Status Of Women Research Articles

Recent advances in alcohol metabolism: from the gut to the brain.

Globally, alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive drug and a leading cause of premature death among individuals aged 15-49 years. Understanding the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of alcohol in the human body, otherwise known as alcohol pharmacokinetics, is essential for predicting its behavioral effects and toxic consequences. This review examines the evolutionary origins of alcohol consumption and metabolism, focusing on the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes across species, which serve as key catalysts in alcohol oxidation. It also highlights recent advances in understanding central alcohol metabolism and updates on the potential clinical significance of non-oxidative pathways of alcohol metabolism and endogenous alcohol production, particularly in the context of liver disease. In addition, the review inspects factors that modulate alcohol metabolism, including genetic polymorphisms, biological sex, food intake, women's reproductive status, and clinical interventions such as medications and metabolic surgeries. Understanding these sources of variability in alcohol metabolism is crucial for identifying individual risk factors and tailoring strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm. This comprehensive review offers a current perspective on alcohol pharmacokinetics, valuable insights into its implications for health, behavior, and potential innovative therapeutic targets.

Not beautiful enough to be myself: The impact of exposure to ideal appearance photos on women's state authenticity

Not beautiful enough to be myself: The impact of exposure to ideal appearance photos on women's state authenticity

Factors Influencing Women's Participation in Nonfarm Economic Activities: Insights From the Fishing Community of Chandpur, Bangladesh

ABSTRACTThis study aims to examine determinants of women participation in nonfarm activities among fishing community of Chandpur and identify the barriers such as traditional norms and lack of opportunities by using logistic regression and perception index. The study makes a novel contribution to the literature by highlighting the hitherto neglected setting of a fishing community in rural Bangladesh. The findings reveal that education, access to credit, skill development, and household characteristics significantly influence women's involvement in nonfarm sectors. Women with higher levels of education are more likely to engage in diverse economic activities, as education enhances their skills and adaptability. Access to credit emerges as a critical enabler, providing financial resources for entrepreneurial ventures and business expansion. Skill development initiatives are found to increase employability and participation rates, while favorable household characteristics, such as a larger household size and lower dependency ratios, further facilitate economic engagement by reducing caregiving burdens. The findings also underscore the importance of asset ownership and transportation infrastructure in enhancing women's economic participation. Asset ownership fosters financial independence, while access to transportation networks improves mobility and connectivity to markets and workplaces. Cultural and societal norms, however, continue to pose barriers, limiting opportunities for women in certain communities. The study has important policy implications. To enhance women's participation in rural nonfarm sectors, governments and development agencies should focus on expanding access to education and vocational training tailored to women's needs. Strengthening microfinance initiatives, particularly low‐interest credit schemes, can empower women to invest in entrepreneurial activities. Additionally, improving infrastructure, including roads and public transportation, is essential for facilitating market access. Policies should also address cultural constraints, promoting gender equality and empowering women to fully participate in economic development. These measures collectively contribute to rural economic growth and the advancement of women's socioeconomic status.

Interventions for Maintaining Pelvic Floor Health During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Pregnancy is a unique life stage for women and is also an independent risk factor for pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Physiological changes during pregnancy can weaken pelvic floor support, potentially leading to common pelvic floor dysfunctions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, rectus diastasis, and pelvic organ prolapse if left unaddressed. Early preventive interventions are recommended to reduce the overall incidence of PFD. This review aims to summarize various preventive health care strategies for pelvic floor health during pregnancy. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies related to pelvic floor health care during pregnancy. Relevant articles were selected based on their contributions to understanding preventive measures and interventions aimed at maintaining pelvic floor health. The research findings outline effective methods for pelvic floor health care during pregnancy, including health education, breathing exercises, pelvic floor muscle training, weight management, perineal massage, and holistic exercise programs. The literature search spanned six electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu) with 60 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Given the profound impact of pelvic floor dysfunction on women's quality of life, these strategies can specifically alleviate pelvic floor strain during pregnancy, improve delivery outcomes, promote postpartum recovery, and reduce the risk of PFD, thereby playing a significant role in supporting the overall health of mothers. Emphasizing early management of pelvic floor health is crucial for the recovery of pelvic floor tissues in pregnant women and should be widely implemented in clinical practice. Healthcare providers should consider each pregnant woman's individual health status, physical abilities, and maternal-fetal safety to develop personalized exercise plans, employing appropriate strategies for early intervention against the pelvic floor during pregnancy which may successfully prevent pelvic floor disorders in women.

Beyond Unplanned or Unwanted: Do We Consider Self-Reported Health Status, Sexual Activity and Fertility Preference of Women as predictors of Abortion in Ghana?

Background: Although, in Ghana, an induced abortion occurs in every society, and a substantial proportion of pregnancies are resolved by abortion. Objective: In line with this, the study set out to investigate how self-reported health status, sexual activity and fertility preference of women influence abortion in Ghana. Methods: Data were extracted from the 2022 GDHS. Frequency, percentages, Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence and binary logistic regression were used to make meaning to the data. Results: Good health status was significant at p<0.001, (OR=1.241, 95%CI ([1.171-1.315]). Moderate health status was significant at p<0.001, (OR=1.819, 95%CI [1.701-1.945]). Bad health status was significant at p<0.001, (OR=1.622, 95%CI [1.448-1.816]). Very bad health status was significant at p<0.001, (OR=1.777, 95%CI [1.358-2.327]). Not active in last 4 weeks - postpartum abstinence was significant at p<0.001, (OR=0.705, 95%CI ([0.650-0.765]). Undecided was significant at p<0.001, (OR=0.720, 95CI ([0.638-0.813]). Wants after 2years and above was significant at p<0.001, (OR=0.608, ([0.564- 0.654]). Conclusion: Regardless of whether abortion is legal or restricted, it is recommended that provision of post-abortion care should be made a core obligation in Ghana under the right to sexual and reproductive health.

The Rights and Status of Women in Ancient India: Insights from Hindu Legal Literature

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted roles and rights of women in ancient India, as reflected in Hindu legal texts. It examines how social norms influence women’s lives, from their education and intellectual development to the constraints and expectations that shape their experiences. The study delves into family dynamics, addressing women’s roles and rights within the family, their marital relationships, and controversial practices such as niyoga (levirate) and sati. It also explores the legal aspects of marriage, polygamy, polyandry, and divorce, while considering women’s property rights, inheritance, and maintenance. The article emphasises the progressive elements of gender relations and the rights granted to widows, while also briefly discussing their rights to adoption, guardianship, and maintenance. Overall, it provides a thorough overview of the legal status of women in ancient India, revealing the complexities of their social position. JASBH, Vol. 70(1), June 2025, pp. 1–35

Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar: Journey of Women's Freedom, Equality and Participation

Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar recognized as a prominent figure in the context of social reform in India. He dedicating himself to the improvement of women's status. His unwavering commitment involved leading marginalized communities towards the principles of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Dr. Ambedkar advocated ardently for the dignity of oppressed women, earning recognition for his commitment to human rights. His sensitivity towards women's rights marked him as a stalwart in the pursuit of social justice, consistently working to empower women. He initiated various endeavors for women's liberation and rights, emphasizing the principle of equal treatment in all aspects of life such as race, religion, or gender. Dr. Ambedkar laid a solid foundation by integrating the Hindu Civil Code into broader segments of Indian society. This paper endeavors particularly to underscore Dr. Ambedkar's perspective on women's issues in pre- and post-independence India and its continued relevance in the contemporary context.

Building Bridges: Networks and Support Systems for Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Women constitute around 50% of the total world’s population. Approximately 1.3 billion people around the world are living in extreme poverty, and 70% of them are women. Because of this large gender gap, developing countries are constantly working to support and improve the lives of women. Further there is significant differences between men and women in many areas, such as jobs, income, education, access to resources, leadership roles, political representation, making decisions at home, freedom to move, and the ability to stand up for their rights. In order to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment as well as equitable and sustainable economic growth and development, women must have equal access to and control over economic and financial resources. Women are vital to the growth and development of every economy. Therefore, empowering women is crucial for economic development. Employment is the key source of income that provide economic empowerment to individuals. The first step towards empowerment, regardless of gender, is to work for a living. Women's status is closely linked to their financial circumstances, which are influenced by their ability to engage in economic activities (Biswas & Banu, 2023).

A Review on the Health and Nutritional Status of Professional Women Aged 30–45 Years in India

The transformation of India's socio-economic structure has resulted in a significant rise in women's involvement in professional fields including education, healthcare, information technology, banking, and administration. Women aged 30 to 45 frequently encounter a dual load of professional advancement and household obligations, significantly impacting their health and nutritional well-being. This review seeks to consolidate national-level statistics, peer-reviewed literature, and public health surveys to assess the health difficulties encountered by professional women in this pivotal age group throughout India. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5) indicate that around 48% of women in India are anaemic, while the incidence of overweight and obesity has concurrently risen to over 23% in this demographic. The trends are exacerbated by increasing occurrences of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses, which are frequently associated with sedentary lifestyles, inadequate dietary diversity, occupational stress, and insufficient physical activity. Research indicates that professional women frequently forgo meals, opt for processed and convenience foods, and generally prioritize domestic and professional obligations over their own nutritional requirements. The review emphasizes that professional stress, extended working hours, insufficient health awareness, and socio-cultural norms—such as the tradition of eating last or prioritizing family meals—negatively affect women's health disproportionately. Nutritional evaluations reveal considerable shortages in protein, iron, calcium, and vital vitamins among employed women, irrespective of income or educational attainment. Moreover, variations related to area, occupation, and socio-economic status expose a complex framework of health inequity. The findings highlight the pressing necessity for focused interventions such as nutritional education, workplace wellness initiatives, regular health assessments, and regulatory reforms that consider gender and occupation. Enhancing the health and nutritional welfare of professional women is vital for their personal advancement and imperative for the ongoing socio-economic progress of the nation.

Despotism and the Status of Women in the 18th century

Despotism and the Status of Women in the 18th century

Status of Women and Children in Separation-A life with Challenges

The status of women and children after separation in the society

The models and the aspiring models: assessing the sustainable rural development philosophy and reality in India through multi-dimensional indices

IntroductionThe key to sustainable societies and food systems in developing countries like India is sustainable rural development because majority population reside in rural areas. In India, the Gandhian philosophy of rural self sustainability has been a major inspiration in shaping not only individual or philanthropic rural development efforts (philosophical and less planned), but also government rural development programmes (RDPs which are planned reality of the philosophy).MethodsIn this study, the authors assess the progressiveness of ‘Aspiring' self-sustainable villages (planned reality) developed under a governmental rural self-sustainability programme named Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) in comparison with the Model Villages of the Past (based on philosophy with no governmental intervention/philanthropic)as both categories of villages were developed on the basis of Gandhian philosophy of rural self-sustainability but there exists no comprehensive measure for comparing the progress of SAGY Villages (developed on realistic indicator based approach) with the Model Villages of the past (developed solely on philosophical approach) even after a decade of implementation of SAGY. Hence 7 multi-dimensional composite indices were developed in this study for comparative assessment after careful triangulation of indicators. Rural Health Status Index/RHSI (8 indicators), Rural Educational Status Index/RESI (6 indicators), Rural Farming Status Index/RFSI (8 indicators), Rural Infrastructure Index/RIF (40 indicators), Rural Livestock Status Index/RLSI (8 indicators), Rural Ecological Status Index/RECSI (7 indicators) and Status of Rural Women Index/SRWI (6 indicators) were developed using Categorical Principal Components Analysis method. Validation of the indices were done with 1200 respondents (n = 1200) of Model Villages and SAGY Villages of Maharashtra and Telangana states.Results and discussionThe SAGY villages of Telangana were found to have progressed more than the Models of their state in terms of educational (RESI = 0.87), farming (RFSI = 1.06), livestock (RLSI = 1.31) and ecological status (RECSI = 0.56). The aspirant SAGY villages of Maharashtra were found to have excelled their Models in terms of health (RHSI = 1.62), farming (RFSI = 1.5) and livestock status (RLSI = 1.29). Secondary database of District Census Handbook having household level quantitative data of sub-districts were found to be in corroboration with the index values (primary data analysis) obtained. The indices developed have scope of replication in similar rural systems of the world.

The Social Construction of Spinsterhood Among the Pekal Tribe in Napal Putih, North Bengkulu Regency

This study explores the social construction of spinsterhood among the Pekal Tribe, who predominantly inhabit Napal Putih in North Bengkulu Regency. The research investigates the socio-cultural meanings attached to unmarried women of a certain age and their implications for women's social status and mental well-being in the community. Utilizing a qualitative approach and a case study method, the study involved five Pekalese women—both married and unmarried—as primary informants. Data were collected through interviews and documentation, and validated using source triangulation. The analysis followed the Miles and Huberman framework, involving data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that being labeled a spinster is associated with negative connotations in Pekal society, driven by patriarchal culture, limited educational awareness, economic hardship, and strong societal expectations that women marry before the age of 25. These factors collectively shape a perception that unmarried women are socially undesirable. Applying Berger and Luckmann’s Social Construction Theory, the study illustrates how societal norms are formed through externalization, objectification, and internalization, institutionalizing the stigma surrounding spinsterhood. As a result, the concept evolves into a socially constructed label that significantly influences women's opportunities, autonomy, and psychological health within the Pekal community.

Gut microbiota has the potential to improve health of menopausal women by regulating estrogen.

Menopause is an age-related loss of ovarian function. As a woman enters menopause, the estrogen produced by her ovaries decreases, which will adversely affect women's health. The symptoms related to menopause are related to the imbalance of gut microbiota. Studies have shown that the diversity of gut microbiota after menopause is lower than that before menopause, and the weakening of microbial decomposition will lead to the decrease of circulating estrogen, gradually resulting in disorders of lipid metabolism, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and other diseases. Gut microbiota play a key role in regulating estrogen levels. By secreting β-glucuronidase, it increases the reabsorption of estrogen in the enterohepatic circulation and mediates phytoestrogen metabolism, regulates estrogen homeostasis in the host and affects disease development and prognosis. Therefore, the gut microbiota is an overall regulator of women's estrogen status during menopause and an untapped new area for improving women's postmenopausal health. Changing the gut microbiota through specific prebiotics, probiotics, etc., and then affecting estrogen levels provides exciting opportunities for future therapeutic applications.

Complicating Work–Life Balance in Higher Education: Perspectives from Geography

This article examines how faculty in higher education navigate the demands of work, domestic responsibilities, caregiving, and overall health and well-being. The contested nature of work–life balance among academics is embedded in gender and other social relations that are shaped by institutional and societal norms. Our analysis draws from a national survey of members of the American Association of Geographers conducted by the Status of Women in Geography Project. Survey data on the social identities and academic status of geography faculty provide rich insights into how they navigate work–life balance within neoliberal institutions. Our discussion addresses challenges, conflicts, and strategies to achieve balance given the often competing demands of work, household responsibilities, and the personal lives of university faculty. Their experiences reveal systemic inequities that are linked to neoliberal institutional practices in higher education within cultures of masculinity, Whiteness, and cis-heteronormativity. By complicating the term work–life balance, or conflict, we offer new perspectives on the underlying forces that prevent some faculty from achieving their career goals and leading fulfilling and balanced lives. The article concludes with recommendations for more inclusive, family-friendly, and compassionate workplaces in academia and in the discipline of geography.

Healthcare Access among Pregnant Women in States with and without Abortion Restrictions.

Healthcare Access among Pregnant Women in States with and without Abortion Restrictions.

A Study on the Educational Status of Women in Tea Garden Area of Assam

A Study on the Educational Status of Women in Tea Garden Area of Assam

Impacts of Food Fortification on Micronutrient Intake and Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age in Africa-A Narrative Review.

Impacts of Food Fortification on Micronutrient Intake and Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age in Africa-A Narrative Review.

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Women Belonging to Self-Help Group in North Chennai and Conduct of a Nutrition Education Program

Lifestyle and dietary habits play a significant role in determining the risk of developing metabolic disorders, particularly among women in low-income communities. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status and health awareness of women belonging to Self-Help Groups (SHG) in North Chennai and to implement a targeted Nutrition Education Program. The study included 150 participants and involved the collection of demographic data, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness), blood pressure recording and dietary assessment using a food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day food record. A pre- and post -test questionnaire was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nutrition Education Program. The findings revealed that many participants had unhealthy eating patterns, including low intake of whole grains, fruits and green leafy vegetables, along with frequent consumption of refined oils and fried snacks. Most of the participants were overweight or obese with elevated BMI and skinfold thickness and were hypertension. Nutrient analysis showed excessive intake of energy, carbohydrate and fats, with deficiencies in iron and vitamin D. The Nutrition Education Program significantly improved participants’ knowledge of balanced diets and healthy lifestyle practices. The study concluded that awareness and education can serve as effective tools in improving nutritional habits and reducing the risk of lifestyle-related disorders in community settings.

Binary Logistic Regression to Factors Affecting Unmet Need for Limiting in East Java, Indonesia

East Java, Indonesia's second most populated province, is anticipated to see significant annual population growth in the future, potentially resulting in a population explosion. The elevated birth rate facilitates the swift increase in population size. The unmet need for knowledge-based information among women of reproductive age has posed obstacles for the execution of family planning initiatives aimed at reducing birth rates. This study used binary logistic regression to identify the factors affecting the unmet demand for family planning among women of reproductive age in East Java Province in 2017.The investigation revealed that the woman's age, employment status, and husband's educational level significantly influenced the unmet need for constraint. Moreover, women aged 15-24 who are unemployed, lack schooling, have an illiterate partner, and reside in rural regions are more prone to experiencing an unmet need for contraception. Women aged 15-19 years compared to women aged 45-49 years were at 3,182 times higher risk of having an unmet need for family planning compared to a met need for family planning. Women aged 20-24 years compared to women aged 45-49 years were at 1,316 times higher risk of having an unmet need for family planning compared to a met need for family planning. Women who did not work compared to women who worked were 1,311 times more likely to have an unmet need for family planning compared to a met need for family planning. The binary logistic analysis model that was formed provided a good accuracy of 92,135% in predicting.