Women Empowerment Research Articles

Rankings and the Organizational‐level Implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study

ABSTRACTThis article examines the organizational‐level implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education institutions, with a particular emphasis on the roles of rankings in this context. Drawing on translation theory and a case study of a Saudi Arabian university, the article shows that rankings played a central role in motivating our case organization to implement SDGs and in navigating the implementation process. The article moreover shows that the reliance of rankings on self‐reported data allowed for gaming and manipulation, as the case organization was, for example, able to present politically compliant staff associations as evidence for trade union activity, and a segregated college for female students as evidence for the empowerment of women. The article, however, also argues that the flexibility this reliance on self‐reported data affords higher education institutions can play a crucial role in adjusting the transnational SDG framework to the political, social, and institutional realities of the many different contexts in which it is implemented. Without this flexibility, the entire SDG framework, including the genuine sustainability advances it brought about, might have been rejected outright in the Saudi Arabian context.

How Self-Help Groups Womens Empowerment in Rural Rajasthan Mukesh Gurjar

How Self-Help Groups Womens Empowerment in Rural Rajasthan Mukesh Gurjar

Firms' gender composition, loan collateral, and sustainable finance

This study evaluates gender gaps in the collateral requirements of bank loans using a sample of firms in Latin America. We measure firm-level gender composition through ownership and workforce, both of which are directly related to women's economic empowerment. Additionally, we evaluate the differences in the impacts of firms' gender composition on collateral borrowing between banks that adopt sustainable finance codes of conduct and those that do not. Our empirical findings indicate that female-dominant firms are less likely to be required to provide collateral for their bank loans, and when collateral is required, its value is relatively lower. However, banks adopting sustainable finance codes are not less likely to grant collateral loans to female-dominant firms; in fact, these banks even require greater collateral values from these firms. The implications derived from our empirical findings concern gender inequality in accessing financial credit in developing countries and underscore the need for designing sustainable finance codes that specifically consider and rectify the challenges faced by female-owned firms, especially by firms with a majority female workforce.

Women Empowerment Status in India: Mathematical Modelling and Optimal Control Approach

Women Empowerment Status in India: Mathematical Modelling and Optimal Control Approach

Tier‐based transformation in women's time management through electricity access: Insights from rural Cambodia

AbstractThis research examines the impact of electricity access on women's time management in rural Cambodia using qualitative methods, including semi‐structured interviews and textual analysis. The study reviews crucial concepts, such as women's empowerment and time poverty and explores how electricity access influences these dynamics. Findings indicate that while previous studies suggest a uniform reduction in time poverty due to decreased drudgery across different levels of electricity access, this study reveals variations. It shows that reductions in time poverty are not only from decreased drudgery but also from increased disposable time, especially in off‐grid conditions where women may experience an increase in drudgery. Moreover, the extent of time poverty reduction varies with the level of electricity access, highlighting a nuanced pattern from off‐grid to national grid scenarios. This study contributes to understanding the gendered impacts of electricity access and its relation to women's autonomy in time management.

Integrating Global Norms for Gender Equity in Kazakhstan: Aligning Workplace and Social Security Legislation with Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study investigates the impact of international standards on shaping national approaches to gender equality, focusing on Kazakhstan’s legal and social frameworks. Theoretical Framework: This research is based on theoretical perspectives regarding implementing international law, offering a foundation for understanding how global norms influence national policies. Method: A multidisciplinary methodology is applied, including comparative legal analysis, normative-legal methods, systems analysis, and legal modeling. Forecasting techniques are also used to anticipate future trends in the alignment of national policies with international gender equality standards. Results and Discussion: This study identifies several critical challenges that Kazakhstan faces in reforming its social and labor policies to align with international standards. Significant institutional and legal barriers hinder progress in promoting gender equality and eliminating discrimination. The discussion focuses on these obstacles and examines their implications for policy development and implementation. Research Implications: The findings of this study contribute to academic research and policy development by enriching the scientific discourse on gender equality and offering recommendations for integrating international standards into national legislation. This study not only provides a theoretical basis but also offers practical ideas for improving policies and legal frameworks. Originality/Value: This study sheds new light on the relationship between international legal standards and national legislation. It offers practical recommendations for advancing gender equality and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) by promoting the empowerment of women.

Determinants of rural women economic empowerment: the Case of Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The issue of women's empowerment has been a topic of ongoing discussion in developing countries, considering the complex socio-demographic and cultural factors at play. Women tend to face disadvantages compared to men across various human development indicators. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the different factors that influence women's economic empowerment within the specific context of Ethiopia. This study examines the factors that contribute to the economic empowerment of women in rural areas of Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The research employed multi-stage probability sampling techniques to achieve its objectives, resulting in a sample of 382 rural women randomly selected from seven selected kebeles. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the collected data. The study found that more than half of the women achieved a medium level of economic empowerment. The results revealed that age, educational status, income contribution, and ownership of property positively influenced rural women's economic empowerment. In addition, opening a savings account, information access, mobile phone accessibility, and membership of women's associations positively and significantly affect women's economic empowerment in the study area. Conversely, marital status, hours spent on unpaid work, and early age at marriage negatively.

The Application of New Media Marketing in Luxury Brand Communication

In the evolving landscape of luxury brand communication, this paper explores the transformative role of new media marketing in the dissemination and perception of luxury brands. Drawing insights from recent studies on social media impact on luxury consumption, it delves into how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WeChat have reshaped consumer behavior, particularly among the affluent and aspirational demographics. The paper also investigates the alignment of advertising strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on women's empowerment, showcasing how luxury brands can leverage social responsibility to enhance their image and appeal. Strategies adopted by luxury brands in the new media era are analyzed, emphasizing the effectiveness of content marketing, influencer partnerships, and digital storytelling. Case studies highlight the success of brands like Gucci and Chanel in engaging audiences through innovative campaigns that blend heritage with modernity. An understanding of the nuances in different cultural contexts is crucial, as demonstrated by the need for sensitivity towards post-feminist ideologies in crafting messages of empowerment. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for luxury brands looking to optimize their new media marketing efforts. It suggests a balanced approach that integrates online and offline experiences, fosters community engagement, and prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices. By doing so, luxury brands can not only increase their market penetration but also contribute positively to societal goals, thereby ensuring long-term brand loyalty and relevance in an increasingly digital and socially conscious world.

Tahapan Pemberdayaan Perempuan dalam Pengelolaan Sampah di Kabupaten Bandung

Abstract: This study aims to describe the stages of women's empowerment in waste management through waste banks analyzed from the concept of empowerment stages. The research uses a qualitative method. The results show that the stages of women's empowerment consisted of: (1) raising awareness about waste problems; (2) providing training and skills on waste processing and the formation and development of Bank Sampah Unit (BSU); and (3) increasing women's participation in running the Bank Sampah Unit (BSU) independently. However, the field findings show that in the capacity stage, women already can develop the organization (BSU). It is concluded that the stages of women's empowerment in waste management through waste banks have made women empowered in managing waste in their households.

Distribution of Sheep Fattening Practices and Marketing Systems in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana

The study was conducted in the Sagnarigu Municipality in Northern Ghana to assess sheep fattening practices and marketing systems. Eighty respondents were selected and questionnaires administrated to them. Data was summarized and analysed using SPSS version 20. Majority of the fatteners were within the ages 21-30 years. Sheep fatteners were not equally distributed across the different age groups. Most of the farmers had at least primary education while majority (30.0%) of them had tertiary education. The sheep fattening enterprise in the area was male and Muslim dominant activity. Majority of respondents were engaged in specialized skill work as their main occupation with self-financing as the main source of income for the sheep fattening business. Majority had at most 5 years fattening experience. Semi-intensive system of management was mainly practiced. Farmers use wide range of feed stuff alternatively and supplied from multiple sources. Mature animals (≥ 6 months) sourced from farmers’ own flock were mostly used in fattening. Generating cash was the primary motivation for fattening sheep, with a convenient market for the fattened sheep. Customers of fattened sheep were mainly butchers. mostly at local markets (50%). Price determination for the fattened sheep was bargaining. The major constraints of sheep fatteners were diseases and mortality and lack of capital/financial. It was concluded that sheep fattening practices and marketing system was a business in the Sagnarigu municipality, nevertheless, it was not well organized and developed. To create a lucrative sheep fattening industry, government and non-governmental organizations should promote sheep fattening by providing financial and training support for the fatteners and the teaming youth in Ghana to venture into the business. This could contribute to enhancing livelihood of rural resource poor farmers, unemployment and poverty reduction as well as women empowerment in the country.

Analyzing effective interventions against female genital mutilation across different regions

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a critical human rights issue affecting millions of girls and women. FGM is deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, posing significant challenges to its elimination. The trauma inflicted by FGM extends beyond physical pain, leading to severe psychological and emotional consequences. Addressing this complex issue requires a comprehensive approach that integrates legal, educational, medical, and community-based interventions. The paper examines the dynamics of FGM across multiple countries, utilizing third-party data from the United Nations Population Fund. By presenting a comprehensive analysis of these strategies, this paper aims to contribute to the fight against FGM, offering insights and recommendations for policymakers, activists, and practitioners dedicated to ending this practice. The eradication of FGM requires sustained, multi-dimensional efforts to ensure the protection and empowerment of girls and women.

A Survey on Women Safety and Health Monitoring System

Women safety is a very big issue even in this modern world running with advanced technologies. After a history of times, women got a freedom of equality at the workplace, asset rights, family law, and education. Even Feminist Movement, claimed during 20th Century, Women are not safe anywhere and violence against women and girl child’s happening everywhere during the lonely travelling on roads, picnic spots, work and deserted places. Though we have many armies and super forces to protect everybody, the day to day crime rate against women has not been reduced. There are several safety devices available to protect the women during the violence, but need more human intervention such as entering the data, or shaking the device roughly. We propose a solution for a secure and peaceful environment for women with handbag safety hand-held devices with the aim to provide false proof women safety devices by overcoming the disadvantages in existing system. When we are talking more about Women empowerment, Women achievements it is also very important to think about women safety since a huge numbers (848) of women’s are Indian Women Are Harassed, Raped, Killed Every Day. The proposed work aims at IoT based women safety device by hardware controller attached to the handbag, android application and Bluetooth connectivity in Smartphone. By pressing the controller button, the device alerts the first holder, relatives stored in the database and police when a woman is not safe. The main advantage of the work is, the device works without internet connectivity. Additional features such as protecting the valuable things to be stolen by thieves in crowded places or buses by a separate alarming system, heartbeat sensor setup to monitor heart rate, fingerprint scanner for effecting accessing of the devices and also the mobile android application provide the victim’s location to reach the women and safeguard the women from any harassment at the right time. The main thought of this paper is that it will not only protect the women from physical harassment during odd hours but also safe the women health when it is found abnormal, as a single device comparatively.

A Comparative Study of Women Empowerment among Rural and Urban Female Secondary School Teachers in Punjab State

Teacher empowerment means a teacher who has the power of taking decisions, opportunities to get knowledge and professional growth, and also have the recognition and autonomous power. The present research designed to study and compare the women empowerment of female secondary school teachers. The descriptive survey research method was used for the present study. A representative sample of 500 (250 rural and 250 urban) female secondary school teachers selected randomly from twenty (10 rural and 10 urban) randomly selected school from five randomly selected districts of Punjab. A self-constructed tool in the form of scale using Likert method of scale construction for measuring empowerment of female secondary school teacher. Mean, S.D. and t- test were used to draw the conclusions. Finding of the study shows that no significant difference was found between rural and urban female secondary school teachers on women empowerment.

Determinants of women's empowerment through rural finance in Kongo central, Democratic Republic of Congo

This study examines women's empowerment in Kongo Central Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo focusing on rural financing. A survey of 500 households analyzed through regression shows a significant impact of rural especially informal, finance on women's autonomy. Access to finance boosts women's economic activity, family income contribution, decision-making power and independence. The study reveals socio-economic disparities influenced by education, marital status, age and income. Education, marital status and income are important to empowering women in Central Kongo. Structural reforms are needed to remove systemic barriers to equitable financial inclusion. Key findings suggest that targeted policy interventions could improve rural women's living conditions. Policymakers and stakeholders in rural development should adopt a systemic approach to promote gender equality and sustainable development. This research highlights the importance of tailored policies that meet rural women's unique needs advocating for inclusive financial systems that empower women in economic and decision-making roles. This study offers crucial insights for enhancing women's empowerment in rural areas emphasizing the need for focused interventions to achieve gender equality and sustainable progress in Kongo Central. These findings highlight rural finance as a powerful tool for boosting women's autonomy and fostering broader socio-economic development in the region.

Preservation of cultural heritage, digital technology and cyberspaces: women’s active involvement, opportunity and empowerment

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the involvement and empowerment of women in cultural heritage preservation, in particular their use of digital technology applications and online platforms. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the relevant literature and discusses specific examples of women using digital technology and cyberspaces for cultural heritage preservation. Findings Cyberspaces and digital technology present opportunities for women to be actively involved and empowered in cultural heritage preservation. Examples of this involvement are digitization activities and projects, using digital spaces to discuss issues related to cultural heritage preservation, and transmitting information related to cultural heritage preservation via online platforms and channels. But digital skills and competency training are needed to strengthen and support women’s active involvement in the cyberspace arena, and governments and other stakeholders such as academic or public libraries could collaborate to implement this training. Originality/value Although there are several studies that discuss women’s roles in cultural heritage preservation, the literature review revealed that few studies focus on the empowerment and participation of women in the use of digital technology and cyberspace in preserving cultural heritage. By discussing specific examples, this paper adds to the literature and supports the active involvement of women in participating in cultural heritage preservation, especially in the context of digital technology applications and cyberspaces. Leveraging digital technologies to help preserve intangible cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation at the family level is also recommended.

Impact of Self-Help Groups on Women Empowerment in Telangana

Impact of Self-Help Groups on Women Empowerment in Telangana

PERAN UNIT PELAYANAN TERPADU PUSAT PELAYANAN TERPADU PEMBERDAYAAN PEREMPUAN DAN ANAK (UPT P2TP2A) DALAM MENDAMPINGI ANAK KORBAN KEKERASAN SEKSUAL

The Integrated Service Unit of the Integrated Service Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children (UPT P2TP2A) Serang Regency is an institution under the auspices of the Office of Family Planning for the Empowerment of Women and Children (DKBP3A) Serang Regency. UPT P2TP2A is an institution engaged in the social and legal fields. This study aims to determine the extent of the role of UPT P2TP2A in assisting Children Victims of Sexual Violence in Serang Regency. The method used in this study is a qualitative research in which the results of the findings in this study will be analyzed and described in detail and clearly. Cases of sexual violence against minors are still common in Serang Regency, seen from the data on cases of sexual violence which are increasing every year. To increase legal awareness of the community to be further improved. Extension programs that are considered to be able to prevent an increase in the number of sexual violence against children can be more effective. Basically, the role of UPT P2TP2A Serang Regency is in accordance with regulations on child protection and other implementing regulations. The obstacles that the researchers encountered were human resources, lack of legal education and the lack of parental roles.

Influence of Household Socio-Economic, Demographic, And Cultural Factors on Women's Access to Maternal Healthcare in Malindi Sub County, Kilifi County, Kenya

Globally, maternal healthcare access remains a critical concern due to significant disparities, particularly in developing countries where access rates are notably lower. The Sustainable Development Goals underscore the importance of prioritizing maternal health, urging nations to improve access to maternal healthcare services. However, various factors hinder full access to such services. This study investigated the influence of social and economic factors on household access to maternal healthcare in Malindi Sub County, Kilifi County. Specifically, it examined the impact of income levels, literacy rates, parental age, and religious beliefs. The study, grounded in the Behavioral Model of Healthcare Service Utilization, Maternal Morbidity Measurement (MMM), and the Three Delay Theory, employed a descriptive survey design approach. A sample size of 382 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) formula from a population of 73,547 households. Stratified sampling was employed to divide the sub-county into five strata based on wards, selecting households with mothers accessing maternal health services using purposive sampling. Additionally, twenty respondents were purposively chosen for key informant interviews. Because the dependent variable in the questionnaire was binary (access to maternal healthcare was either yes or no), the study used binomial logistic regression modeling to ascertain the influence of income levels, literacy levels, parental age and religious beliefs on the access to maternal healthcare. Income levels, with a coefficient of 2.236 (p-value = 0.007), literacy levels, with a coefficient of 1.981 (p-value = 0.002), and religious beliefs, with a coefficient of 1.004 (p-value = 0.037), were identified as significant factors positively influencing access to maternal healthcare. Conversely, parental age demonstrated a significant negative impact on access, with a coefficient of -1.262 (p-value = 0.004). The study concludes that socioeconomic status, education, and religious beliefs significantly influence maternal healthcare access, with a particular concern regarding diminished access as parental age increases. Consequently, this research emphasizes the critical need for targeted interventions to alleviate these disparities, recommending economic empowerment for women with lower income levels, health literacy education initiatives for vulnerable populations, and a multimodal approach to address cultural barriers and support both younger and older mothers in accessing healthcare services.

The Rise and Fall of Chanda Kochhar: Icici’s Governance Breakdown and its Linkage to SDG 5, 8 and 16

Objectives: The primary objective of this paper is to explore how corporate governance failures can disrupt progress toward SDGs by eroding organizational commitment and sustainability. Theoretical Framework : This paper has adopted “The Stewardship Theory” model to align with the Corporate Governance practices at ICICI Bank and thereby highlight the flaws in the system. Method: Chanda Kochhar began her career at ICICI Bank in 1984 as a Management Trainee. After navigating through a fierce succession battle, she rose to the level of Managing Director in 2009. She became the first woman in Indian history to lead a mighty bank, succeeding the group Chairman K.V. Kamath. She was the face of Women Empowerment in India till one fine day when she was accused of corporate misconduct and quid pro quo for her involvement in questionable deals between her husband and Venugopal Dhoot, which were brought to light by whistle-blower Arvind Gupta, prompting an investigation. Results and Discussion: After preliminary hitches, the Central Bureau of Investigation thoroughly investigated this matter and found Chanda Kochhar guilty. This breakdown greatly impacted ICICI and had larger implications for achieving sustainability development goals (SDGs), predominantly those related to strong institutions & ethical leadership SDG 16, gender equality SDG 5 and decent work and economic growth SDG 8. Research Implications: It was brought to light by an autonomous investigation that ICICI Banks’ CEO had failed to adhere to the set rules, regulations, and policies of the bank. In fact, she had dishonored the bank’s norms. This episode demonstrates how corporate governance failures can disrupt progress toward SDGs by eroding organizational commitment and sustainability.

Economic factors influencing the empowerment of Peruvian women

Objective To determine whether economic factors are crucial in empowering women, guiding them towards growth and development opportunities, achieving empowerment, and contributing to two sustainable development goals of the 2030 development agenda: ending poverty and achieving gender equality. Methodology The research was foundational, with a phenomenological and hermeneutic design. The applied technique was in-depth interviews with 12 women who had started a business within the last five years in a region of Peru. Results It is evident that economic factors are decisive in business experiences and decisions, highlighting the necessity of having contingency funds to prevent operational impacts. Through entrepreneurship, women achieved economic independence, enabling them to support their families and impacting their empowerment. It concludes that to promote economic opportunity equality, addressing financing needs, encouraging economic independence, strengthening family empowerment, improving customer management, and facilitating access to government funds are essential. Conclusions The narrative of the participants provides a solid foundation for designing specific policies and support programs that boost the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and encourage their active participation in the business sphere.