Proceedings of the International Conference on Future of Women

URBAN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION IN HOPLEY, ZIMBABWE

Anesu Mironga — 2025-05-21

The susceptibility to the effects of climate change is intensified by the disparity and
exclusion associated with geographical location, ethnic background, gender, poverty, and other
economic and social determinants. This qualitative study investigated the living conditions of the
urban poor in informal settlements of Hopley, Zimbabwe and illustrate how the appropriation of
private, parochial, and public spaces by female residents of Hopley informal settlement affects their
ability to manage climatic risks. Informal settlements are characterized by substandard dwellings or
shanties constructed in violation of formal laws and regulations. The informal community of Hopley
do not have access to clean potable water or sufficient infrastructure for public health, drainage, and
essential services. This paper examined strategies for developing resistance to the impacts of climate
change by women in informal communities such as Hopley. The research offers valuable insights on
the varying degrees of women's participation in climate resilience development, based on a
comprehensive analysis of existing literature and in depth interviews of 12 women living in Hopley.
It additionally examined the measures being taken to tackle climate resilience in informal
settlements, specifically, initiatives sponsored by the local community to improve settlements and
strengthen their capacity to endure the effects of climate change and support marginalized
populations. Furthermore, the study explored strategies for overcoming obstacles to achieving larger
scale and effectiveness, such as using synergies with the Sustainable Development Goals.

“WHAT IS THE URGENCY?”: YOUTUBE PUBLIC RESPONSE ON FEMICIDE AWARENESS IN INDONESIA

Dea Siti Hafsha — 2025-05-21

Femicide refers to the killing of women due to their gender. The Indonesian National
Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) reported hundreds of femicide
cases annually in Indonesia from 2021 to 2023. However, the term remains largely unfamiliar within
the country, despite being one of the most extreme and brutal forms of violence against women.
Raising public awareness of femicide is crucial and can be achieved through educational efforts,
including coverage of femicide cases and explanations of the concept. In the digital era, YouTube
has emerged as a potential platform for such education. As the third most frequently used social
media platform in Indonesia, YouTube has become a primary source of news for many Indonesians.
This study aims to describe femicide-related content uploaded to YouTube and to analyze
Indonesian netizens’ responses to the issue. Using data collected via the YouTube API (Application
Programming Interface), the study identified 29 femicide-related videos in the Indonesian language
and analyzed 81% comments of all. Using qualitative content analysis for social media, the study
revealed two main categories which are Femicide Issue and Netizens’ View. Femicide Issue consist
of two themes, named causes and prevention that reflect Indonesian patriarchy and religious culture.
Meanwhile the category of Netizens’ View holds two other themes, judgement and reflection, shows
that Indonesians still see femicide as an unimportant issue even though they feel bad about it. The
study emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies and collaboration among various
stakeholders to bring this critical issue to Indonesian public attention.

FROM TRAUMA TO TRANSFORMATION: EXPLORING POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH IN SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVIVORS THROUGH A SCOPING REVIEW

Fitria Fitria — 2025-05-21

The incidence of sexual violence is increasing globally. In Indonesia, data from the National
Commission on Violence against Women reveals that psychological and sexual violence are the two most prevalent forms of abuse, accounting for 37% and 28% of cases, respectively. These incidents have significant physical and psychological impacts on individuals. Despite this, survivors of sexual violence have the potential to experience positive transformation after trauma, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). While research on PTG has progressed, a comprehensive mapping of trends and gaps in this area remains lacking. This study aims to map the literature on PTG among survivors of sexual violence, exploring research trends and methodologies employed. Utilizing a scoping review approach, a systematic literature search was conducted in September 2024 across major databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Inclusion criteria required studies in which posttraumatic growth is the primary focus of measurement, specifically examine survivors of sexual violence. Utilize primary data, and explore posttraumatic growth beyond general discussions on growth-related topics. Articles were systematically screened based on relevance to the research question. The results
identified 19 relevant studies on PTG among survivors of sexual violence, focusing on psychological themes and employing diverse methodologies: 10 quantitative, 5 qualitative, and 3 mixed-methods studies. However, a significant gap exists in understanding how survivors translate their PTG experiences into concrete actions, such as self-empowerment, advocacy, or changes in interpersonal relationships. This study highlights the need for interventions based on PTG understanding, including advocacy programs and empowerment initiatives, to support the recovery and transformation of sexual violence survivors.

SMOKING AS A SYMBOL OF WOMEN’S RESISTANCE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF FEMALE SMOKERS SELF-CONCEPT

Lana Savira Kusuma Dewi — 2025-05-21

Smoking is a common habit in Indonesia, often linked to masculinity and social status. However, societal norms deeply rooted in patriarchy impose stricter moral standards on women, leading to the stigmatization of female smokers. This study investigates how these societal norms influence the self-concept of female smokers in Semarang City. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study involved four participants—female smokers aged 19–25 years who smoke at least four cigarettes daily and are aware of the stigma associated with smoking. Data were gathered through interviews, observations, and documentation and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings reveal that for these women, smoking is not merely a habit but a symbolic act of resistance against gender norms that restrict their freedom and identity. While the participants shared common experiences of stigma, their responses also highlighted diverse perspectives on navigating societal expectations. However, these findings are limited to the specific cultural context of Semarang and may not represent other regions. This study underscores the complexity of female smokers’ experiences in patriarchal societies and highlights unique factors that frame smoking as resistance. Future research could further explore how such acts of defiance manifest in different cultural settings or contribute to policy discussions addressing gender stigma.