Women Empowerment Research Articles

Significance of Social Capital as a Resource for Women's Empowerment

Social capital has been recognized as a route through which empowerment may ensue in a developing nation like Bangladesh. This research investigated the relationship between social capital formation and women's empowerment in Bangladesh. A narrative review was performed to derive conclusions from secondary data for this qualitative study, employing a descriptive research design. Two themes emerged from the findings: the role of social capital in capacity building and the significance of network building as a means of establishing social capital. Firstly, women's participation in social networks increases their likelihood of making strategic decisions regarding themselves and the community. Secondly, women's engagement in self-help projects and credit groups, which are based on women groups, helped them to build their capability in those sectors along with the rise in education and entrepreneurship. However, challenges coming from deeply rooted traditions, conservative religious practices, and family and social values contradict the benefits of social capital women may derive from them. Thus, social capital must be considered for the policies concerning future community development and women's empowerment. This study also provides guidelines for further study with broader scope and systematic studies in the future.

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.

The Impact of Microfinance on Community Welfare: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

ABSTRACT Over the years, microfinance programs have been the major strategy of many developing countries to improve people’s welfare and reduce poverty. Yet several studies on the welfare impacts of microfinance result in contradictory conclusions. While some studies support the mainstream view that microfinance improves the welfare of the unbankable poor, others criticize its limited effect on business development and weak impact measurement methods. This study analyzes 409 articles to bridge the empirical gaps between mainstream and critical views of microfinance impacts on society through synthesizing major themes in existing research and their interconnections and provides recommendations for future research. Using bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) approaches, this study found five clusters of empirical research on microfinance impacts, including entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation; self-help groups and women empowerment; financial inclusion; household income; and community welfare. The study also suggests that microfinance programs have positive impacts on welfare across countries. However, future research needs to more deeply focus on the impact of microfinance programs on agricultural finance, specifically financial efficiency, and social efficiency.

The Relevance of Agrarian Reform to the Sustainable Development Goals: Analysis of Community Land Empowerment for Food Sufficiency and Gender Equality through the Fishbone Diagram Method

Abstract: This study aims to examine the state of food sufficiency and gender equality in Purwabakti Village and the relevance of community land empowerment programs in achieving food sufficiency and gender equality. The research follows a qualitative case study approach, collecting data through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Data were analyzed qualitatively using the fishbone diagram method, focusing on four primary variables: human resources, machinery, methods, and materials. Data on malnutrition and stunting indicate that issues of food vulnerability compromise food sufficiency in Purwabakti Village. Furthermore, gender equality remains a challenge within this predominantly patriarchal society. Women tend to fulfill traditional gender roles with domestic responsibilities, while men assume public roles. This patriarchal rural society generally accepts the predominant land ownership by men (as heads of households), reflecting gender inequality. The fishbone diagram analysis indicates that, despite some progress, community land empowerment programs still exhibit limitations in addressing the SDGs, particularly the goals of “zero hunger” and gender equality. Keywords: Access regulation, Rural Communities, Gender inequality, Patriarchal Culture, Woman Empowerment

Finding the Nexus between Gender-Based Violence and Conservation

This review paper explores the complex and multifaceted relationship between gender-based violence (GBV) and conservation efforts, emphasizing the interconnected challenges faced by rural communities. It analyzes how GBV undermines conservation outcomes by limiting women’s participation, eroding traditional ecological knowledge, exacerbating resource exploitation, and weakening community resilience. Drawing on case studies from Northern Ghana, India, and Tanzania, the paper highlights how environmental issues such as resource scarcity, displacement, and conservation-related conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to GBV. The review also discusses strategies for addressing these challenges, including empowering women, integrating gender considerations into conservation policies, and creating safe environments for participation. Finally, it calls for more research into the links between GBV and conservation, urging the development of targeted interventions that address the root causes of both GBV and environmental degradation. By integrating gender-sensitive approaches, conservation initiatives can achieve more equitable and sustainable outcomes for all community members. Keywords: Gender Equality, Women's Empowerment, Social Cohesion, Ecological Knowledge, Sustainable Resource Management

Revisiting Women's Empowerment and Contraception

Revisiting Women's Empowerment and Contraception

Information communication technologies and intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan African countries

Intimate partner violence is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa with women the usual victims. Efforts to address intimate partner violence (IPV) include interventions with information communication technologies (ICT) that are being used to raise awareness and promote the empowerment of women. Thus, there is a need to examine the relationship between ICT ownership and IPV among women in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional study of four countries in sub-Saharan Africa using the Demographic and Health Survey data. Ownership of ICT was the main predictor variable that was measured by ownership of a radio, television, mobile phones, and access to the Internet. The outcome variable was IPV, which was measured in two forms: physical and sexual violence. A multivariable analysis using binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between ownership of ICT devices and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women. In Zambia and Mali, women who own ICT devices were significantly less likely to experience sexual violence than those who did not own ICT devices. Predictors such as age, place of residence, education, wealth status, employment status, number of children and age at first marriage were significantly associated with experiences of IPV, even though the strength of this relationship varied across countries and types of IPV. Access to ICT should be promoted among women because ICT can raise awareness and offer women a platform for receiving social support and advice about coping with intimate partner violence.

KNOWLEDGE REGARDING MODE OF DELIVERY IN PRIMARY GRAVIDA WOMEN

In Pakistan, childbirth knowledge among primary gravida women—those experiencing pregnancy for the first time—plays a crucial role in shaping their decisions regarding the mode of delivery. Misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and social pressures significantly influence these women’s preferences, often leading to an increased rate of elective caesarean sections (CS) without medical necessity. Understanding the knowledge level regarding delivery options in this population is essential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding the mode of delivery among primary gravida women attending antenatal care at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, and to identify gaps that may influence their decision-making. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting 150 primary gravida women at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. A purposive sampling technique was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic questions and items related to knowledge and perceptions of vaginal and caesarean deliveries. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with descriptive statistics used to summarize findings. The questionnaire’s reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.986, and validity was established through the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity. Results: The findings indicated that 34.7% of participants had poor knowledge regarding the mode of delivery, 62.0% had moderate knowledge, and only 3.3% demonstrated good knowledge. Most participants preferred CS due to fear of labor pain and misconceptions about vaginal delivery risks. A majority (90%) of respondents viewed seeing the baby immediately after vaginal delivery positively, and 44% believed that the emotional relationship with the baby is enhanced following vaginal delivery. Informal sources, primarily relatives and friends, were the main sources of delivery-related information, contributing to persistent knowledge gaps and misconceptions. Conclusion: The study reveals significant knowledge gaps among primary gravida women regarding delivery options in Pakistan, with many women favoring CS due to fear and lack of accurate information. Structured antenatal education programs are necessary to address misconceptions and empower women to make informed decisions about their delivery mode. Improved education could reduce unnecessary CS rates and support healthier maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Construction of women's empowerment index for Bangladesh

IntroductionThis study is dedicated to refining and enhancing the measurement model of women's empowerment in Bangladesh. Women's empowerment, a crucial and multifaceted aspect of societal growth, is often hindered by gender disparities. This is particularly evident in societies like Bangladesh, where women face inequalities in education, economic opportunities, and decision-making power. To address these disparities effectively, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of women's empowerment. Therefore, this study aims to refine and enhance the measurement model to capture the multifaceted nature of women's empowerment accurately.MethodsTo gather data for this study, a structured questionnaire was administered to married women of reproductive age (15–49) in eight Mouza/Mohalla in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This unique approach allowed us to capture a diverse range of perspectives. We used thirty-three indicators across economic, socio-cultural, household, and psychological dimensions to measure women's empowerment. The sample data were then randomly divided for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to identify and validate a comprehensive multidimensional framework.ResultsOut of 625 respondents, only 36% of women worked, and ~39% married before age 18. Employing thirty-three items in EFA led to identifying eight critical factors (economic independence, control over household financial decisions, household decision-making, reproductive decision-making, freedom of movement, media exposure, positive self-esteem, and negative self-esteem). These factors, which explained 72.661% of the total variance in the data, provide a practical framework for understanding and addressing women's empowerment. Each component was then divided into two sub-dimensions to acquire a better understanding. The CFA indicated a good model fit for each dimension, and convergent and discriminant validity assessments were used to establish reliability and validity, further enhancing the practical implications of our findings.ConclusionsThe results of our rigorous exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses not only confirmed the sample structures and internal consistency but also provided significant insights. The findings suggested an adequate fit for all CFA models, indicating the robustness of our measurement model. According to the CFA results, each dimension's variables are satisfactory, and all the dimensions can be combined to create a single index measuring women's empowerment. This comprehensive understanding of women's empowerment, with its specific dimensions and factors, equips policymakers and practitioners with the knowledge to develop a wide range of interventions appropriate to particular facets of empowerment, thereby fostering societal growth and gender equality.

Global Perspectives on Women’s Empowerment: Challenges, Policies, and Case Studies

Enhancing women's social, economic, political, and legal authority to guarantee equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life is the goal of the multifaceted notion of women empowerment. This overview examines the global history, present state, and potential futures of women's empowerment. It explores the historical background, tracking the movement's origins and emphasising significant turning points in the path to gender equality. The review highlights important obstacles that impede the advancement of women's empowerment, including cultural norms, economic impediments, and political resistance, by examining worldwide trends and regional variances. It also covers how international institutions and policies—like the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations—affect the advancement of gender equality. Additionally, case studies of effective empowerment programmes are included in the study to show how focused interventions can result in profound transformation. This analysis concludes by highlighting the significance of a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for women's empowerment and by promoting ongoing efforts at the individual, group, and institutional levels to build a more just and equitable society for all.

The Extent of Participation and Empowerment of Rural Women in Lac Cultivation in Koderma District of Jharkhand, India

Lac cultivation in Koderma District, Jharkhand, offers a unique pathway for empowering rural women, serving as a significant source of income and socio-economic upliftment. This review examines the depth of women’s participation in various stages of lac production, from inoculation to processing, and how their involvement translates into empowerment. Despite facing challenges like gender discrimination, limited access to resources, and market constraints, women in Koderma have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Lac cultivation has provided them with financial independence and enhanced social recognition and decision-making power within their households and communities. Initiatives by the government and NGOs have played a critical role in facilitating this shift, offering training, market access, and financial support to enable women to break socio-cultural barriers. However, for sustained empowerment, addressing the existing gaps in technology access, market linkage, and equitable resource distribution is essential. This article aims to explore lac cultivation's role in empowering rural women in Koderma District, Jharkhand, by examining their participation in the production process and its impact on their socio-economic upliftment (Pal G., 2011). It aims to highlight women's challenges, the contributions of government and NGO initiatives, and the need for improved policies, technology, and market access to ensure sustained empowerment and equitable participation in the lac industry.

Predictors of intention to use contraceptives among married and cohabiting women in Ghana: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundContraceptive use is a cost-effective intervention for reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and their negative consequences. It is vital to increase contraceptive use among women to improve their reproductive health outcomes. This study examines the factors associated with contraceptive use intention among married and cohabiting women in Ghana.MethodsWe analysed data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 5,846 married and cohabiting women were included in the study. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with the intention to use contraceptives. The regression results were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe proportion of intention to use contraceptives among married and cohabiting women was 33.0% [31.1, 35.0]. Compared to women living in the Greater Accra, those living in Central (aOR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.69), Bono East (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.61), Oti (aOR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.63, 4.40), and Upper West Regions (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI = 2.68, 7.48) were more likely to have contraceptive use intention. The odds of intention to use contraceptives increased with increasing parity, with the highest odds among women with four or more births (aOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.66, 3.51). The intention to use contraceptives decreased with increasing age, with the lowest odds among those aged 45–49 (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.25, 0.07). Women with no education (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.63), primary education (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.86), and secondary education (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.92) had lower odds of intention to use contraceptives compared to those with higher education. Married women (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.76) had lower odds of contraceptive use intention relative to cohabiting women.ConclusionOur study revealed a low contraceptive use intention among women, signalling a barrier in access to family planning services in the country. Various factors, including age, region, marital status, parity, and educational level play a role in determining the intention to use contraceptives. These findings underscore the importance of implementing policy changes and enhancing existing programmes to improve the availability of information, contraceptive education, and family planning services, especially for younger women, those living in rural areas, and those with lower levels of education. Additionally, it is vital to address socio-cultural barriers and empower women to address the factors associated with intention to use contraceptives.

Creating an Environment Free from Sexual Violence Against Women and Children Within the Cultural Values of Mitawe in West Sulawesi

This research aims to create an environment free from sexual violence against women and children in West Sulawesi Province through the application of Mitawe cultural values. The Mitawe culture, which emphasizes politeness, respect, and dignity, is seen as an important tool in preventing sexual violence within the Mandar community. The research method used is empirical law, involving observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and community leaders, as well as document analysis from the Office of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB) of West Sulawesi Province. The research findings show that Mitawe values can be effectively integrated into sexual violence prevention programs through various interventions carried out in local communities. The implementation of these values has successfully raised public awareness about the importance of respecting the rights of women and children, as well as reducing the incidence of sexual violence in several districts. Moreover, collaboration with DP3AP2KB has enabled the implementation of more structured and sustainable prevention strategies, including training for victim advocates and public awareness campaigns. This research also found that strengthening local cultural values, such as Mitawe, can be an effective approach in creating a safer society free from sexual violence. These findings provide a foundation for developing more inclusive and culturally sensitive policies in the effort to protect women and children in West Sulawesi.

Empowering Rural Women through Nutrition Education: Enhancing Dietary Quality with Mushroom-enriched Foods and Participation in Local Mushroom Production Systems

Ensuring quality nutrition for rural women remains a critical public health challenge, particularly in regions where dietary diversity is limited, and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. One potential solution is the incorporation of mushroom-enriched food into the daily diets of these women, combined with effective nutrition education and active participation in the mushroom production system. Mushrooms are a nutrient-dense food source, rich in essential vitamins such as vitamin D, and B vitamins, and minerals like zinc, selenium, and iron, which are often deficient in rural diets. Additionally, mushrooms provide a valuable source of protein and fiber, making them an ideal complement to traditional staples. Nutrition education programs focusing on the health benefits of mushrooms can help shift dietary patterns and empower rural women to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. The integration of mushroom cultivation into local agricultural practices not only enhances food security but also provides an additional income source for women, supporting their economic empowerment. Moreover, the cultivation process is relatively low-cost and can be sustainably managed within small-scale farming systems, making it an accessible and feasible solution for rural communities. Training women to grow, harvest, and prepare mushroom-enriched foods can address both the supply and demand side of the nutrition equation, ensuring that nutrient-rich foods are both available and consumed regularly. The dual focus on nutrition education and production system participation also fosters a sense of ownership and self-reliance among rural women, leading to more sustainable long-term improvements in dietary quality. This approach has the potential to reduce gender disparities in agricultural participation by providing women with a specific and profitable area of expertise within their communities.

Power dynamics and social enterprises: A case study of an international NGO

AbstractHuman Resource Development (HRD) scholarship and practice include attention to social justice and human rights, which are critical in international workspaces, including social enterprises. HRD principles could help such organizations better foster intercultural collaboration and respect, while promoting both economic prosperity and social good. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore, through a critical national HRD lens, how HRD principles could enhance the operations of an international social enterprise, focused on skills development, capacity building, and empowerment for women entrepreneurs in Ghana. This study highlights the role HRD principles could play in addressing challenges the entrepreneurs faced and in enhancing economic and social development. We apply an integrated critical national HRD framework consisting of three components: (1) global awareness, (2) holistic, socially conscious economic development, and (3) the negotiated power and performance. We find that HRD practices, such as cross‐cultural training and development programs, could mitigate challenges entrepreneurs experienced due to cultural conflict based on language, mismatched expectations regarding production quality, and a lack of predictability or control over workload and compensation. Yet, the work of the nongovernmental organization (NGO) did support their financial independence and stability and work to consider the role of gender in the support women received. Attention to socially conscious economic development as viewed through the critical national HRD can support such organizations as they seek to address women's holistic needs. We offer recommendations for research, policy, and practice to help NGOs minimize sociocultural confusion, develop meaningful programming, and bridge the economic and social missions of the organization.

Toward tenure security: The relationship between women's land ownership, formal land title documents and their empowerment

Respect for land rights for women, as a key strategy to promote their development and empowerment as well as improving their welfare, has been considered in today's societies. However, there have been few empirical studies to back up this statement. Therefore, the primary goal of this research was to find out whether or not women may increase their authority through economic tenure security, legal tenure security, household characteristic, or de facto tenure security. In this regard, the survey data collected in 2021 from 28 villages of Mazandaran province (Northern Iran) were analyzed. The study highlights the significance of de facto tenure security as the most crucial among the four qualities assessed. It's important to note, however, that possessing land titles doesn't necessarily guarantee de facto tenure security. Despite this distinction, the study reveals a meaningful correlation, suggesting that women with land titles are more likely to experience higher levels of empowerment. Official certification, resolution of tenure disputes, increased agricultural income, and the impact of regional urbanization all play an important role in empowering rural women, which usually results in better economic outcomes for them. According to the results, it is evident that the legal registration of women's land ownership correlates with enhanced women's empowerment within rural communities. Land ownership provides women with the means to generate income, make independent choices, and actively participate in various aspects of social and economic life. The findings of this study underscore potential shortcomings in gender neutrality within land interventions, emphasizing the necessity for incorporating gender considerations into research and land-use planning. The practitioners and policy-makers may utilize the study's findings to invest in programs that include components of land tenure security and increase women's economic empowerment.

Community Health Agents Dismantling Gender Norms in a Machismo Society.

Community health agents (CHAs) play a crucial role in healthcare delivery and can also impact societal gender norms. This study aims to understand CHAs' perceptions of gender roles and norms to identify long-term strategies for women's empowerment. We conducted 90-min focus group discussions (FGDs) among CHAs in Peru. FGDs illuminated women's perceptions of gender roles and how to empower women in communities. In total, 53 CHAs participated across six FGDs. CHAs noted that women face significant barriers, are treated disrespectfully, and relegated to domestic roles. Ideal gender norms were described as having access to education, increasing voice, inclusion in decision-making, and independence. Changing gender norms requires that men, women, families, and communities support women's progress in society. CHAs are in a unique and powerful position to drive social change. Understanding CHAs perceptions can help develop effective strategies for women's empowerment.

Interrogating Impediments to Women Participation in Political Leadership among the Abagusii in Post-Colonial Kenya

The trend on elective political positions in the Gusii region shows that, women have not been getting equal opportunities as their male counterparts in elective seats of members of parliament, the seats of the governor, senator and members of county assembly in the counties in Gusii region. The objective of the study was to establish challenges to women participation in political leadership among the Abagusii Community from 1963 up to 2015. The study was guided by the feminist theory. According to this theory, the discrepancies in the decision-making in societies emerge from a social framework that espouses inequality. This study was based on qualitative approach and phenomenological design. The target population was made up of 682,481 women participants from the 8 Sub-Counties and 29 wards in Kisii County from where a sample size of 422 respondents was sampled purposively. The research instruments were interviews and focused group discussions from key informants. Archival sources were used as well as secondary data from books, articles published in journals and periodicals, unpublished articles and newspapers. Piloting was carried out in Kisii County on 10% of the sample size to test dependability and credibility. The data was analyzed thematically and presented qualitatively in the narrative form. The findings of this study are that cultural factors, stereotyping of women, economic factors, political barriers, lack of husband support, stigmatization, and gender-based violence are among the factors that have contributed to low participation of women in political leadership among the Abagusii community. The recommendations of the study were change in cultural perception towards women, gender equality awareness, emphasis on women empowerment and amendment of political party policies this will bring gender equality in leadership among the Abagusii

Experiences of women artisans in Ghana’s informal construction sector: the COVID-19 aftermath and its implications

ABSTRACT Research on women’s progress in assuming roles and acquiring technical skills in men-dominated areas such as the informal construction sector is critical, particularly as the world strives to achieve gender equality and empower women in the post-COVID-19 era. This study assesses this in the context of young women who have entered the construction sector through the improved apprentice project in Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. Employing a qualitative methodology, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 participants and utilised a theoretical perspective from feminist theory to examine the impacts of the pandemic on their advancement in this domain and its consequences for attaining Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. The paper analyses the findings and proposes policy suggestions, such as enhancing post-pandemic assistance for young women in this sector.

Girls’ Education and Literacy in Marginalized Areas and its Impact on Sustainable Economic Development: The Interlink Between Gender Equality and Women’s Socio-Economic Empowerment: Turkana South Sub-County, Kenya

Education is the pillar of any development, (UNESCO, 2010) and is also anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 4: Quality Education). In Kenya, targeted interventions have been by the government in the education sector to bridge gender disparities but they are but they are still observed and evident at all levels (Leal Filho et al., 2019). Furthermore, Turkana County lags behind and was ranked second last in adult literacy (KNBS, 2019). Specifically, the study sought to establish the socio-cultural, economic and infrastructural determinants of enrolment, transition and retention among boys and girls. The study was guided by Sara Longwe's 1995 analytical framework on women's economic empowerment model. It was further guided Friedman’s 1992 dis empowerment theory. The study established that the overall primary school enrolment rate for the study area was 0.9343 (mean enrolment of 213.1 for boys and 199.1 for girls). The study also established that there were large fluctuations in the number of girls enrolled in schools. The difference in enrolment rates between boys and girls were statistically significant. The number of pupils in each primary school was about 200 hundred and less than 200 for secondary schools hence the conclusion that 100 per cent transition is not possible. Girls had lower enrolment rates as compared to the boys. Girls from regions practicing farming/pastoralism registered higher enrolment rates as compared to those from trade/pastoralism regions hence the conclusion that economic factors contribute to educational outcomes in the study area. The findings also indicate that the school feeding programs have been a motivation for attendance benefitting both parents and pupils. The study makes recommendations for future research, policies and programs.