Ethiopia. A phenomenological qualitative study design was used to explore the lived experiences of survivors of IPV who had spontaneous abortions. A total of 16 interviews were conducted between April 23 and June 5, 2020. Eight in-depth interviews and eight key informant interviews were conducted with eligible mothers who received the required service, Adigrat General Hospital service providers, zonal women's affairs experts, and legal professionals. The purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants, and the sample size was determined using the information saturation principle. The data were analyzed through open coding and thematic content analysis. The themes that emerged in this study included opinions toward IPV, mothers' and experts' experiences of partner support during pregnancy, attitudes toward IPV, and understanding of spontaneous abortion. Physical, emotional, sexual, and economic pressure were identified as the most common forms of IPV. Participants in the study believed that physical violence and stress were associated with spontaneous abortion. They also mentioned various strategies for preventing IPV, such as providing job opportunities for women, punishing perpetrators, and encouraging mutual tolerance. This study found that spontaneous abortion is linked to any type of IPV, including physical IPV during pregnancy. IPV is a community-supported event that necessitates strategies and legal frameworks to prevent and mitigate its effects.

Diskusi Komunitas Remaja Laki-Laki Untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Kesehatan Reproduksi Dan Kekerasan Seksual

Adolescents are not yet aware of the importance of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, while teenagers are very vulnerable to various problems related to sexual and reproductive health. So far, programs to improve reproductive health and prevent sexual violence have been mostly directed at women. As a result, issues of reproductive health, gender, sexual violence, maternal and child health and family planning are often considered women's affairs. This situation makes men isolated from reproductive health issues and sexual violence. On the other hand, achieving gender justice and equality, fulfilling reproductive health rights and the right to be free from sexual violence against women is progressing slowly without the involvement of men as part of the issue itself. Method The first activity carried out is training and coaching of cadres and health workers which will be carried out over 2 meetings, followed by REMAKI DISCO with participants from the Jabon Village Youth Organization, Kec. Mojoanyar, Mojokerto Regency for 1 week in improving reproductive health behavior and preventing sexual violence. There is a fairly good understanding of reproductive health behavior and prevention of sexual violence among male adolescents in the village of Jabon sub-district. Mojoanyar District. Mojokerto. The role of village government, cadres and health workers as well as facilitators in DISKO REMAKI is expected to be able to provide the support needed for adolescent boys to be able to maintain healthy reproductive behavior and prevent sexual violence in their environment.

There Is a Tide in the Affairs of Women: The Biology of Menstruation in Levitical (and Israelite) Thought

Abstract This article examines the Levitical/priestly understanding of the biology of menstruation. In particular, it examines the Levitical/priestly legists’ typology of vaginal discharging, as well as their understanding of the length of normally occurring menstrual cycles, the anatomy and physiology of vaginal discharging, the homologous relationship between the womb and the primeval world, the biological process that took place during the seven-day span of the menstrual state, and menarche and menopause. It is possible that some or all of what is presented here as the Levitical/priestly understanding of the biology of menstruation was the understanding of the Israelites in general.

Implementasi Ekstrakurikuler Rohani Islam Sekolah (Rohis) dalam Pembinaan Akhlak Peserta Didik

In the world of education, there is a decline in morals. One of the solutions made to improve the problem of moral decline in the world of education/schools is by implementing school Islamic spiritual extracurriculars (Rohis) in the moral development of students. The purpose of this study was to describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation in implementing school Islamic spiritual extracurriculars (Rohis) in the moral development of students. This research method is descriptive qualitative. In this study, it was found that planning was carried out by the school and spiritual coaches by holding Islamic programs that could foster the morals of students to become akhlakul karimah. The implementation of spiritual extracurriculars in the moral development of students carries out activities with Islamic nuances by establishing four departments namely regeneration, mupalla, syiar and women's affairs. In the evaluation using an approach with the indicator of akhlakul karimah which includes the first three things, morals towards Allah SWT. second, morals towards humans, and third, morals towards nature. The results of this study indicate that the programs implemented in these four departments are able to foster student morals in accordance with good morals.

Fikih Wanita dan Pemahaman Remaja Putri di Pondok Pesantren Sunan Drajat

Physical changes in both appearance and body proportions are one of the characteristics of puberty. For young women, it is usually marked by menstruation. The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding through deepening the study of women's jurisprudence so that young women truly understand menstruation, childbirth, istihadah and matters related to women's affairs. Qualitative methods with approaches to respondents have opened space for researchers to reveal problems and solutions for respondents. The research population was female students of the Sunan Drajat Islamic Boarding School who were studying at Paciran 2 Public Middle School. The results of the research have opened up perceptions and understanding for Paciran 2 Public Middle School students in understanding and practicing how to purify from menstruation, childbirth, istihadah and how to carry out worship properly in accordance with sharia.

THE IMPACT OF DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES ON INSTITUTIONAL MATURITY VIA CMMI

Purpose: the ultimate aim of this paper is to highlight the impact of dynamic capabilities on institutional maturity at the NGOs in the southern Palestinian Governates. Methodology: This paper was completed using a structured survey and the descriptive analytical approach. We targeted NGOs in the southern Palestinian governates with a capital of more than 2 million shekels, an age of organization is more than 15 years, and a staff of more than 30 people. To carry out this research, a stratified random sample of 346 employees with administrative tasks and responsibilities was chosen. The selected organization has a different field of work, Health, and Rehabilitation, Education, Social Development, Culture Women's affairs, Youth and sport, and Endowment. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the collected data. Finding: the outcome of the research is twofold. the result revealed three types of dynamic capabilities for the maturity of the organization through the CMMI, reconfiguration capabilities namely sensing, seizing, and reconfiguration capabilities. CMMI helps to standardize the organization's process to better performance operation. Dynamic capabilities have a positive effect on institutional maturity at the targeted NGOs in the Southern Palestinian Governates. Practical implications: The findings have practical significance and draw managerial focus on the importance of (1) investing DCs, (2) CMMI e as significant factors in increasing institutional maturity

Analysis of The Influence of Socio-cultural Factors on Education of the Girl-child in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of socio-cultural factors on the girl-child education in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was a causal comparative research by design. The population of the study comprised all the female students of secondary schools in the five Local Government Areas of Mubi Education Zone. From the population, four out of the five Local Government Areas of the Education Zone were sampled using balloting method of simple random sampling technique and from each; two secondary schools were also randomly selected making a total of eight schools. Then from each of the eight secondary schools, fifty female students were sampled making a total of four hundred students. Three research questions and four hypotheses were postulated for the study. A set of structured questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection where the data was analyzed using t-test statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). From the results of the findings of the study, it revealed that: socio-cultural factors contributed significantly to the influence of girl-child education in the zone; the challenges facing the girls to some extent differ between rural and urban areas; there was significant difference between the mean scores of the factors hindering the girl-child education based on religion; just to mention but a few. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that there is the need for cross cultural, interfaith and social integration as a way of encouraging parents to bring education to the doorstep of the girl-child in Nigeria; that the government and other stakeholders especially in women affairs in the study area should endeavour to constantly promote positive socio-cultural integration by preaching peaceful coexistence among people of differently socio-cultural background; and ways of creating favourable conditions which can discourage societal preference for male children and the traditional belief that the position of a woman is in the kitchen.

The role of women in the sustainable development of society: a research study in the light of the biography of Tayyaba ﷺ

From day one till now, whenever a society has been rebuilt or embarked on a journey of sustainable development, women have always played a key role in it. Women have always played an important role in religious, social, cultural, economic and social development. Keep doing especially in this regard, the role of Hazrat Khadija (ؓ), Hazrat Ayesha (ؓ) and other spouses and companions is at the forefront in the time of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). She gave a lasting and everlasting rise to the society by helping men in child rearing and other household matters as well as in business matters, education and training and war matters. There is no doubt that professional women are playing an important role in the development of the society. Yes, but what are the positive and negative effects on domestic affairs and especially the training of children? And what are the social and domestic flaws? This is a matter for consideration. Therefore, we should consider the Qur'an and Sunnah and the principles given by the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) and adopt a way of life that is free from extremism and the above-mentioned evils, so that society can achieve sustainable development. Therefore, in the present article, the positive and negative effects of professional women's domestic affairs and training on children will be discussed in the light of which the sustainable development of contemporary society can be improved.

The upsurge of rape during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria and its effects on survivors

As one of the global measures for containing the spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Nigerian government imposed a total lockdown from 30 March 2020 to 15 May 2020. This exposed a lot of women and children to a greater level of sexual violence such as rape, which has persisted even before COVID-19. On 14 July 2020, the Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pauline Tallen, reportedly said that over 3600 rape cases were recorded across Nigeria during the lockdown. The sudden rise in cases of rape in the country calls for urgent attention. The article explores the effects of rape during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria using expository and phenomenological designs. It used data obtained from: (1) articles and commentaries on the websites of various newspapers in Nigeria, (2) existing works and (3) interviews with women and girls who were either survivors or connected to the victims of rape during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. The findings corroborate the notion that rape, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, is a very traumatic experience that has negative effects on the survivors in a physical, psychological and sociological way. The data also indicate that the upsurge of rape incidences in Nigeria is an epidemic that should also be treated as a public health emergency.Contribution: This research revealed diverse health and safety approaches that should be adopted to mitigate further escalation of rape, which includes enforcement of anti-sexual harassment bills, intensified orientation and awareness through campaigns.

The relationship between sexual function and emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to health centers in Yazd.

BACKGROUND:Sexual function is affected by many psychological factors and emotions. The impact of emotion management varies in different fertility situationsThis can affect women's sexual function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual function and emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to health centers in Yazd.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present study is a correlational study that was performed on 165 women with inclusion criteria and referred to 4 selected health centers in Yazd in 2017. The study tools include demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index sexual function, and Bar-On emotional intelligence. The fertility status of women in the present study included a history of infertility, number of children, and history of abortion. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistical methods and analytical tests with SPSS software version 18.RESULTS:The mean score of all components of emotional intelligence except the components of self-expression, independence, and emotional self-awareness and also the total score of emotional intelligence infertile people was significantly higher than infertile people (P < 0.05). Regarding the relationship between emotional intelligence and sexual function in terms of fertility variables, a significant correlation was observed between the mean scores of all components of emotional intelligence except interpersonal relationships, flexibility, responsibility, empathy, and self-expression with sexual performance score in fertile individuals.(P = 0.000).Conclusion:As a result, it is suggested that the institutions in charge of women's affairs try to increase emotional intelligence and improve women's sexual function by holding workshops and classes for women, especially in women with infertility, childlessness, and history of abortion.

SINERGITAS PEREMPUAN (Studi Paradigmatis Yusuf Qardhawi dalam Fatawa Al-Mu’āshirah)

The synergy of women in various sector of life is explained directly by Yusuf al-Qardhawi in the Fatawa Al-Mu'āshirah. He is a contemporary fiqh scholar, his work has been widely reviewed by academics and is used as a reference at formal and non-formal institutions. Her moderate and loose attitude in looking at women's affairs attracted writers to examine her paradigm. This research is classified as descriptive-qualitative. Data analysis was carried out through an in-depth study of volume three of the book Fatawa Al-Mu'āshirah and the results were discussed with the author's partners. The results are: 1) Since Adam as., there is has been a contribution of women, namely Hawa. 2) Since of the history of Islam, there is contribution of women has been prominent in family realm, da’wah of Islam, thought, education, literature, politics, science, economy, social and culture. 3) The role of muslimah at various sector of life needs to be improved, which society really needs.

The Position of The Hamas Movement on The Political Participation of Palestinian Women

The importance of this study lies in illustrating the role of Palestinian women in the development of Palestinian society as a result of their political participation and aims to examine the position of the Hamas movement on the political participation of Palestinian women during its various stages since with the movement's founding, leading to its assumption of power after winning the legislative elections. A qualitative research methodology used to address the study objectives by conducting 4 personal interviews. The researcher interviews Palestinian women leaders of the Islamic women's movement affiliated with Hamas, who participated in the political and social work fields, in addition to their participation in the management of ministries after Hamas’s assumption of power. The interview includes 6 semi-structured questions. Personal interviews have been conducted in Gaza. Later, comparisons with previous studies have been made, analyzed, and reviewed. The study has several results, the most important of which are that the Palestinian woman in Hamas enjoys a large area of participation in political work of all kinds as Hamas' interest in women's affairs has been proven since the early stages of the movement's founding. This is evident as Hamas has allowed women to work in advocacy and to assume leadership positions within the social and educational institutions, leading to assuming power, after being elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council and obtaining their membership in the Palestinian Ministry. Nevertheless, women's political participation is still weak and limited in formal and informal institutions and decision-making places. Finally, the researchers recommend that future research deal with the political participation of Palestinian women on other dimensions, including social, cultural, educational, economic, and political factors.

The Impact of Psychological Capital Towards Job Satisfaction During COVID-19 Pandemic (Case Study at Government Institution in Cilegon City, Indonesia)

This government institution is one of the public services that focus on women's empowerment, child protection, and government affairs in the field of population control and family planning. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred the service offered is not worked as well as the service motto that has been set by the organization. Based on Government Performance Accountability Report 2020, the organization's performance has decreased because several program's strategic objectives have not met the predetermined targets. The problems that have been identified from the preliminary interview can be categorized into issues related to employee job satisfaction. The researcher suspects that job satisfaction can be one of several issues that can affect employee performance. Positive psychological capital has a significant relationship with employee performance and job satisfaction. Also, the four facets of psychological capital (hope, efficacy, optimism, and resilience) may be a better predictor of performance and satisfaction. The condition of employee psychological capital can have a positive or negative impact on job satisfaction, so in this research, the researcher will analyze the impact of psychological capital towards job satisfaction. The researcher using PCQ-24 by Luthans and Job Satisfaction Survey by Spector questionnaire to determine the condition of psychological capital and job satisfaction. After the data has been gathered, the author uses descriptive analysis to determine the condition of psychological capital and job satisfaction. Also, uses linear regression to determine the impact of psychological capital towards job satisfaction.

A multinomial regression analysis of factors associated with antenatal care attendance among women in Papua New Guinea

ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with antenatal care (ANC) uptake among women in Papua New Guinea. Study designThis is a secondary data analysis of a nationally representative population based cross-sectional survey of households in Papua New Guinea conducted from 2016 to 2018. MethodsDescriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages and multinomial logistic regression analysis were done to assess the factors associated with ANC uptake and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. ResultsThe prevalence of 4 or more ANC visits was 51.4%. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that women aged 35–39 [ARRR = 1.630, 95% CI = 1.016,2.615], those in the richest wealth quintile [2.361, 95% CI = 1.595,3.496], women who had secondary/higher level of education [ARRR = 3.644, 95% CI = 2.614,5.079], and those whose partners had secondary/higher education [ARRR = 1.706, 95% CI = 1.310,2.223] were more likely to attain 4 or more ANC visits. The likelihood of 4 or more ANC visits increased among women in Momase region [ARRR = 3.574, 95% CI = 2.683,4.762], those with parity 1 [ARRR = 2.065, 95% CI = 1.513,2.816], women who did not have a big problem with permission to go to the hospital for care [ARRR = 1.331, 95% CI = 1.110,1.597] and distance to health facility [ARRR = 1.970, 95% CI = 1.578,2.458]. However, women who were not working [ARRR = 0.756, 95% CI = 0.630,0.906], those in rural areas [ARRR = 0.712, 95% CI = 0.517,0.980] and those who do not take healthcare decisions alone [ARRR = 0.824, 95% CI = 0.683,0.994] were less likely to attain 4 or more ANC visits. ConclusionIt was found that 51.4% of women have attained 4 or more ANC visits. Age, wealth status, employment, maternal and partner’s education, region and place of residence, parity, exposure to mass media, problem with distance and getting money needed for treatment and decision making on healthcare are associated with 4 or more ANC uptake among women in Papua New Guinea. To promote optimal number of ANC visits, there is the need for a multi-sectorial collaboration. For example, the various ministries such as the Ministry of Labour/Employment, Education, Development, Women affairs and Finance could collaborate with the Ministry of Health to achieve universal ANC coverage.

Apartheid, Patriarchal Domination and the Female Search for Self in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions

Early Europeans stumbled on the South African landscape, and due to the temperate climate, mineral deposits and agricultural potentials started buying off lands, gradually displacing blacks and dispossessing them of their fertile land, as in the case of East Africa and other areas. Apartheid was enthroned as Black were discriminated against, and segregation was introduced. This ignited rebellion, leading to the agitation for independence and human rights, which was the birth of the African and journalists who opposed the system were killed or jailed or forced into exile. They include Dennis Brutus, Peter Abraham, Nadine Gordimer, Bessie Head among others. Writing creative work of art became difficult, especially as it faced rigorous censorship. This paper seeks to explain the correlation between apartheid and patriarchal domination in the affairs of women in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions using the feminist/womanism approaches among others. The paper advocates the recognition of women’s rights in the Zimbabwean milieu and seeks to liberate women from patriarchal bottlenecks.

Digital Competences for Teachers - The Digi.Kompp Model in an International Comparison and in the Practice of Austrian Teacher Training

The digital competences of teachers have not yet been given sufficient attention in Austria. In order to meet this need, the digi.kompP model has been developed on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Women's Affairs, led by the University College of Virtual Teacher Education. Based on national and international framework models, the competency model is to serve as an instrument for self-assessment and continuous professional development as well as for (higher) school development. The following is a brief overview of international models that were relevant for the development of the competence grid. After that the competence grid itself and its categories are presented. The article concludes with a discussion of the integration of the competence grid into the international framework and its benefits in the Austrian education system. This article aims to make a theoretical contribution to the categorization of teachers' competencies