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This article explores the concept of "melancholy feminism" in the film Barbie, highlighting its limited view of feminism and its failure to address the struggles of marginalized women. The author also discusses the concept of "melancholy gender" and its role in shaping gender identities. The article critiques Barbie for perpetuating a narrow definition of womanhood and failing to acknowledge the lives of marginalized individuals. It analyzes a montage sequence in the film, arguing that it flattens the experiences of diverse women and overlooks structural issues. The text concludes by advocating for resistance and mourning as important endeavors for marginalized communities. [Extracted from the article]

Between 2009 and 2011, the Kurdish sculptor Hadî Ziaoddînî created a statue of poet Mestûre Erdalan (1805–1847), in the city of Sine (Sanandaj, Iranian Kurdistan or Rojhelat). A woman standing, carrying a book in her hand, the figure of Mestûre is unique in the Islamic Republic of Iran. She is not wearing the obligatory hijab but a Kurdish kofî. This paper presents the evolving representation and reception of Mestûre, the first Kurdish female poet and chronicler. The existing research on heritage in Iran focuses mainly on the policies of Pahlavi and Islamic regimes, tourism and conservation. This paper reveals the dissonant heritage-making that inspires Kurdish ethnic and national identity and the empowerment of women in Iran. The latter gained momentum, especially after the killing of the Kurdish woman, Jîna (Mahsa) Amînî, by the morality police in 2022. The multi-layered heritage performance engages identity politics, artistic creation and the new practice of visiting the statue of Mestûre. Starting from Ziaoddînî’s work as the focal point of discussion, the study identifies various links between the statue and other artistic products, as well as investigates the contemporary relationship between Mestûre and the inhabitants of Sine. The relationship is mediated by the sculpture and the moral imagination it stirs in empowering Kurdish women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) can be described as a violation of human rights that results from gender inequality. It has arisen as a contemporary issue in societies from both developing and industrialized countries and an impediment to long-term development. This study evaluates the prevalence of IPV and its variants among the empowerment status of women and identify the associated sociodemographic parameters, linked to IPV. Methods: This study is based on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of India, 2019-21 a nationwide survey that provides scientific data on health and family welfare. Prevalence of IPV were estimated among variouss social and demographic strata. Pearson chi-square test was used to estimate the strength of association between each possible covariate and IPV. Significantly associated covariates (from univariate logistic regression) were further analyzed through separate bivariate logistic models for each of the components of IPV, viz-a-viz sexual, emotional, physical and severe violence of the partners. Results: The prevalence of IPV among empowered women was found to be 26.21%. Among those who had experienced IPV, two-thirds (60%) were faced the physical violence. When compared to highly empowered women, less empowered women were 74% more likely to face emotional abuse. Alcohol consumption by a partner was established to be attributing immensely for any kind of violence, including sexual violence [AOR: 3.28 (2.83–3.81)]. Conclusions: Our research found that less empowered women experience all forms of IPV compared to more empowered women. More efforts should to taken by government and other stakeholders to promote women empowerment by improving education, autonomy and decision-making ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are public health problems in Ethiopia. Women have a higher chance of acquiring STI. STI complications are more severe in women compared to men. Despite that, treatment seeking for STI among women is poor. Woman empowerment and gender related factors may be playing a role for treatment seeking practice for STI. However, there are no studies that assess the association between these factors and treatment seeking practice for STI among married reproductive age women in Ethiopia. Therefore, this analysis was designed to explore this association in Ethiopia. Methods: This analysis used the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHS) data. The 2016 EDHS collected data about STI treatment seeking practice for STI among other variables. Data was analyzed using STATA 17.0. Sampling weights were applied to improve the representativeness of the samples. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the characteristics of the women. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify the association between treatment seeking practice for STI and predictor variables. Multicollinearity was checked using variance inflation factors before running the multivariable logistic regression. Results: In this study, about 28% (95%CI: 20.87, 36.77) married reproductive age women with STI or STI symptoms sought treatment from the formal sector. Women whose husband attended secondary and higher education (AOR, 8.52; 95%CI 1.42, 51.21), and women with higher women empowerment scores (AOR 1.38, 95%CI 1.06, 1.81) had higher odds of treatment seeking for STI or STI symptoms. On the other hand, women who believe wife beating is justified had lower odds (AOR 0.32; 95%CI 0.15, 0.68) of treatment seeking for STI or STI symptoms. Conclusions: Treatment seeking practice for STI among married reproductive age women in Ethiopia is low. The Ministry of Health and development partners shall conduct further research to identify barriers for treatment seeking practice. Gender variables (women empowerment and belief that wife beating is justified) were significantly associated with STI treatment seeking practice among married reproductive age women. STI prevention and control strategies shall include women empowerment and gender issues as essential component in STI prevention, treatment, and control activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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AbstractUnsafe abortions contribute significantly to maternal mortality and morbidity in Ghana. To reduce this, in 1982 abortion laws in Ghana underwent reform to broaden the conditions under which abortion is accessed. Although, evidence in other contexts highlights the contribution of violence to women’s experience of unwanted pregnancy and abortion, such evidence is limited within the Ghanaian abortion literature. This study aims to fill that gap. Informed by phenomenology, interviews were conducted with 10 women who had experienced various forms of violence leading to unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions. Participants were recruited between June 2017 and March 2018 in the Ashanti region of Ghana where they sought hospital care for unsafe abortion related complications. Participants mentioned intimate partners as the main perpetrators of violence. Financial challenges were also identified as important in increasing women’s vulnerability to violence. Verbal abuse from health workers contributed to denying women access to safe abortion. This paper advances dialogue about the ways in which women’s experience of violence from intimate/non-intimate partners and healthcare workers impacts their overall abortion experience. It advocates the empowerment of women to enable them to leave violent relationships, and the retraining of health workers to enable them to adopt respectful and empathetic care practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWomen are expected to take on multiple roles as caregivers and health care providers, but they are still often perceived as victims or beneficiaries rather than enablers. We aimed to explore women’s empowerment and gender equality in public health systems and identify proactive enablers that can be incorporated into projects. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature as well as text analysis were conducted to examine changes in perceptions of women’s roles in public health projects. The authors conducted a quantitative analysis of the collected article titles, which revealed a shift in research from identifying risk factors to exploring women’s autonomy in health promotion. However, our qualitative review of the articles showed that previous gender-related projects used a gender-sensitive approach that perpetuated the view of women as victims or beneficiaries rather than enablers. The concept of proactive enablers in all aspects of project planning and implementation ensures that women’s roles are fully recognized and valued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects women. In Cameroon, as well as other countries worldwide, GBV has immediate effects on women's health, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, affecting their physical and reproductive health. The objective of this study was to determine the health risks associated with GBV among women in Yaoundé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Yaoundé (Cameroon), from August to October 2022. Adverse health outcome included mental disorders, physical trauma, gynaecological trauma, behavioral disorders, and any other disorder. Tests of associations were used to establish relationships between qualitative variables. Associations were further quantified using crude odds ratio (OR) for univariate analysis and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for multivariate analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI). Independent variables included: Physical violence, Sexual violence, Economic violence, Emotional violence, Age, Number of children, and Marital status. Variables with p-value˂0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 404 women aged 17 to 67 years were interviewed. Emotional violence was the most commonly reported violence (78.8%), followed by economic violence (56.9%), physical violence (45.8%) and sexual violence (33.7%). The main reasons for violence were jealousy (25.7%), insolence (19.3%) and the refusal to have sexual intercourse (16.3%). The prevalences of adverse health outcomes were physical trauma (90.9%), followed by mental disorders (70,5%), gynaecological trauma (38.4%), behavioral disorders (29.7%), and other (5.5%). Most victims reported at least one of the above-mentioned conditions (80.2%). Women who were victims of any kind of violence had a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse health outcomes: physical violence [OR = 34.9, CI(10.8-112.9), p < 0.001]; sexual violence [OR = 1.5, CI(0.9–2.7), p = 0.11]; economic violence [OR = 2.4, CI(1.4–3.9), p = 0.001]; and emotional violence [OR = 2.9, CI(1.7–4.9), p < 0.001]. Using multiple binary logistic regression, only physical violence [aOR = 15.4, CI(6.7–22.5), p = 0.001] remained highly associated with an increased likelihood of having adverse health outcomes. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address GBV, including improved reporting and documentation of cases, increased awareness among healthcare providers, the establishment of support networks for victims, primary and secondary prevention of GBV. It is essential that the Government of Cameroon, through the Ministries in charge of Health and Women's Empowerment, minimizes the health effects of GBV through early identification, monitoring, and treatment of GBV survivors by providing them with high-quality health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent webinar organized by the Pakistan Medical Association discussed the obstacles faced by women physicians in the Pakistani healthcare system. The speakers highlighted the lack of representation of women in healthcare research, leading to a lack of tailored treatments for women-specific conditions and potential misdiagnosis in gender-neutral conditions. Female doctors in Pakistan face challenges such as gender bias, limited career opportunities, and difficulties in maintaining work-life balance. Initiatives like the Women in Medicine program and advocacy efforts by organizations like the Pakistan Medical Association aim to promote inclusivity and gender equality in the healthcare system. Indigenous research, guided by the 4-Rs framework, is also important in addressing local health concerns. [Extracted from the article]

AbstractA debate existing in feminist and criminological literature is the plausible macro-level relationship between gender inequality and female-victim intimate partner homicide (FV-IPH). The amelioration hypothesis assumes the reduction of gender-based violence in more gender-egalitarian societies, while the backlash hypothesis anticipates that reducing gender inequality may actually increase males’ violence perpetration against women to maintain their dominance. A third theoretical account hypothesizes a curvilinear relationship that integrates the traditional theses and provides a possible explanation for some inconsistent findings. This study revisited and tested these three macro-level theoretical propositions using detailed incident information on 11,310 Chinese judgment documents of intentional homicides (2017-2019) and multidimensional gender inequality indices across provinces. By disentangling the incident-level effects from the aggregate-level forces, our models enable a more explicit estimation of the relationship between provincial gender inequality and FV-IPH. The results indicated that: 1) backlash processes are more likely to occur with increases in women’s empowerment; 2) the relationship between the degree of egalitarian gender ideology and men’s likelihood of committing FV-IPH conforms to an inverted U. Using an innovative Chinese big-data source and text-mining approach, this study represents a pioneering endeavor, as it furnishes robust empirical evidence to corroborate the curvilinear relationship between cultural gender inequality and FV-IPH in a non-Western context. The implications of our findings underscore the need for tailored policy interventions that take into account the nuanced dimensions of gender inequality, particularly those that are culture-related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Volunteering in the community is thought to provide unique benefits to people who experience limited engagement in society. In the global South, volunteer programs are often framed as empowering women and benefiting the poor, without empirical evidence or systematic investigation of what this means from a local perspective. For this reason, it is critical to represent stakeholder knowledge, understand how change happens systemically, and reduce cultural bias in scientific inquiry and public policy. As such, efforts to respect diverse narratives and problem-solving approaches are key to science diplomacy - they help us understand cultural relevance, program efficacy, and for whom a program is considered transformative. Methods and results: This study shows how Syrian refugee and Jordanian women, living in resource-poor families, articulated (i) concepts of empowerment and life satisfaction and (ii) the benefits of engaging in community-based volunteering programs. Through engaging in a participatory methodology known as Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping, women generated visual representations of these constructs and cause-and-effect reasoning. They identified several dimensions of empowerment (e.g., cultural, financial, and psychological empowerment) and several meanings of life satisfaction (e.g. adaptation, acceptance, and contentment). They also mapped connections between variables, identifying those that might catalyze change. We were specifically interested in evaluating understandings of We Love Reading, a program that trains volunteers to become changemakers in their local community. In simulations, we modelled how employment, education, money, and volunteering would drive system change, with notable results on cultural empowerment. Discussion: Through visual maps and scenarios of change, the study demonstrates a participatory approach to localizing knowledge and evaluating programs. This is key to improving scientific enquiry and public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security and livelihood vulnerability are important issues for the economic sustainability of developing countries like Bangladesh. This study examines the influence of total factor productivity (TFP) on the livelihood vulnerability and food security of rice farming households in Bangladesh. Data from 1,841 rice farming households were extracted from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (2015 and 2018) conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute. Various statistical methods, such as the stochastic frontier model, principal component analysis, path analysis using structural equation modeling, and multivariate regression, were employed to analyze the data. The study utilizes a multivariate modeling approach that combines the stochastic frontier model to determine TFP and sophisticated methodologies to estimate the livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) and women's empowerment in agriculture index (WEAI). The LVI, household dietary diversity Score (HDDS), TFP, and WEAI scores were 0.454, 10.72, 0.703, and 0.717, respectively. The results indicate a significant relationship between TFP and both LVI and HDDS. Higher TFP is associated with lower LVI and higher HDDS among rice farming households, suggesting that improving TFP can enhance food security and reduce vulnerability. The multivariate regression analysis reveals that TFP, household wealth index, women's empowerment in agriculture index, per capita food expenditure, household level welfare, and household size have a positive significant impact on HDDS, while TFP is negatively associated with LVI, per capita food expenditure and household size. The findings underscore the importance of increasing TFP to improve food security, reduce livelihood vulnerability, and achieve sustainable development goals in countries like Bangladesh. Higher TFP yields positive outcomes regarding household dietary diversity and livelihood vulnerability, highlighting the need for agricultural policies that prioritize TFP enhancement. Policymakers and professionals can use these findings as a roadmap to implement advanced agricultural policies to achieve food security and reduce livelihood vulnerability. Improving household dietary diversity and reducing livelihood vulnerability can be achieved by focusing on increasing TFP, enhancing household wealth, women's empowerment, per capita food expenditure, household welfare, and household size. Therefore, increasing TFP should be considered in the design of policies aiming to achieve SDGs Goal 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major challenges for edu-communication research is to analyze the influence of social media on young and adolescent users. This article examines the evaluation of gender inequalities - real and symbolic - in the consumption of social networks such as YouTube and Instagram among young people. Within the framework of a Research & Development & innovation (R&D + i) project, it presents a discursive-theoretical analysis of how young users of social media perceive the presence and representation of gender on social media and whether such digital representations can be associated with an empowering gender perspective. This study presents results from 14 focus groups (N = 83), composed of students aged 12 to 18, drawn from three Spanish Autonomous Communities (Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Basque Country). The results show that gender issues arise in participants' conversations, especially among female participants, who perceive the importance of physical appearance on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Female participants feel more pressure in terms of appearance and dress compared to male participants. Among male participants there are more expressions of self-affirmation and more mentions related to fun and social prestige. Both male and female participants express concern about the impact of that pressure on younger girls. The influence of social media on self-image is more evident among female participants, who make frequent mention of the importance of self-esteem in relation to beauty standards and exposure to idealized body images. Notably, there were no comments by male participants that acknowledge any influence of social media on their self-image. The findings are in line with existing research and taken as a whole gives rise to concern as to the gender disparities observed in the use of social media, which do not constitute a picture of female empowerment. This research underlines the importance of promoting a respectful and equitable environment in relation to gender equality within digital spaces. Thus, this study provides support for the need to develop and implement edu-communicative initiatives to foster critical thinking around the influence of social media in this context and the evaluation of the impact of such initiatives in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The empowerment of women has implications on the health and dietary needs of children. Using the survey-based women's empowerment index (SWPER), we examined the association between women's empowerment and dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 21 countries were utilized. Descriptive spatial map was used to present the proportions of dietary diversity among the children. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between SWPER and dietary diversity. Results: Overall, 22.35% of children aged 6–23 months had adequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD) in sub-Saharan Africa. The countries with the highest proportions of adequate MDD were Angola, Benin, Madagascar, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. South Africa had the highest proportion of MDD (61.00%), while Liberia reported the least (9.12%). Children born to mothers who had high social independence were more likely to have adequate MDD compared to those with low social independence [aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.21, 1.41]. In addition, children born to women with medium [aOR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.03, 1.21] and high decision-making [aOR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.14, 1.37] were more likely to receive MDD than those with low decision-making. Conclusions: Insufficient dietary diversity is evident among children aged 6–23 months in sub-Saharan Africa. MDD in children is influenced by women's empowerment. Policies and interventions promoting women's empowerment can enhance MDD, especially for vulnerable groups in rural and poorer households. It is crucial to leverage media and poverty reduction strategies to improve MDD among children in sub-Saharan African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the economic empowerment programs for women in the Solomon Islands and the obstacles they encounter due to cultural norms surrounding entrepreneurship. The programs aim to enhance skills in areas like bookkeeping and business management, but the article argues that they often overlook the social and cultural factors that influence entrepreneurship in the Solomon Islands. It examines two key themes: the challenges of refusing credit requests from family members and the intersection of cultural notions of success with business. The article stresses the importance of striking a delicate balance between commercial and cultural economic agencies and highlights the additional layers of negotiation and conditions that women entrepreneurs face. It emphasizes the need to involve men in economic empowerment programs to raise awareness and support women's leadership in business. The article also suggests the necessity of a culturally sensitive approach in designing and implementing these programs, as well as incorporating culturally based indicators in monitoring and evaluation processes. [Extracted from the article]

Niger, a country in Western Africa, has the highest fertility rate in the world, with a total fertility rate of 6.7 in 2023. It is classified as a "least developed country" with a low human development index. The United Nations predicts that Niger's population will reach 67 million by 2050, more than doubling its current population. However, achieving sustainable development goals in Niger, such as reducing poverty and improving education and healthcare, will be challenging due to its high population growth and limited resources. The country also faces issues such as high child marriage rates, adolescent fertility, and low contraceptive use. To harness its demographic dividend, Niger needs to address challenges like low education, high unemployment, and gender inequalities. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines opposing viewpoints on Northern research interventions in Southern cities regarding urban refugees. While some argue for a complete boycott of Northern interventions, others perpetuate colonial attitudes of patronization. Engaging with decolonial perspectives, this article aims to bridge the gap between current practices and a desired decolonial future in refugee studies. By reflecting on personal experiences, it highlights the usually unnoticed dynamics of North–South partnerships, academic and non-academic, in refugee studies. The article explores the Northern presence in the South, focusing on Jordan. It analyses four primary trends of Northern conduct in Jordan: the shift from women empowerment to climate change , rapid out-of-touch fieldwork , the Four Seasons Phenomenon , and the add-on partners. Finally, it seeks a middle ground by providing guidance to both Northern and Southern entities, facilitating better partnerships. This article aims to raise awareness and guide experts, scholars, and INGOs in refugee studies and other disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of social media on business performance of women entrepreneurs and their empowerment is examined in this research. Focusing on Sri Lanka, two research questions are addressed: (1) How are social media platforms empowering women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka today, and (2) How can the use of social media be improved to support women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka? A mixed-methods approach was used, with a survey (157 responses) and an online focus group (5 respondents) discussion. The statistical findings showed that business performance of women entrepreneurs mediates the relationship between use of social media and women’s empowerment. Qualitative analysis revealed that the use of social media transforms mindsets, facilitates knowledge sharing, provides motivation, supports business operations, promotes gender-neutral branding, and enables networking for women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka to enhance the performance of their businesses, leading to empowerment. To enhance support, social media platforms should prioritize motivation, targeted networking, professional courses, and robust security measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which analyzed the cosmetic feminism of cosmetics company L'Oreal Paris and the representation of mature women from the perspective of femvertising. Topics include the female body as a means of motivating consumption and boosting sales, representation of female old age in the advertising industry, advertising strategy of L'Oreal Paris and its link to women empowerment and gender equality as a fundamental human right, its use of diversity and minimized sexuality.

The article examines the representation of transvestism and abject body in Jeanette Winterson's "The Passion." It discusses the androgyny of the protagonist Villanelle and her transvestism as an exploration of sex-construction and gender performativity. It explores the feminist struggle and female empowerment in the novel, as well as parental influence in Villanelle's subjectivity development, the presentation of masculinized self, and conflict of interest with the feminine-homosexual self.

The purpose of this study is to assess the possible contribution of formalizing small-scale women entrepreneurs' food processing enterprises in northern Ethiopia to their empowerment or disempowerment. The rationale for evaluating this contribution to (dis)empowerment is to provide updated and policy-relevant knowledge on the issue, including assessing if the critiques of the formalization agenda are still valid or whether the situation may have changed. The main finding suggests that formalization offers limited opportunities for empowering small-scale, resource-poor women entrepreneurs in northern Ethiopia. The contribution of formalization to women's (dis)empowerment varies among the various categories of participants in different ways and forms. Some better-off women entrepreneurs benefitted from formalization in some dimensions; however, this is not the case for most of the women entrepreneurs included in the study. Instead, for the poorer women entrepreneurs, formalization rather led to disempowerment. In conclusion, if formalization in Ethiopia harms or disempowers poor women entrepreneurs rather than benefits them, this paper suggests a need for a major change in policies and practices related to the formalization and women empowerment agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the Covid-19 pandemic caused schools, workplaces, and childcare centres to close, pressures in the home increased. Much of the additional unpaid work required under these conditions was done by women. Most women's magazines at this time urged women to stay positive and develop wellbeing routines to help them flourish. This approach reinforces normative neoliberal subjectivity with its roots in therapeutic culture and the happiness industry. While the focus on self-care may seem empowering, it puts more pressure on women in times of upheaval. Based on a thematic analysis of pandemic-related content in Australia's most popular women's magazine, The Australian Women's Weekly, we identified three key themes: 'finding the silver lining', 'making lifestyle choices', and 'recognising hardships and social divides'. While self-responsibilising discourses were prominent, some articles acknowledged the broader structural issues impacting women, revealing a tension between competing discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Akshara Deepam (The Light of Letters) project, a collaborative endeavour between Choornikkara Panchayat Library, Kerala State Literacy Mission and Kudumbashree Mission, represents a pioneering model for community literacy and empowerment, with a strong focus on women's participation and empowerment. Initiated in May 2023, this innovative initiative aims to integrate literacy applications into daily life by delivering curated book kits to 720 households through 60 Kudumbashree Neighbourhood Groups, empowering women volunteers to combat poverty through literacy. Recognising its transformative potential, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (RCSS) plans to integrate academic expertise into the project through a forthcoming MOU with Choornikkara Panchayat. Post-MOU, RCSS envisions a comprehensive approach, drawing from successful experiences, to integrate academic expertise into community engagement initiatives, particularly emphasising enhancing women's empowerment through literacy. To maximise impact, the Akshara Deepam project incorporates perception-level surveys, literacy practices and contributions from various RCSS departments. It provides diverse book collections tailored to the evolving needs of digital library usage. As an opportune intervention in changing literacy paradigms, RCSS intends to assess its efficacy and feasibility for rural replication in light of its initial results. This approach blends theory, community actions and academic involvement, empowering women and enriching communities globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the long-term effects of the Paraguayan War (1864–1870) on intimate partner violence (IPV). The identification relies on a novel historical dataset that uses the distance from regions to military camps during the war and military camps' sizes to proxy the impact of the war across Eastern Paraguay. The likelihood of modern-day IPV is found to be 5.54% higher than the average in areas that were more heavily affected by the war. Consistent with relative improvements in female labour participation and human capital posing a threat to the traditional male breadwinner role in households, the evidence confirms that reduced gender differences in the labour market and human capital accumulation after the war increased the long-term likelihood of IPV. As non-gender types of interpersonal violence are found to be unaffected in the long run, I conclude that the gender norm caused by the war enabled IPV, arguing that women's empowerment is a multi-faceted phenomenon wherein some dimensions, such as IPV, have a greater influence than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the empowering potential of digital technologies for women entrepreneurs, a transformative force that transcends all fields of knowledge. It specifically examines how technology can equip women to overcome socio-cultural and economic barriers, focusing on the case of Iran. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing a literature review within the qualitative framework to identify key empowerment drivers. Subsequently, a quantitative approach leverages DEMATEL to pinpoint the most impactful drivers. This investigation aims to provide stakeholders with actionable insights, highlighting the critical role of technology in fostering equitable and sustainable economic advancement for women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of gathering information from a developing nation like Iran, as its findings can hold significant implications for other countries experiencing similar developmental stages. Ultimately, the research seeks to inform the creation of effective policies, support initiatives, and educational programs. These interventions aim to empower women entrepreneurs to leverage digital tools for sustainable business growth, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and environmentally conscious future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-marital residence norms govern where a married couple resides after marriage: with the husband’s family, the wife’s family, or independently. We study whether these arrangements affect female autonomy and domestic violence outcomes in four Southeast Asian countries—Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar—where a sizable proportion of the population practices each type of marital residence. Compared to independently residing families within the same province-country, married women residing with the husband’s family have worse autonomy outcomes, whereas those residing with members of their own natal families fare substantially better. This aligns well with an anthropological understanding of how gendered patterns of influence in a social system might potentially interact with female empowerment. On the other hand, we observe that married women in both types of non-independent households suffer from less frequent domestic abuse compared to women residing independently, likely due to a deterrence effect from the presence of other family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender experts are increasingly employed across governments, multilateral donors, companies, and NGOs where they are defining a new profession and a new field of study, driving calls for research into the relationship between expertise and feminism. At the same time, the instrumentalization of the women's empowerment approach has prompted analysis of whether it can be reharnessed to its radical roots. By interviewing 25 gender experts, this article examines their political practices in navigating their work at a time when there is unprecedented support for gender equality, and yet interventions overwhelmingly focus on women's market inclusion. The article underscores the profound contradictions generated by the privatization of development, where most gender experts support increased private sector involvement but operate in a hostile environment and devote substantial labour to gender-capacity building. Based on the limited scope for re-radicalising women's empowerment, the article proposes advocating for feminist participatory action research as an alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Despite being an agrarian economy, food insecurity is pervasive in Pakistan. This study examines the impact of multiple dimensions of household vulnerability and socio-economic resilience on food insecurity. The results of ordinary least squares and Logistic regression based on data from Pakistan Standard and Living Measurement Survey (2018–2019) and Food Insecurity Experience Scale showed that vulnerabilities like age and employment dependency, household size, and gender composition play a significant role in food insecurity. The key policy interventions that can prevent households from experiencing food insecurity would be investments in human capital, empowering women, and reduction in rural–urban disparity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress towards women's empowerment (WE) and gender equality is slow and uneven across the Global South. Livestock systems support the livelihoods of one billion poor people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), most of whom are women. While livestock and gender research has focused on addressing gender inequalities to build a better livestock sector, there is growing evidence that livestock development can contribute to WE and gender equality. The latter is the main topic of this scoping review. A total of 99 papers, corresponding to 102 studies, were included in the analysis. Results indicate that the gender approach strongly influences the effect of livestock interventions on WE, as much as the type of livestock intervention. Gender accommodative approaches were associated with more advances in WE than gender blind approaches, but there was no significant difference in the reported negative effects, challenging the prevailing assumption that gender-accommodative approaches 'do no harm'. Most asset transfer projects combined with extension had positive effects while those focusing on output markets negatively impacted WE. Gender accommodative approaches had negative or unclear impacts on women's labour and workloads. Use of these findings should help guide the design of livestock projects aiming to enhance gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm sugar is a home industry product that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Hariang village of Indonesia. Besides its unique characteristics, palm sugar is also an icon of an area, because not all regions have palm resources. Most of the palm sugar business actors, who are generally women, still have limitations, especially in product innovation. As a result, this home industry seems stagnant. Empowering women in the palm sugar home industry in Hariang village, Sobang District, Lebak Regency to develop the palm sugar home industry, strengthens the building of capacity of human resources. The objectives of this study were to (1) increase the capacity of palm sugar craftsmen in Hariang village, (2) increase business capacity in production and marketing management, (3) strengthen business group institutions (BGI) by utilizing infrastructure and production technology, to improve the product marketing function, and (4) develop an integrated home industry business system, with the support of local resources. The research was conducted at Hariang village, Sobang District, Lebak Regency in Banten Indonesia. The Miles and Huberman models for the analysis of qualitative data were adopted for this study from data collection, data reduction, data presentation to conclusion/verification. The realization of human resource competence strengthening activities is carried out by changing the mindset of women craftsmen through a broader network of participatory training by strengthening production management and marketing capabilities. The results of this study showed the need for the following from implementing the empowerment model (1) analyzing the needs of business groups, (2) creating training modules and conducting participatory business management training, (3) conducting technical guidance on production and marketing management, (4) strengthening institutions oriented towards the collective business community (socio-business), (5) benchmarking and partnership business, and (6) monitoring and evaluating the implementation and follow-up of assistance. In implementing the strategy to strengthen human resource capacity, women's business groups must be oriented towards producing premium quality home industry products capable of sustainable product innovation, in supporting business independence and building partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the link between women's asset ownership and women's empowerment. Women's empowerment is measured by their decision-making role related to their health, large household purchases, and their social interaction. Using Demographic and Health Surveys data for 18 countries from South Asia, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa, we found that the women who owned assets were 14% more likely to be empowered compared with the women who did not own any asset (odds ratio: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.185). At a disaggregated country level, asset ownership was positively and significantly associated with women's empowerment in nine countries, negatively associated in one country, and had no significant association in the other eight countries. This study provides important insights into the link between women's asset ownership and empowerment and may inform public policy related to gender equality through women's empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the correlation between patriarchal attitudes, women's asset ownership, participation in household decision-making and women's educational attainment across 27 post-communist countries. It hypothesizes that patriarchal attitudes hinder women's educational achievements while women's asset ownership and participation in household decision-making facilitate them. Utilizing regression analysis, marginal effects, post-regression simulation, the study tests and confirms these hypotheses. Results show that for every unit increase in women's asset ownership and participation in decision-making, the odds of achieving higher educational attainment increase by approximately 35.7% and 16.5%, respectively. Conversely, a unit increase in patriarchal attitudes decreases these odds by 15.8%. The findings underscore the importance of state and civil society commitment to addressing gender disparities in education. [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]

Women's empowerment is now a global development objective. However, the instrumentalization of this approach to gender equality has prompted calls for research into the financing of interventions. With donors now reporting the gender credentials of their spending, this article follows the money for one region—Southeast Asia—to investigate how donors are engaging with women's economic empowerment. Through a systematic review, it identifies and codes women's economic empowerment projects. Data is analyzed according to geographic distribution, thematic distribution, and participant types. The article offers important insights into funding patterns and deficiencies in current reporting practices. It finds, first, while there is a more thematically diverse mix of projects being funded than indicated in previous research, women's economic empowerment continues to be interpreted in Southeast Asia as women's market inclusion, continuing the trend of instrumentalization. Second, and consistent with emergent research highlighting the political uses of aid transparency, it demonstrates that donors are engaging in gender wash by inadequately and incorrectly reporting project characteristics. By upselling their gender credentials, donors are characterizing their activities as advancing gender equality despite often intensifying the challenges faced by women, underscoring the urgent need to reform reporting practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Achievement of sustainable rural development necessitates active participation of all stakeholders within these communities. Among the crucial components for progress and development in rural areas is the enhancement of manpower skills. Recognizing significant involvement of rural women in village production activities, growth of tourism in these regions presents a new opportunity for their engagement in development, thereby underscoring the importance of their empowerment. Empowerment has emerged as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development, wherein augmenting women's capacity and control over resources can be facilitated through tourism development. This research aimed to assess the role of community-based tourism in the economic, social, and cultural empowerment of women residing in the coastal villages of Bushehr Province. This study adopted a practical research approach with survey-based data collection. The research population comprised the residents of coastal villages in Bushehr Province. The sample size for this study was determined to be 400 individuals using Cochran’s formula. Statistical analysis, employing the one-sample T-test and utilizing AMOS and SPSS software, was conducted. The theoretical framework and the results of the statistical analysis employed in this research demonstrated the positive impact of tourism development on the economic, social, and cultural empowerment of women in the coastal villages of Bushehr Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book "Flechten der Schweiz" which provides a comprehensive overview of Swiss lichens, focusing on their diversity, biology, and conservation. It includes numerous color photographs and is suitable for both experts and general readers. The review praises the authors for their expertise and the book's emphasis on outreach and conservation. It also compares the book to other similar publications and highlights its strengths in providing information on lichen biology and ecosystem services. However, it mentions some minor issues with organization and presentation. Overall, the review recommends the book as a valuable resource for anyone interested in Swiss lichens. [Extracted from the article]

Despite numerous international and national policy documents promoting girls' and women's empowerment and participation in community sports, the actual access to sport for women and girls is still restricted in several countries. This paper explores the situation in Ghana. Through the analytical lens of Cooky and Messner's theory of 'the unevenness of social change', we analyse the cultural and structural barriers that prevent girls and women from participating in sport in Ghanaian communities. The data material is document analysis, focus groups and semi-structured interviews with male and female officials representing state-funded regional and district sports organisations as well as non-state sports organisations in Ghana. The findings reveal that cultural barriers, rooted in deep-seated cultural norms and structural hindrances that undermine gender-inclusive policies, contribute to the limited participation of girls and women in community sport. Furthermore, the interplay between these cultural and structural factors leads to gender-specific practices and fewer women in leadership positions. Based on our analyses, we suggest that structural changes (enforcing and implementing gender policies) can result in cultural changes (positive gender equality outcomes) over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent African scramble has resulted in uneven and combined development (UCD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) throughout the 21st century due to unequal exchange. South Africa plays a sub-imperial role in this scramble in SSA. It both exploits and is exploited. The mining industry in South Africa has attracted interest from colonial powers, English-speaking businesses, and foreign investors, making it a highly lucrative sector. Furthermore, most black South Africans have been employed in the mining industry since the late 19th century. Over the past 25 years, the African National Congress government has utilised the mining industry to achieve economic transformation through black economic empowerment policies. This study proposes that the mining sector in South Africa is responsible for the ongoing UCD, despite receiving new investments and empowerment policies. South Africa's inclusion in BRICS has broadened its range of international partners beyond its traditional Western or African counterparts. However, South Africa's decision to join the BRICS group in 2011 has not yet yielded the expected transformation in the country's economy and growth. As a result, it is uncertain whether South Africa's BRICS membership has addressed the country's persistent problem of UCD. This study argues that South Africa's BRICS membership has exacerbated UCD in the country. This study proposes that Trotsky's UCD analytical framework is useful for analysing South Africa's policy choice to join BRICS, which strengthens its sub-imperial role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper the issue of women's position in research was studied both for developing and developed countries Women participation in research increased substantially in the past few decades. Globally, women make up 33.3% of researchers (in head counts), according to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics for 107 countries covering the years 2015-2018. Several countries are collecting and reporting sex-disaggregated data on researchers than 20 years ago. However, a large data gap remains. Further increase in the involvement of women in research is crucial both for the development of the research and for the empowerment of women by increasing their role in society. This recantation is devoted to the comparison of involvement in research between European developed and developing countries in recent years. Examples from larger context have also been provided. There is no straightforward correlation between a country's wealth and its success in achieving gender parity in the research. Therefore, the origins of the differences are more complex than it is usually expected, which requires quite attentive study of the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the themes of resistance and rebellion in Giambattista Basile's fairy tales, specifically focusing on three tales: "The She-Bear," "The Three Citrons," and "The Enchanted Doe." The author analyzes these tales from feminist and post-colonial perspectives, exploring how they challenge societal norms and offer new perspectives on gender, power, and identity. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the intersections of gender, class, and species, and advocates for a society that values diverse intersecting identities. Overall, the text discusses the themes of resistance, agency, and power dynamics in Basile's fairy tales, encouraging readers to question and challenge societal expectations. [Extracted from the article]

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The study investigates the impact of digital banking usage on women's economic empowerment (WEE) from a developing country stance by considering working women in formal sectors. WEE simply means providing opportunities to women to facilitate their economic decision-making. This study employed a descriptive, exploratory, and causal research design. A total of 286 responses from women working in the formal sector of Delhi-NCR were collected through self-administered questionnaires on a 5-point Likert scale using non-probability quota sampling technique. The sample was controlled for the employment sector, that is, healthcare, education, and Information Technology (IT). Partial least square structural equation modelling methodology (PLS SEM) was employed to examine the relationship between the constructs. The results show that among the different determinants of WEE, digital banking usage was the strongest influencer followed by financial literacy and workplace human resource policies. Research findings indicate that, if WEE initiatives are to reach their full potential, they must individually address the context-specific influencing factors. This study offers a new framework for understanding and enhancing WEE for urban working women in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This document is a comprehensive listing of doctoral dissertations from various universities and disciplines around the world. The dissertations cover a wide range of topics, including public policy, administration, and social issues including climate change, healthcare economics, social media engagement,and immigration enforcement. [Extracted from the article]

As from 1979, the United Nations formally seeks to achieve equilibrium in the involvement of women in relation to men in the public domain through the adoption and ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Nigeria both ratified and domesticated the core provision of this convention as its National Constitution of 1999 affirms the equality and right of all citizens to freedom from discrimination. Besides, from 2006 to 2021, Nigeria operated an exclusive gender policy namely, the National Gender Policy 2006, which by its affirmative action, reserved 35 percent of all appointive positions in government to women, as a means of protecting women’s rights and redressing inequalities in the involvement of women and men in governance processes. Regrettably, the National Gender Policy (NGP) 2006 recorded no substantial achievement in terms of its intended objectives as the policy encountered several structural and institutional challenges arising from the entrenched patriarchal system in Nigerian societies, and the absence of a united women’s movement in the country, among others. Resultantly, the study concludes that, for the NGP 2021 to realize its aims, Nigerian women’s movements need to embark on vigorous and unceasing campaigns to deconstruct the existing patriarchal system, and that all women’s movements in Nigeria need to form a central body and maintain a common front to better advocate for the implementation of 35 percent affirmative action in the new policy, among other measures. The study relies on secondary sources of data, including books, journals, relevant publications of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the websites. The data were analyzed using the thematic and descriptiveinterpretive techniques of qualitative data analysis, which enhanced satisfactory achievement of the objective of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African Book Publishing Record is a resource for libraries, educational institutions, and booksellers looking to purchase books published in Africa. It provides comprehensive listings of new and forthcoming books, including complete bibliographic information. The record covers books in English, French, Portuguese, and African languages, and includes a news section and reviews of African magazines and scholarly periodicals. Listing in the record is free, and submission deadlines are provided. [Extracted from the article]