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Introduction: Rwanda stands out in East Africa with the lowest infant mortality ratio at 29 per 1000 live births. It also leads in gender equality on the African continent, ranking sixth globally according to the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report. This makes Rwanda an ideal case for studying the link between women's empowerment and infant mortality. Method: This study aims to assess the impact of women's empowerment on infant mortality using data obtained from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2005, 2010, and 2015. A three-category women's empowerment index was created using the principal component analysis method. The statistical analysis employed in this study is multivariate binary logistic regression. Results: Results demonstrate a significant impact of women's empowerment on reducing infant mortality, considering regional and residential inequalities, bio-demographic factors, and healthcare variables. Conclusion: The findings contribute to existing literature and highlight the importance of empowering women to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Such empowerment not only enhances health but also supports sustainable development and social progress. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations should prioritize investing in women's empowerment to achieve maternal and child health goals, as empowered women play a pivotal role in driving positive change for a healthier and more equitable society. Significance: This study highlights the critical importance of women's empowerment in improving infant survival rates and promoting population health in Rwanda. The study is significant due to the country's low infant mortality rate and leading position in gender equality in Africa. By demonstrating the strong association between women's empowerment and infant mortality, the findings highlight the need for ongoing efforts to empower women and ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all. This research provides valuable insights that can inform policies and programs aimed at reducing infant mortality and enhancing the well-being of both women and children in Rwanda and similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community health agents (CHAs) provide basic health services and increase health care access thereby improving health outcomes for peri-urban regions in Peru. Few studies analyze the effect that becoming a CHA has on women's interpersonal interactions. We aim to explore the impact CHAs may have on gender and social norms through their roles as trusted leaders in male-dominated communities. Methods: We conducted six 90-minute group discussions with CHAs working in Huancayo and Trujillo, Peru. We designed the discussions to extract data about family and community norms that changed as a result of working as a CHA. Results: A total of 53 female CHAs participated in six discussion groups. CHAs reported shifting family support (a change in how their family supported them in their role as a CHA), gaining status within their family (feeling more valued for their knowledge and experience), and shifting family gender roles (men and boys taking on more household responsibilities) as a result of their work. CHAs also reported a change in community norms and felt they were more valued and respected within their communities as women leaders. Conclusions: Working as a CHA creates an opportunity to enact social change through altering family dynamics and community perceptions. Moreover, empowering women to become CHAs not only generates tangible benefits in community health, but can help create social change that ultimately improves the lives of women and realize their human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural and rural development policy seeks to facilitate the transition towards environmentally sustainable and climate-neutral agricultural practices, with a focus on human capital, knowledge, and innovation. Gender equality can play a significant role in promoting environmentally sustainable practices in the agricultural sector, particularly through the adoption and implementation of agri-environment-climate schemes (AECS) in the context of farm, agricultural, and rural development. We examine the presence of gender bias in the adoption intensity of AECS by utilising farm-level data from Slovenia. We find that women on Slovenian farms engage in the adoption of AECS and receive subsidies, despite the presence of a gender gap in various agricultural factor endowment variables that typically favour men. The results of this study provide evidence in favour of promoting greater involvement and empowerment of women in the fields of green technology applications and green entrepreneurship, particularly with AECS practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop and examine the effectiveness of a group counseling program based on feminist therapy to empower women and reduce internalized sexism. The program was designed based on the perspective of consciousness-raising groups, which have an essential place in women's movements. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group was used. The participants of the study were 26 young women, with an average age of 22.50±1.10. Data collection tools included the Internalized Sexism Scale, Woman Psychological Power Scale, and Personal Information Form. Analysis of covariance was used for the data analysis. The results suggested a decrease in internalized sexism levels and an increase in psychological power levels among the participants. These results are important for both mental health and gender studies, and may contribute to future practices and research on psychological and educational interventions to reduce sexism among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the often underestimated role of Muslim women in the context of Nigeria in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The methodology employed in this research involves qualitative methods, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted contributions of Muslim women in areas such as education, healthcare, gender equality, poverty reduction, and community development. Data for this study was obtained through interviews and surveys involving Muslim women from various regions in Nigeria, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of their roles, challenges, and strategies. The data was meticulously analyzed to identify the challenges faced by these women, the innovative strategies they employ to overcome these challenges, and the tangible impact of their efforts on the progression of SDGs in Nigeria. The findings of this research highlight the pivotal role of Muslim women in sustainable development and emphasize the need for recognizing and empowering them as catalysts for positive change. This recognition, in turn, is seen as a catalyst for broader inclusivity and gender equity initiatives, both within Nigeria and beyond, with the ultimate goal of achieving SDGs in a more comprehensive and inclusive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is often assumed that social connections are good for female empowerment in developing countries. However, growing evidence suggests that empowered women may face backlash from their spouse. In this paper, we analyze how the number of friends that wives have in their village affects the wives' involvement in household decisions about their own health and their children's health. To do so, we use data from 700 couples in 30 villages in rural Tanzania. We estimate the effect of the number of friends on the wife's involvement in household decisions using a multinomial logit regression combined with a control function that deals with potential endogeneity bias. We find that wives with more friends are less likely to make decisions jointly with their husband, and are more likely to report that their husband makes decisions without their involvement. We further explore whether the effects depend on the "type" of friends, as defined by their gender and whether they are shared with the husband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic literature review aims to collect and uncover the various types of tools and materials available—digital and traditional—for tackling gender equality in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Considering the various facets of gender-equality, this review provides an overview of different tools and materials used in the wider academic and industrial community for supporting or empowering women to enrol or remain active in STEM fields. Published manuscripts between 2001 and 2021 were searched electronically with an eye to retrieve the relevant published literature on the topic. Traditional and digital gender-sensitive tools and materials were identified, classified and described together with their benefits and drawbacks. This review demonstrates the variety of gender-sensitive materials and tools employed in higher education institutions to empower women to enrol and remain active in the field of STEM. Industrial and instructional design recommendations were drawn from the review as well as implications for professionals and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Psychological distress in pregnancy is associated with adverse postnatal outcomes. We aimed to identify how social support and women's empowerment are associated with pregnancy-specific daily experiences among women suffering antenatal anxiety in Pakistan. Methods: Data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial of a psychosocial intervention for antenatal anxiety in a tertiary hospital in Pakistan. We included 594 women in early pregnancy (≤ 22 weeks) who endorsed mild to severe anxiety symptoms. Generalized linear regression models were used to analyze the associations of perceived social support and women's empowerment in relation to pregnancy-specific daily hassles and uplifts using a culturally adapted and psychometrically validated version of the Pregnancy Experience Scale-Brief. Results: High social support was positively associated with frequency and intensity of positive pregnancy-specific experiences (B = 0.39, 95% CI 0.23–0.54 uplifts frequency; and B = 0.17, 95% CI 0.12–0.22 uplifts intensity), and was inversely associated with frequency of negative pregnancy-specific experiences (B = − 0.44, 95% CI − 0.66, − 0.22). Women's household empowerment was associated with greater uplifts frequency and intensity (B = 0.55, 95% CI 0.20–0.90 frequency; and B = 0.28, 95% CI 0.17–0.40 intensity). High social support and household empowerment were inversely related to PES hassle-to-uplift ratio scores. Conclusions for Practice: Greater social support and household empowerment were associated with positive pregnancy-specific experiences in the context of antenatal anxiety in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the debate relating to the implementation of the CEDAW in Palestine, particularly the issues relating to underage marriage and equal inheritance. Both of these issues have caused considerable controversy and opened a wide debate in Palestine due to the patriarchal socio-culture in Palestine, where it is considered that such rights would undermine the interests of the male elite and conflict with the dominance of men over women. Accordingly, the article provides an in-depth analysis of how the interaction of religious teachings, socio-cultural systems, and patriarchal traditions shape the Arab and Palestinian view on gender equality and women's rights in the modern day. Furthermore, the article examines the influence of religion on the patriarchal and socio-cultural system in determining the efforts that are being made to achieve equality and discusses how the Palestinian authorities, human rights activists, and liberal political parties have not been able to overcome the power of traditional religious scholars and clerics who have a much greater influence and are able to win over public opinion. Our findings reveal that more progressive interpretations of Islam are possible, which in turn allows a fuller embrace of women's rights. The findings also highlight the role of the Palestinian Authority and feminist groups in changing the mindset of Palestinian society regarding women's rights and equality, where gradual steps that include economic empowerment, education and public engagement with enlightened scholars must be taken to achieve this change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's economic empowerment a strategy aimed at enabling women in decision-making, increment in income and asset ownership. The main aim of the study is to examine the impact of microfinance on women's economic empowerment. Data were derived from a questionnaire of a sample of 346 women clients of microfinance. Multiple regression and paired sampled t-test data analysis techniques were used in the study. Multiple linear regression result revealed that age, marital status, education level, credit amount, and number of training have significant effect on women's economic empowerment. However, previous business experience did not have significant impact on women's economic empowerment. Paired sampled t-test result revealed that there is significant mean difference before and after microfinance service in terms of income, asset, and saving. Microfinance has significant positive effect on women's economic empowerment by improving women's independent income, increasing asset possession levels, and improved monthly saving amount. Moreover, the study proved that microfinance has a positive impact on women's entrepreneurship development and business exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community health agents (CHAs) play a critical role in primary healthcare delivery and health promotion in low-resource settings. Though there is substantial evidence of the benefits of CHAs in achieving targeted community health outcomes, there is limited research into the impact of empowerment experienced by CHAs themselves. This study examined how working as a CHA impacts the lives and self-perceptions of women in Peru volunteering with Catholic Medical Mission Board's (CMMB) markedly successful robust CHA model. We conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) of 53 CHAs who implement CMMB programming in Trujillo and Huancayo, Peru. The FGDs were designed to explore themes related to empowerment, changes in women's lives, and perceptions of themselves. We identified four major themes related to women's empowerment: achievements, agency, meaningfulness, and resources. The most common empowerment theme was achievements, expressed through subthemes of changes in family behavior, self worth, education, health and nutrition, and rights and politics. The second most common empowerment theme was agency, with subthemes related to increases in using their voice, confidence, decision making, and participation. CHAs also reported experiencing empowerment through enhanced meaningfulness. CMMB's CHA model is an example of how well-structured community programs can facilitate women's empowerment. Providing meaningful community leadership opportunities can have far-reaching effects on women's perceptions of themselves as valuable, capable, and empowered leaders. This work deepens our understanding of how to practically improve community health through empowering women to catalyze gender equality in communities with disproportionate barriers and limited opportunities burdening them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's empowerment is often an important goal of development interventions. This paper explores local perceptions of empowerment in the Upper East Region of Ghana and the pathways through which small-scale irrigation intervention targeted to men and women farmers contributes to women's empowerment. Using qualitative data collected with 144 farmers and traders through 28 individual interviews and 16 focus group discussions, this paper innovates a framework to integrate the linkages between small-scale irrigation and three dimensions of women's empowerment: resources, agency, and achievements. The relationship between the components of empowerment and small-scale irrigation are placed within a larger context of social change underlying these relationships. This shows that many women face serious constraints to participating in and benefitting from small-scale irrigation, including difficulties accessing land and water and gender norms that limit women's ability to control farm assets. Despite these constraints, many women do benefit from participating in irrigated farming activities leading to an increase in their agency and well-being achievements. For some women, these benefits are indirect—these women allocate their time to more preferred activities when the household gains access to modern irrigation technology. The result is a new approach to understanding women's empowerment in relation to irrigation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a strong impetus in international agricultural development to close 'gender gaps' in agricultural productivity. The goal of empowering women is often framed as the solution to closing these gaps, stimulating the proliferation of new indicators and instruments for the targeting, measurement, and tracking of programmatic goals in research for agricultural development. Despite these advances, current measurements and indices remain too simplified in terms of unit and scope of analysis, as well as being fundamentally flawed in how they aim to capture the relevance of 'gender' in diverse local contexts. We propose that the impulse to apply exogenously defined and weakly validated 'women's empowerment' measures to diverse local contexts risks prioritizing practical expedience over scientific accuracy and societal relevance. Furthermore, the application of such measures risks creating the impression that programmatic "gender targets" are being achieved, while simultaneously undermining substantive gender transformative goals. The authors conclude that a different methodological approach grounded in participatory and qualitative methods is needed to create more meaningful metrics for assessing progress towards women's empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sub-Saharan Africa, women bear a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS while also facing economic and gender inequalities. To explore the association of women's economic contribution and relationship status with risky sexual behaviour, this study analysed cross-sectional data from 626 women aged 22 to 84 in rural South Africa. All women were enrolled in a microfinance plus gender training programme (Intervention with Microfinance for AIDS and Gender Equity (IMAGE)). We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to explore the associations of relationship status and women's household income contribution with inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners and transactional sex, respectively. We found that married, older women had the highest odds of inconsistent condom use, while those contributing all the household income had higher odds of multiple sexual partnerships, but lower odds of transactional sex compared to those with no contribution. Income contribution and relationship status have a nuanced relationship with sexual risk behaviours. Thus, economic strengthening interventions should target relevant vulnerable women while also addressing the broader social and economic drivers of risky sexual behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic media, particularly television (TV), remains an important tool which can contribute positively in achieving women's empowerment (WE) in developing countries. In Pakistan, TV morning shows are highly popular among women viewers particularly in urban areas and have emerged as a powerful tool to influence WE. Cognizant of this, the present study attempted empirically to investigate the influence of TV morning shows on urban women's empowerment, using a mixed method approach—a combination of qualitative and quantitative tools. In 2018, the study collected qualitative data from 66 episodes of five leading TV morning shows, and quantitative data from 260 women in Lahore—a metropolitan city of Pakistan. Findings revealed that TV morning shows presented the content on WE, and invited women celebrities to portray their success stories to inspire women viewers. Multidimensional assessment of WE showed that only 33% of surveyed women were empowered. It was also found that there was a need of improvement in women's control over resources, their mobility and participation in household level decision making. Regression analysis showed that TV morning shows related variables—women's intensity of watching morning shows, their interest in morning shows' content on WE and their interest in watching women celebrities in morning shows had positive influence on WE and its dimensions at different levels of statistical significance. Based on findings, the study has suggested some key recommendations for TV channels to support the national efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and WE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The coverage of postnatal care (PNC) is among the lowest globally when compared with other maternal and child interventions. This study aims to assess PNC utilisation in Indonesia and its association with women's empowerment indicators to provide evidence for the need for policy change. Methods: Data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Surveys was analyzed for any use of PNC, early first PNC (within 2 days of birth) and PNC after discharge for newborns. Women's empowerment factors were calculated using a principal component analysis of 17 indicators. The association between women's empowerment factors and PNC was assessed using logistic regression adjusted for covariates and complex survey design. Results: The prevalence of any PNC by skilled professionals in Indonesia was high but PNC after discharge was very low. Labor-force participation and women's knowledge level were associated with any PNC, but the association between women's knowledge level and any PNC was modified by place of birth. Disagreement towards justification of wife beating and women's knowledge level were associated with early PNC but the association was modified by place of birth. Decision-making power was also associated with early PNC but modified by infant's gender. Disagreement towards justification of wife beating was negatively associated with PNC after discharge, but the association between decision-making power and PNC after discharge was modified by the infant's size at birth. Conclusions for Practice: PNC coverage after discharge in Indonesia needs improvement. Women's empowerment indicators need to be addressed in improving PNC coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates internationally funded women's empowerment initiatives in Tajikistan. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the subsequent Tajik civil war (1992–1997), this newly independent, Muslim-majority country has experienced an influx of foreign aid, including in the field of women's rights. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, the article analyzes the growth and diversification of local, Western-funded women's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) between 1991 and 2020, paying attention to their leadership and aims, as well as changing perceptions of donors' interventions. It is argued that, initially, local activists were supportive of international projects, which promoted gender equality by supporting women's integration into the new, capitalist economy. In the last decade, however, an increasing conditionality of funding and deteriorating donor-NGO relations has fueled local contestations of the international agenda. The donor-enhanced women's empowerment model, which fosters individual responsibility and self-reliance, is increasingly criticized for aggravating the conditions of local women in the context of a growing economic insecurity characterizing the local capitalist economy. Against this resentment, an alternative women's empowerment model, advancing gender equity based on complementarity of male and female social roles and stressing the importance of family as a safety net against economic precarity, is gaining prominence locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2001, Indonesian schools have implemented a mandatory school-based management (SBM) policy for better quality education in general and more particularly for better school improvement and student achievements. The major purpose of this paper is to explore the conditions of school improvements resulted from SBM policy and programs. In view of the fact that there have limited previous studies to make a valid claim on SBM results for better school environment and student achievements, an empirical survey was conducted in both primary and junior high schools of Denpasar district municipality in Bali, Indonesia. In addition to the survey, qualitative research with focus group discussions and in-depth personal interviews were conducted with the active participation of 43 key school stakeholders, including principals, council members, teachers who experienced in operating school councils, and education department authorities. Results of both quantitative and qualitative data analyses affirm that devolving authority to school level decision-makers has resulted in increased participation and commitment, which led to improved teaching–learning environment. This study suggests the significance of sustainable empowerment on the part of school councils as well as leadership in-service training to school principals for an effective implementation of SBM policy and practices in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an emerging interest in studying social action and civic engagement as a part of the developmental process. Studies among youth of color indicate that empowerment has been associated with well-being, a critical perspective, and in combating social oppression. These studies also show that civic involvement and awareness of social justice issues are associated with positive developmental outcomes including empowerment. The range of predictors and outcomes related to empowerment have been insufficiently explored. This study used structural equation modeling path analysis techniques to examine the association community civic participation and psychological sense of community have with intrapersonal and cognitive psychological empowerment, through both ethnic identity and social justice orientation among urban youth of color (N =383; 53.1% Female; 75% Hispanic; 50.6% were 13 and 15 years of age). Findings illustrate that greater community civic participation and psychological sense of community are associated with both intrapersonal and cognitive psychological empowerment, through both ethnic identity and a social justice orientation; however, with some noted variations. Ethnic identity and social justice orientation mediated community civic participation and psychological sense of community and both intrapersonal and cognitive psychological empowerment. Implications put forward for community youth-workers and community programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certification programs seek to promote decent work in global agriculture, yet little is known about their gender standards and implications for female workers, who are often the most disadvantaged. This study outlines the gender standard domains of major agricultural certifications, showing how some programs (Fair Trade USA, Rainforest) prioritize addressing gender equality in employment and others (Fairtrade International, UTZ) incorporate wider gender rights. To illuminate the implications of gender standards in practice, I analyze Fairtrade certification and worker experience on certified flower plantations in Ecuador, drawing on a qualitative and quantitative field research study. (1) I show how Fairtrade seeks to bolster the wellbeing of female workers, addressing their workplace needs via equal employment, treatment, and remuneration standards and their reproductive needs via maternity leave and childcare services. My research demonstrates that for female workers, addressing family responsibilities is critical, since they shape women's ability to take paid jobs, their employment needs, and their overall wellbeing. (2) I show how Fairtrade seeks to bolster the rights of women workers through individual and collective capacity building standards. My findings reveal how promoting women's individual empowerment serves as a precondition for collective empowerment, and how targeting traditional labor rights is insufficient for empowering female workers, since their strategic choices are curtailed largely outside the workplace. While Fairtrade certification bolsters the wellbeing and rights of female workers in and beyond the workplace, much still needs to be done before women can claim their rights as workers and citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although many studies have examined the relationship between women's empowerment and a wide range of health outcomes, the extent to which the different dimensions of empowerment influence children's health, and through which mechanisms and in what contexts, is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this review is to systematically assess and examine studies that investigated the association between women's empowerment and children's health status in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A systematic review of the published literature is searched through PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases focusing on different measures of women's empowerment and children's health outcomes. Inclusion criteria in the review are studies that are published in English; full and original articles; studies measuring at least one dimension of women's empowerment and children's health outcomes; and Sub-Saharan African context. Studies included in this review are articles published between the year 2000 and 2019. Studies were excluded if the source was a letter, editorial, review, commentary, abstracts without providing full information about the study. Results: Initially 4718 citations were identified. Finally, 15 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In general, the evidence suggests that women's empowerment at the household level is positively and statistically significantly associated with better children's health outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries. The review also reveals that women's decision-making power or autonomy is the most common measure of women's empowerment employed by many studies. Conclusions: Future related studies would benefit by incorporating additional aspects of women's empowerment and child health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, 2.6 million stillbirths occur each year. Empowering women can improve their overall reproductive health and help reduce stillbirths. Women empowerment has been defined as women's ability to make choices in economic decision-making, household and health care decision-making. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate if women's empowerment is associated with stillbirths. Methods: Data from 2016 Nepal Demographic Health Surveys (NDHS) were analysed to evaluate the association between women's empowerment and stillbirths. Equiplots were generated to assess the distribution of stillbirths by wealth quintile, place of residence and level of maternal education using data from NHDS 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 data. For the association of women empowerment factors and stillbirths, univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 88 stillbirths were reported during the survey. Univariate analysis showed age of mother, education of mother, age of husband, wealth index, head of household, decision on healthcare and decision on household purchases had significant association with stillbirths (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, only maternal age 35 years and above was significant (aOR 2.42; 1.22–4.80). Education of mother (aOR 1.48; 0.94–2.33), age of husband (aOR 1.54; 0.86–2.76), household head (aOR 1.51; 0.88–2.59), poor wealth index (aOR 1.62; 0.98–2.68), middle wealth index (aOR 1.37; 0.76–2.47), decision making for healthcare (aOR 1.36; 0.84–2.21) and household purchases (aOR 1.01; 0.61–1.66) had no any significant association with stillbirths. Conclusions: There are various factors linked with stillbirths. It is important to track stillbirths to improve health outcomes of mothers and newborn. Further studies are necessary to analyse women empowerment factors to understand the linkages between empowerment and stillbirths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empowerment-themed advertisements are becoming an attractive marketing strategy for companies due to their popularity among female consumers, but there is no known empirical work examining their effectiveness at increasing women's felt empowerment. The explicit narrative of these ostensibly empowering advertisements seems empowering, but the visual messages still resemble traditionally objectifying campaigns, which have been known to lead to objectification in women. This series of two experiments measures the effects of nominally empowering messages on women's post-exposure feelings of empowerment and self-objectification. In Experiment 1, 135 U.S. college women were randomly assigned to view ostensibly empowering beauty advertisements, traditional beauty advertisements, or control advertisements. They then completed a measure of state objectification and participated in a 3-min public speaking exercise as a measure of apparent empowerment. In Experiment 2, a more diverse sample of 326 U.S. women completed an online version of the study with a new measure of felt empowerment. Results of both experiments indicated higher state objectification following exposure to traditional beauty advertisements as compared to control advertisements, with some evidence indicating that the ostensibly empowering beauty advertisements also primed state objectification. Reported self-efficacy (Experiment 1) and felt empowerment (Experiment 2) did not differ by condition, but speech performance was judged as more empowered for individuals who saw the ostensibly empowering ad. We discuss potential explanations for the findings and offering suggestions for improving the effectiveness of these advertisements while decreasing risk of self-objectification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholarship on contaminated communities has highlighted how residents living with the reality of significant environmental hazards often experience similar negative psychosocial stressors. However, relatively less is known about the mitigating factors that can explain divergence in these impacts such as levels of community efficacy and empowerment. This is critical as insight into these dynamics can provide answers as to why certain communities maintain a sense of efficacy whereas others do not. To address this question, we conduct a comparative analysis of two heavily contaminated communities in Oklahoma and Colorado. Our data come from extensive fieldwork, including in-depth interviews (n = 105) and participant observation. Our findings revealed a set of similar psychosocial outcomes in the two communities, but we argue that specific revitalizing events in one community played a crucial role in sustaining residents' feelings of empowerment and persistence. Our paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of our research for future work on contaminated communities, technological disasters, and citizen participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review synthesizes research on the influence of human and economic resources for women's empowerment on their pre- and postnatal mental health, understudied in the Arab world. We include articles using quantitative methods from PubMed and Web of Science. Two researchers reviewed databases and selected articles, double reviewing 5% of articles designated for inclusion. Twenty-four articles met inclusion criteria. All 24 articles measured depression as an outcome, and three included additional mental health outcomes. Nine of 17 studies found an inverse association between education and depression; two of 12 studies found contradictory associations between employment and depression, and four of six studies found a positive association between financial stress and depression. These results suggest that there is a negative association between education and depression and a positive association between financial stress and depression among women in the Arab world. Firm conclusions warrant caution due to limited studies meeting inclusion criteria and large heterogeneity in mental health scales used, assessment measures, and definitions of human and economic resources for women's empowerment. It is likely that education reduces depression among postpartum women and that financial stress increases their depression. These findings can be used to aid in the design of interventions to improve mother and child outcomes. However, more research in the Arab world is needed on the relationship between human and economic resources for women's empowerment and perinatal mental health, and more consistency is needed in how resources and mental health are measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women play an important role in the development of a country. In Pakistan, efforts are being made to empower women in almost every field of life but in rural areas women are still living in miserable conditions. The present study was designed to check the impact of women empowerment on rural development in district Muzaffargarh of punjab province. The data from 120 female respondents have been collected. Different dimensions of women empowerment have been measured, using Ordinary Least Square method. The analysis found that self-esteem, the power of decision making and freedom of mobility mobility were statistically significant factors showing a positive impact on rural development while control over resources was found to be insignificant. It has been suggested that adequate education and job opportunities can play a vital role in empowering the women. Moreover access to media specifically TV can also empower women in a significant way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women’s empowerment is an intrinsic human rights goal that has implications for the health and well-being of women and their children. Poor measurement hampers current research efforts, and improving empowerment measurement is a frequently identified research priority. However, a discussion of specific steps researchers can take to improve upon common measurement practices is lacking. The purpose of this paper is to provide quantitative researchers recommendations to measure women’s empowerment in a theory-based, precise, and comprehensive way. This paper reviewed key theoretical concepts of women’s empowerment and critically reviewed common measurement approaches. Three broad recommendations for measuring empowerment emerged from this critical review, and specific suggestions to meet these recommendations are discussed. First, researchers should draw upon theory to construct measurement models (e.g., using theory to construct dimensions of empowerment and selection of indicators). Second, researchers should use analytic methods that minimize implicit judgments and bias (e.g., not classifying women as empowered using specific criteria). Third, researchers should collect comprehensive empowerment information (e.g., supplementing quantitative measures with qualitative interviews to learn how and why changes took place). Measuring empowerment poses a number of challenges, and this review provides researchers suggestions to improve upon common measurement practices. Improved measurement will strengthen research efforts on the causes and consequences of poor empowerment, which has the potential to improve the well-being of women and their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the activities of a village-based literacy centre in Kenya and explores the benefits of community development activities on women's well-being in Africa. Through the analysis of the stories of two Maasai women who had experienced adult literacy learning, the author discovered that: (1) the literacy instructor had inadequate in-service teacher training support from the government; (2) these women were using a space generated by collaborative informal learning through the literacy centre to improve their families' and community's well-being; and (3) these women gained empowerment through community development activities organised by the literacy centre. The author concludes that grassroots literacy and informal learning have been effective in improving the quality of life for the village women, and should be encouraged and supported by external agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study related to importance of hair of women as a resource for women empowerment in dance/movement therapy (DMT). It mentions the need to understand the essence, complexity and cultural associations of hair to understand nature of the person. It also highlights a better balance attained between the rational and the cognitive which is represented by the head and the emotional sides expressed by the body.

Objectives: An estimated 1.5 million children under five die annually from vaccine preventable diseases, and 17 % of these deaths can be averted with vaccination. Predictors of immunization coverage, such as maternal schooling, are well documented; yet, preventable under-five mortality persists. To understand these patterns, researchers are exploring the mother-child relationship through an empowerment framework. This systematic review assesses evidence of the relationship between women's agency as a component of empowerment and vaccine completion among children <5 years in lower-income countries. Methods: We searched in Socindex, Pubmed, Web of Science and Women's Studies International for peer-reviewed articles focused on two measures of women's agency-decision-making and freedom of movement-and child vaccination. Our initial search identified 406 articles and abstracts for screening; 12 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A majority (83 %) of studies revealed at least one positive association of measures for women's agency with immunization coverage. These relationships varied by geographic location, and most studies focused on women's decision making rather than freedom of movement. No included study came from Latin America or the Middle East. Conclusions: Overall, women's agency, typically measured by decision-making, was positively associated with the odds of complete childhood immunizations. Yet, the concept of agency was inconsistently defined and operationalized. Future research should address these inconsistencies and focus on under-represented geographic regions including Latin America and the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating community health worker jobs in the public sector is a prominent goal in the global health development industry. According to industry leaders, Ethiopia's government has created community health worker jobs at a scale and in a way that other countries can look to as a model. Based on extensive document review and interviews with district, national, and international health officials, we show that narratives about saving lives, empowering women, and creating model citizens in a context of resource scarcity allow Ethiopia's ruling party to obtain international admiration for creating salaried community health worker jobs and to simultaneously avoid criticisms of its concurrent use of unpaid women's community health labor. Public sector community health worker investments in the twenty-first century reveal the layered narratives inherent in global development practices that entangle states, international donors, NGOs, and citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documented the prevalence and correlates of tobacco use among women of reproductive age in Nepal using nationally representative data. We utilized the 2006 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey that interviewed 10,793 women and 4,397 men. We analyzed the couple's data or households (N = 2,600) in which both husband and wife were interviewed. We examined the effects of women's empowerment-measured by education, employment, intra-household decisions, and age-on their tobacco use controlling for other individual and household characteristics. Women's empowerment had mixed effects on tobacco use. While women's education was inversely associated with their tobacco use, their age, employment and ability to make intra-household mobility decisions were positively associated with smoking. Women with primary and beyond primary education were 48 and 92 % less likely to smoke compared to women with no education, respectively. Tobacco use among women increased dramatically with age from 8 % in teen years to 42 % in their forties. A 1 year increase in age increased the odds of tobacco use by 6 %. Women whose husbands smoked were twice as likely to smoke. Nepal should not only restrict tobacco use in public places by implementing its Tobacco Control and Regulatory Act of 2010 but also focus on encouraging smoke-free homes by increasing awareness about the health consequences of tobacco use and secondhand smoke among populations most likely to smoke that include nearly all men, employed women, women with low levels of education, women whose spouses smoke and those who are 30 and above in age. Additionally, a long term goal should be to ensure at least 5th grade of education for all girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how the degree of female spouses’ political interest affects male spouses’ views about women’s empowerment using individual level data in Japan. Controlling for unobserved area-specific fixed effects, results show that males are likely to consider women’s empowerment important if their spouses are interested in politics. This spouse effect is observed for conservative males but not for progressive-neutral males. Results were unchanged when the endogeneity bias caused by spouses’ political interests were controlled for. These findings suggest that female family members’ political interests and views play an important role in determining male views regarding women’s issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]