Gender Women Research Articles

Fostering Inclusive Growth: Exploring Gender Dynamics and Loan Sizes in Microfinance Institutions

The financial landscape has witnessed a growing focus on the role of women in driving economic development and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). The global pursuit of the SDGs, notably in gender equality and women's empowerment, has highlighted the importance of women's economic involvement. Recognizing the critical role that microfinance institutions (MFIs) play in encouraging inclusive economic growth and poverty alleviation, this study investigated how strategic gender dynamics within MFIs affect loan size. The study addresses a critical gap in understanding the gender dynamics within MFIs concerning women's presence at various echelon positions and their involvement, notably evaluating their impact on loan size. The study examines a meticulously curated dataset consisting of 1295 MFIs from 102 countries by analyzing selected gender dynamics such as women's echelon position, women's focus, gender diversity, target market and outreach. The study's findings, distilled into four configurational solutions, gave fascinating insights into the circumstances under which numerous factors interact to determine loan size in MFIs. Core conditions such as target market, women focus and female outreach were identified as critical drivers of loan size outcomes in various configurations. The implications of women's focus were particularly noteworthy, indicating that a concerted effort to prioritize women's engagement can significantly contribute to increased loan size in MFIs. The findings of this study serve as a foundation for establishing a more equitable and prosperous future through empowered women and effective microfinance practices on a global scale.

Exploring the causal association among expertise level, preference buying and post-purchase satisfaction for organic products in India

The purpose of the current study is to examine how consumers' preference-buying behaviours are influenced by their level of expertise and, ultimately, if preference-buying results in post-purchase pleasure. We conduct an empirical analysis based on the views of green product users. For our case study, we take organic foods into account. Environment protection has received more attention in recent years. Organizations have therefore placed a strong emphasis on creating green products. Consumer behaviour has changed in relation to green items as well. One of the focal points for strategic organisational decision-making has been green marketing. However, it is crucial to ask about how consumer behaviour is changing in this setting. In this study, we aim to find out answers to the following research questions such as: Are the customers be satisfied after purchasing the green products? Are the expertise level (EL) of the consumers is compelling for preference buying behaviour (PBB)? Is EL is acting as the predecessor of PBB? RQ4: Does PBB meets with post-purchase satisfaction (PPS) of the consumers? RQ5: Is gender acting as an influencer in the relationship of EL, PBB and PPS? 104 individuals from a variety of demographic backgrounds took part in our survey. To test our ideas, we discover the Kendall's tau-b and Somers'd. The link between EL, PBB, and PPS is supported by statistical analysis results. Additionally, we see that the link between EL, PBB, and PPS is influenced by women's gender.

가족 내 성역할 태도와 배우자 만족도와의 관계

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of gender role attitudes at home on spouse satisfaction through stress parameters. To this end, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's family status survey data were used to analyze married women. As a result of the study, hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to verify the mediating effect of psychological and external stress on the effect of gender role attitudes in the family recognized by married women on spouse satisfaction. Psychological and external stress, which is a parameter, was found to completely mediate the relationship between married women's gender role attitudes and spouse satisfaction in the family. Based on these results, practical implications can be drawn that strategic measures of gender role attitudes in the family that can improve spouse satisfaction of married women can be effectively and efficiently sought when they aim to reduce psychological and external stress in their daily lives.

Dampak Stigma Masyarakat Bagi Keluarga Yang Belum Memiliki Anak di Desa Sungai Besar Kabupaten Lingga

A woman's nature is to conceive and give birth. So when they get married they are required to have children. When they do not have children, there are stigmas that society gives to these women without seeing the cause. Such as barren women and less perfect women. This is called prejudice because it is not based on adequate knowledge, experience or evidence. Such conditions are inseparable from the social construction of women's gender roles, when a woman does not get pregnant, she will be stigmatized and reprimanded by family and society. Society will more often give a negative label to married couples who do not have children, especially to women who are the center of motherhood without seeing the causal factors or conditions that are being experienced by the married couple. In this study, researchers used qualitative research, with the research location in Sungai Besar Village, Lingga Regency. Determination of informants by pupose sampling, namely a sample that is chosen deliberately by considering that the selected informants are considered capable of providing the information needed. The informants in this study totaled sixteen informants, informants from married couples who did not have children, families and the community of Sungai Besar Village, Lingga Regency. This research was conducted to find out the impact of community stigma for married couples who do not have children. The theory used in this study is the theory of stigma by explaining the form of stigma and self-concept and the view of society by Erving Goffman. The results showed that there is an impact of community stigma for married couples who do not have children in Sungai Besar Village, Lingga Regency. Community stigma is inseparable from the process of detection and community interaction. The causes of stigma are patriarchal culture in society, education level, age, gender, and social conditions.
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Microfinace and Gender Equality: Issues and Outlook

In recent years, microfinance has emerged as a significant tool in the fight against poverty. The microfinance scheme has proven effective in elevating individuals beyond the poverty line by offering enhanced self-employment prospects and fostering creditworthiness. In India, the microfinance sector has witnessed substantial growth, catering to both rural and urban populations with a comprehensive range of financial services. While the core concept of microfinance encompasses more than just microcredit, the terms microfinance and microcredit are often used interchangeably. Notably, the microfinance industry places a strong emphasis on empowering women clients due to their proven creditworthiness. An overwhelming 97 percent of microfinance clients are women, reflecting their pivotal role in this domain. However, despite this focus, there appears to be a lack of concerted efforts from microfinance institutions (MFIs) to genuinely promote women's empowerment and gender equality. This paper draws on secondary data and articles, supplemented by the researcher's own experiences as a Branch Head at BASIX and Janalakshmi Financial Services Pvt Ltd. The study aims to delve into gender-related challenges within the microfinance industry, identify opportunities for achieving gender equality, and examine the obstacles and potential pathways toward this goal. Additionally, the researcher investigates the rationale behind the strong emphasis on women within the microfinance sector. In conclusion, the findings suggest that, beyond the mere provision of credit, MFIs have not adequately prioritized gender equality initiatives. Consequently, the anticipated positive impact of microfinance on gender equality has yet to materialize on the ground. It is imperative for MFIs to take proactive steps towards promoting gender equality, not only to enhance the borrowers' livelihood sustainability but also to ensure the long-term viability of these institutions

Perilaku Konsumtif dalam Perspektif Gender

This research is motivated by the consequences of the global influence of information and technological developments that have an impact on the behavior of the younger generation. One form of this behavior is consumptive behavior. This behavior attacks the younger generation, especially students. One of the conveniences obtained in technological developments is e-money (electronic money). The use of e-money which is quite easy can form consumptive behavior. In addition to the convenience provided by e-money, the existence of e-commerce also tends to shape consumptive behavior. The existence of discount offers and ease of payment stimulates individuals to consume through e-commerce. Individuals who have a financial attitude can reflect a good level of financial management, so that a high financial attitude will reduce consumptive behavior. This study aims to determine the effect of e-money, e-commerce, and financial literacy on consumptive behavior in a gender perspective. The population of this study were students of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Pelita Bangsa University. The research method uses quantitative descriptive analysis, with research sources based on the results of the questionnaire. Data testing uses validity, reliability, classic assumption tests, and hypothesis testing. The test results state that women's gender consumptive behavior is not influenced by money, e-commerce, and financial literacy. For male gender, consumptive behavior is influenced by the use of e-commerce and the level of financial literacy, while e-money has no effect on consumptive behavior. The results show that in general the level of use of e-commerce greatly influences consumptive behavior among students of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Pelita Bangsa University.

Measuring Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture: Innovations and evidence

This paper addresses women's empowerment in agriculture, innovations in its measurement, and emerging evidence. We discuss the evolution of the conceptualization and measurement of women's empowerment and gender equality since 2010. Using a gender and food systems framework and a standardized measure of women's empowerment, the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), we review the evidence on “what works” to empower women based on impact evaluations of a portfolio of 11 agricultural development projects with empowerment objectives and a scoping review of livestock interventions. We then review the evidence on associations between empowering women and societal benefits--agricultural productivity, incomes, and food security and nutrition. We conclude with recommendations for measurement and policy.

How Identity Impacts Bystander Responses to Workplace Mistreatment.

Integrating a social identity approach with Cortina's (2008) theorizing about selective incivility as modern discrimination, we examine how identification-with an organization, with one's gender, and as a feminist-shapes bystanders' interpretations and responses to witnessed incivility (i.e., interpersonal acts of disrespect) and selective incivility (i.e., incivility motivated by targets' social group membership) toward women at work. We propose that bystanders with stronger organizational identification are less likely to perceive incivility toward female colleagues as discrimination and intervene, but female bystanders with stronger gender identification are more likely to do so. Results from two-wave field data in a cross-lagged panel design (Study 1, N = 336) showed that organizational identification negatively predicted observed selective incivility 1 year later but revealed no evidence of an effect of female bystanders' gender identification. We replicated and extended these results with a vignette experiment (Study 2, N = 410) and an experimental recall study (Study 3, N = 504). Findings revealed a "dark side" of organizational identification: strongly identified bystanders were less likely to perceive incivility as discrimination, but there were again no effects of women's gender identification. Study 3 also showed that bystander feminist identification increased intervention via perceived discrimination. These results raise doubts that female bystanders are more sensitive to recognizing other women's mistreatment as discrimination, but more strongly identified feminists (male or female) were more likely to intervene. Although strongly organizationally identified bystanders were more likely to overlook women's mistreatment, they were also more likely to intervene once discrimination was apparent.

The Role of Kudumbashree Units in Promoting Sustainable Women's Empowerment in Kerala

Objective: Women's empowerment and gender equality are widely acknowledged as being essential to progress in all spheres. The objective of this study is to examine the factors that motivate women to join Kudumbashree Units in Kerala, with a focus on empowering women and promoting gender equality in the development process. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the understanding that women's empowerment and gender equality are crucial for progress in all aspects of society. The Kudumbashree scheme aims to eradicate poverty and empower underprivileged rural women through the establishment of microcredit and profitable businesses. Method: The study involves female members of Kudumbashree units in Kerala, with a total sample size of 399. The study analyses the variables that influence women's decision to join the Kudumbashree Units, comparing them on a group-by-group basis. Results and Conclusion: The results indicate that, except for the variables of Family environment and Supports/Relationships, there are no significant differences in the factors influencing women's decision to join Kudumbashree Units in Kerala across different groups. Implications of the Research: The research highlights the importance of understanding the factors that encourage women to participate in initiatives like Kudumbashree Units. The findings can inform policymakers and program implementers in designing strategies to promote women's participation and empowerment. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding of women's empowerment and gender equality in the context of Kudumbashree Units in Kerala. It provides insights into the factors influencing women's decision to join such units, offering valuable information for program planning and implementation.

Muslim Women Against Feminism: The Family Love Alliance (Aliansi Cinta Keluarga) and Its Impact on Women's and Sexual Rights in Contemporary Indonesia

Abstract This article discusses how Islamic conservatism has affected public discourse and policymaking on gender and sexuality and its impact on the struggle for gender equality and sexual rights in contemporary Indonesia. It particularly seeks to examine and analyse how Muslim women in the Family Love Alliance produced a counter-discourse against feminism in their struggle to oppose the ratification of the sexual violence eradication bill. While research on Islam and gender in Indonesia has primarily focused on Islamic feminism, little research has addressed the counter-discourse against Islamic feminism produced by Muslim women and how this might influence ideas of and advocacy for women's rights and gender equality. Some scholars on Indonesian Islam have also argued that rising Islamism has turned the country more religiously conservative. However, scholarly understanding of the relationship between Islamic conservatism and gender remains limited. Drawing on my fieldwork in 2018 and 2019 and informed by social movement theory, this study captures how AILA women activists represent a conservative Islamic backlash against gender equality movements in contemporary Indonesia's public sphere.

Gender communication: Gender mainstreaming and gender differences in the age of gender equality

The implementation of Gender Mainstreaming (Pengarusutamaan Gender, PUG) policies in Indonesia has had a problematic impact on the advancement of women's resources. This is due to a discrepancy between the value system from the West (secular) which is the essence of PUG policy and the value system in Indonesian society. This study was conducted to provide an explanation of the impact of PUG policy implementation in producing a transformation of women's gender identities and roles that are becoming more modern towards the phenomenon of gender communication. This study uses critical discourse analysis from Van Dijk which includes 3 (three) dimensions, namely discourse, cognition, and society, with a micro-macro and power analysis approach. This study found that there is a potential for abuse of power in the interpersonal communication practices of men and women. There are 3 things that become factors: the structure of the mind, the structure of the text (conversation), and the meaning of the message. The operation of gender differences in gender communication practices is supported by sources of legitimacy of cultural belief systems and interpretations of religious teachings. Understanding gender differences and how they operate is beneficial in equal and comfortable communication practices. Gender intelligence will form subjectivity based on the meaning of the coherence or togetherness of the relation pair.

PEREMPUAN DAN PERKOSAAN MEI 1998 DALAM DUA CERPEN KARYA SENO GUMIRA AJIDARMA: KRITIK SASTRA FEMINIS

The May 1998 rape is one of the historic events that has yet to be resolved. This event is portrayed in literary works as a sociocultural document. Seno Gumira Ajidarma as the author and journalist describes the incident through his short stories, namely "Clara" (1998) and "Jakarta, 14 February 2039" (1999). The short story about the rape in May 1998 is full of women's issues and gender injustice in society. This study seeks to uncover how female characters and the rape in May 1998 are depicted in short stories using a radical feminist literary criticism. Descriptive-qualitative method is used in this research. The results of the analysis show that the May 1998 rapes show a gender imequality, because women are seen as parties who have the right to be controlled by men. Even in the act of rape, women are only seen as an object. Because of the rape, female characters, both victims of violence and children born from rape, have to bear the severe trauma. This is in accordance with the radical feminist view that rape is the basis for men to practice their power and control over women, and the demand that women must regain control over their body autonomy.

Women Political Empowerment in Makran

Women's political participation is crucial for the promotion of gender equality and democratic governance. However, women are often underrepresented in political positions and face numerous barriers to participation. This paper aims to examine women's political empowerment and their participation in Makran division of Balochistan and identify strategies for promoting it. The study uses quantitative survey in which 310 questionnaires were distributed in three districts of Makran. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS software. The results show that the women in Makran are not empowered politically, but there is a good environment of politics and women have political awareness in the region. The findings of the present study have significant implications for civil society organizations, policymakers and women's rights advocates who are seeking to encourage women's political participation and gender equality.

Fun young ladies — Modern feminism and China's stand-up comedy

Since the introduction of stand-up comedy into contemporary China, young Chinese comediennes have become an active part of the comedy scene. As an annual stand-up comedy show for new generation comedians, Rock & Roast provided an excellent platform for young female comedians to break the gender barrier of traditional language performance art, giving birth to outstanding female stand-up comedians including Yang Li and the Yan Twins, igniting a new wave of feminist thinking. Contrary to the more active feminist movements in the West, stand-up comedy performances featuring female topics serve as a negotiated form of feminist expression. Using humor and satire as a medium, comedy works as the new means for the dissemination and further emancipation of feminist thought in China. Although their humorous expressions are still limited by gender stereotypes and patriarchal gazes, their courageous voices will still make a historic contribution to Chinese women's further struggle for women's rights and gender equality.

THE ROLE OF FEMINISM IN ENGAGING INTERNATIONAL ACTORS TOWARDS EMPOWERING THE EFFORTS OF RECOVERING WOMEN IN POST-PANDEMIC TOURISM

This study seeks to unravel the role of feminism in shaping the engagement of international actors bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally in the endeavor to revive and enhance the economic and social condition of women in the tourism industry within the post-pandemic condition. Through the lens of feminism that also perpetuates an understanding from the liberal-institutionalism view, this paper discovers that the engagement of actors who conduct cooperation leading to the establishment of institutions and programs with a focus on the prevailing notion of innovation is underpinned by the salient concept of shared value, which prioritizes the importance of women's rights and gender equality.

Gender, Economy, and the Law: Women Entrepreneurs in Indonesian and Islamic Legal Perspectives

The relationship between women, the economy, and state law in Muslim countries has generated intense debate about whether such laws have promoted or inversely impeded women's rights and gender equality. This study aims to assess women's economic rights, especially in entrepreneurship, in Indonesia from the state and Islamic legal perspectives. It is qualitative research with the juridical and sociological legal approach by analyzing the dimensions of report on entrepreneurship in Women, Business, and the Law 2023 achieved by Indonesia, Law state-related, and Islamic Law. It finds that Indonesia has promoted women's economic rights, including entrepreneurship, in the state law, despite some room for improvement. Women have the same rights to business licenses, enter into contracts or agreements, and open bank accounts, despite a lack of affirmative actions for access to credits for women entrepreneurs. As the biggest Muslim country in the world, Islamic law has influenced such state law. Islam has granted women the right to be self-employed, despite some cultural barriers to achieving gender equality. The government is expected to promote women's economic rights, including the ones on entrepreneurship, and needs to overturn the prevailing gender norms that assign women multiple burdens.

Holding the Belief That Gender Roles Can Change Reduces Women's Work-Family Conflict.

Across four studies (N = 1544), we examined the relationship between individuals' gender role mindsets, or beliefs about the malleability versus fixedness of traditional gender roles, and work-family conflict. We found that undergraduate women (but not men) business students holding a fixed, compared to growth, gender role mindset anticipated more work-family conflict. Next, we manipulated gender role mindset and demonstrated a causal link between women's growth mindsets (relative to fixed mindsets and control conditions) and reduced work-family conflict. We showed mechanistically that growth gender role mindsets unburden women from prescriptive gender roles, reducing work-family conflict. Finally, during COVID-19, we demonstrated a similar pattern among working women in high-achieving dual-career couples. We found an indirect effect of women's gender role mindset on job and relationship satisfaction, mediated through work-family conflict. Our preregistered studies suggest that holding the belief that gender roles can change mitigates women's work-family conflict.

The hybrid political role of feminism on Twitter during COVID-19: SISMA Mujer in Colombia

Twitter proved to be strategic for the dissemination of information, and for the activation of feminist social movements. This article identifies the patterns of representation around feminist movements on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed the discourse around a Colombian NGO known as Sisma Mujer, in a corpus of 4415 tweets posted during the first year of COVID-19. The results showed five significant topic categories: gender-based violence, women in peacebuilding, women's human rights, gender equality, and social protest. This activity re-contextualized the online activism of this movement into a new, hybrid role with important political implications for the social movement. Our analysis highlights this role by pointing out how feminist activists framed gender-based violence to generate a discourse on Twitter.

Fostering Women Empowerment through Financial Inclusion in India

Abstract: This study attempts to investigate how financial inclusion affects women's empowerment in India. The report offers a thorough analysis of India's current financial inclusion situation. It evaluates the success of the numerous measures made by the Indian government and the private sector to encourage financial inclusion and women's empowerment. The study also offers potential ways to address the barriers that women may face in gaining access to financial services. The report concludes with policy proposals for improving financial inclusion and advancing women's empowerment in India that are addressed to decision-makers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. Overall, the study comes to the conclusion that financial inclusion might be extremely important for advancing women's empowerment and gender equality in India.

Role of Women in the Mughal Empire

Abstract: The following paper’s major objective is to explore the Mughal harem's dynamism and to examine the diverse accomplishments and achievements of the women who were there with the focus also kept on the common women as well wherever needed. The following paper tries to discuss the historical achievements and lows that have occurred in the life of women in Mughal history. Focusing on political to social history aspects, integrating women, and evaluating their influence during the Mughal era. The present research paper examines significantly Mughal women's history, gender, identity, and gender relations difficulties, as well as women's participation in sociocultural and religious activities, medically, etc. The paper makes the case that the history of Mughal India was greatly influenced by the deeds, operations, and contributions of various royal women. As a result, efforts should be made to study the political history of the Mughal era in relation to the private lives, deeds, and participation of women in various spheres during that time. It will be highlighting all the aspects like education, politics, religion, etc. from common women to the royal women at the time of the Mughals from Babur to Aurangzeb.