Proceedings of the World Conference on Women’s Studies
ISSN 2424-6743 (Online) Proceedings of the World Conference on Women’s Studies is a peer-reviewed, open-access proceedings, which aims to disseminate knowledge on the field of women's Studies to the readers by publishing original research and reviews in the related field. The scope includes issues related to Queer optics and feminism, Land rights, Reproductive Politics, Precarities and Vulnerabilities and many more. Learn more about WCWS Conference
GENDERED LINGUISTICS IN THE URBAN INFORMAL ECONOMY OF ZAMBIA
The informal economy has become a lifeline for urban populations in Zambia, particularly in cities like Lusaka and Ndola. This growth is a direct response to widespread economic hardships and significant rural-urban migration. Within this vibrant sector, the intersection of language and gender remains a critically understudied area. Prevailing language policies often reflect colonial legacies, marginalizing the rich indigenous languages that are central to daily life and economic survival in the informal economy. This paper addresses this gap by investigating how language functions as a resource, shaping linguistic choices and generating economic value. The primary objective was to examine the divergent linguistic strategies employed by women and men and to assess how these gendered language practices influence their economic outcomes. Employing a qualitative, ethnographic approach, this study utilized observations, in-depth interviews, and sociolinguistic surveys in selected urban markets. The analysis is grounded in Language as a Resource Theory and Gender and Language Theory. Findings indicate that both women and men deploy a range of linguistic strategies, blending local urban varieties to suit specific economic activities, with multilingualism serving as a key tool for economic gain. The study further reveals how language use both reflects and perpetuates gender disparities in these economic settings. These insights challenge existing language frameworks in Zambia and point to a pressing need for more inclusive policies that recognize linguistic diversity and creativity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr.Pethias Siame, Mr. Raphael Chisenga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
BECOMING A FEMALE CEO: WHAT DRIVES FEMALE FAMILY BUSINESS SUCCESSORS IN THAILAND
Women play important role in Thai Economy for centuries. Thailand has been one of the countries with highest ration of female CEO and MD in the world. To maintain this top-woman leadership, knowing what attracts female family business (FB) successors would be a good foundation for maintaining their equal opportunities in business world. This research collected responses from 280 FB successors using Full Profile Conjoint Analysis (CA) paradigm. There were 2 conjoint studies conducted. First CA study comprised 5 FB characteristics (Business Age, Business Competition, Generation in Power, Size & Types of FB) where each had 5, 3, 7, 4 and 4 levels, respectively. The second CA study comprised 8 business issues (Culture Issue 1, Culture Issue 2, Diversity, Financial, Human Resource, Marketing Issue 1, Marketing Issue 2, & Fairness in Workplace) where each had 3, 3, 4, 4 5, 4, 5 and 4, respectively. D-optimal algorithm was used to create experimental design for the 2 CA studies. Even though, make and female FB successors share similar attitudes toward the importance of FB characteristics and business issues on trangenertion intent. Collectively female successors tended to considered Cultural issues (i.e., "unclear communication about company's value", "freedom of expression" and "limited career oath") to be more important than the male successors, even though, the issues' utilities were not significantly different between male and female successors. Additionally, transgeneration intent's utilities of female successors were positively influenced when professionals were hired to manage their FBs; meanwhile, male successors did not care. If their mothers hold the power, it negatively influenced the trangeneration intents especially on female FB successors. The successors reacted positively toward highly competitive business environment, rigid business process and brand image; hoever female successors were more enthusiastic to succeed the FB than male successors. Furthermore, rigid pricing structure turned female successors off more than male successors. These results can help FB current owners to prepare smooth trangeneration FB successor planning through positive reinforcement by manipulating these FB characteristics and issues for their daughters.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arthon Prompatanapak, Luckxawan Pimsawadi, Teerasak Na Ranong, Sasithorn Tailee, Muanfhun Ratanavanich, Kannapon Lopetcharat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DISPLACED AND VULNERABLE: THE HIDDEN REALITY OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST INTERNALLY DISPLACED WOMEN IN TIKO, CAMEROON
Gender-based violence (GBV) is widespread in any environment characterized by conflict, and women and girls are the most affected. Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis which is ongoing since 2016 has triggered the displacement of many people where women and children are more vulnerable to GBV. This research examines the prevalence and forms of GBV experienced by internally displaced women (IDW) in Tiko Sub-Division and the existing response systems. Employing a concurrent triangulation design, the study collects and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously. An electronic survey collected data from 100 IDW, while qualitative data was collected from 20 IDW, community leaders, service providers through in-depth interviews, and 5 focus group discussions. The primary research questions are: (1) What are the prevalence and forms of GBV experienced by IDW in Tiko Sub-Division? (2) What socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors contribute to GBV against IDW? (3) What actions do IDW take in response to these challenges, and what resources exist to assist them? Theoretical frameworks include feminist theory, focusing on the power relations and inequality, and the ecological model which considers individual, relationship, community, and societal factors. Highlighted results on IDW’s experiences show disturbing levels of physical, emotional abuse, sexual violence, which armed groups and armed forces, family, and even community leaders often perpetrate. The study also finds the feminization of poverty phenomenon persisting among IDW in terms of their physical, psychological, social as well as economic conditions. This study is important in that it addresses the critical issue of GBV in Cameroon's conflict context (with Tiko acting as a host community to many IDPs), contributing to enhanced understanding of GBV dynamics, inform policy development, improve support services, empirical evidence for future research and promote the SDG 5 in Cameroon in achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls
Copyright (c) 2026 Che N. Julien, Prof. Yenshu V. Emmanuel, Dr. Abonge V. Christiana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INTERGENERATIONAL CHANGES IN GENDER EQUALITY AND GENDERED ELECTORAL CHOICES: X, Y, AND Z GENERATIONS IN TÜRKİYE
Gender is an interdisciplinary topic essential for understanding society and its development. Social expectations, cultural norms, economic conditions, education, technology, and media influence societal gender roles across generations. Gender roles are learned through socialization and reflect the responsibilities assigned by society. The transformation of gender roles is a significant area of sociological and cultural research. Generations inherit the values and experiences of those before them while creating new identities that match current social, economic, and technological contexts. A person's generation can be a key factor in predicting voting choices. Voting decisions are linked to various gender labels and shape gendered electoral patterns from one generation to another. This study analyzes how intergenerational gender roles and gender equality change within society using a quantitative approach from the perspectives of X, Y, and Z generations. The gendered electoral patterns among these generations are examined by connecting intergenerational shifts in gender roles and gender equality in Türkiye. The aim of studying perceptions across X, Y, and Z generations is to identify differences and similarities in the intergenerational gender equality changes and how these relate to gendered voting choices in Türkiye. The survey involves 500 participants selected through simple random sampling from the X, Y, and Z generations. Data will be gathered using the “Perceptions of Gender Scale” and “The Perceptions of Women in Politics Scale.” This study concluded that individuals from X, Y, and Z generations should be empowered in education and knowledge to evolve their gender perspectives and eliminate gendered electoral choices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aslı ÇELİK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ENTANGLEMENT OF VIOLENCE AND MODESTY: A STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA
This paper examines the structural relationship between female modesty norms and gender-based violence in contemporary India. It aims to clarify how cultural ideals of female modesty intersect with institutional responses to violence, reinforcing women’s vulnerability within both social and legal frameworks. Drawing on court verdicts, legal reforms, and public discourses surrounding gender and violence, the paper analyzes how social expectations of purity, sacrifice, and silence operate not merely as personal virtues but as mechanisms of regulation that shape women’s treatment in society. Applying Kate Manne’s feminist theory of misogyny, it conceptualizes misogynistic violence not as an aberration but as a structural response to perceived violations of patriarchal modesty norms. The paper concludes that these norms normalize and justify harm, rendering violence seemingly deserved or invisible, and expose a paradox in which the legal system simultaneously condemns violence while legitimizing the social ideals that sustain it.
Copyright (c) 2026 Satoko Nakane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RIGHTS OF MARRIED WOMEN IN THE HOUSEHOLD: EQUAL OR MARGINALIZED?
Abstract: Gender stereotyping has been in existence for centuries in the South Asian context. At domestic level in countries such as Sri Lanka specifically, husbands were considered as the bread-winners who had the whole responsibility of earning for the family whereas it was the wives’ role to remain at home doing the household chores, attending to children’s matters and caring for the husband and his family. However, things have changed drastically by now with the expansion of education and technology. Women contribute equally in domestic, financial matters and are successfully employed. Nevertheless, women are still expected to play the stereotypical female role, set by the society which is considered as the problem of the study. The aim of this study is to find out whether married Sri Lankan women with children have equal rights in the household in the present context when compared to their counterparts. To gather data, an online questionnaire was administered and the responses of 50 married women with children were analyzed quantitatively using excel. Among these 50 samples, 10 random respondents were interviewed and data was qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. The concept of ‘Gender Equality’ was closely monitored in the study. Findings revealed that majority of the married Sri Lankan mothers are equally educated as the husbands and contribute equally or more in financial, family and domestic matters when compared to the overall contribution of the husbands. Women are mostly unhappy due to lack of recognition and are mentally and physically unsatisfied under the dominance of the husbands. This is mostly due to the conventional stereotypical mindset inculcated into the population since childhood. Despite education and employment success, women seem to be still marginalized in society as incompetent and vulnerable when compared to men.
Copyright (c) 2024 MTN Wijetunge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE BEGUINES: EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH, INDEPENDENCE AND LABOR IN LATE MEDIEVAL BELGIUM
Abstract: This paper explores the complex dynamics of women's choices in late medieval Belgium, focusing on an often-overlooked option in the rest of Europe: becoming a Beguine. In a society where women were largely constrained to the roles of wives, mothers, or nuns, the Beguine movement emerged as a groundbreaking alternative for unmarried women, offering a unique blend of religious devotion and economic independence. Drawing on extensive research conducted at the Universitätsbibliothek und Bibliotheksturm in Leuven and the private archive of theologian Hans Geybels in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, this study examines the lives, motivations, and socio-economic structures of the Beguines and their Beguinages. It highlights their contributions to the textile industry, education, and charitable work, showcasing how these communities challenged traditional gender roles and established themselves as economically self-sufficient entities. By enabling women to live autonomously and circumvent patriarchal constraints, the Beguines opened new pathways for spiritual fulfillment and independence. Ultimately, this paper contributes to a broader understanding of women's agency, positioning the Beguines as pioneers in redefining women's roles within the constraints of late medieval society.
Copyright (c) 2024 Giulia Gioeli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
NAVIGATING THE PUBLIC SPACES: A GENDERED ANALYSIS OF ACTIVE AGEING AMONG OLDER WOMEN
Abstract: In the phase of rapid urbanisation and a global rise in the ageing population, creating public spaces conducive to the well-being of the elderly population has become a pressing global concern. This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the experiences of older women as they navigate public spaces within the framework of active ageing. Through a gendered analysis, the study aims to illuminate the unique dynamics that shape the daily encounters of older women in the public realm. The literature review reveals a gap in research concerning the intersection of gender, active ageing, and public spaces. This study employs a qualitative approach, incorporating in-depth interviews and observations to capture the nuanced interplay between gender, ageing, and public spaces. The interviews offer a personal perspective, allowing older women to share their stories and challenges while navigating various public spaces. Observations conducted in diverse urban settings provide a contextual backdrop, offering a visual understanding of the physical and social factors influencing the active ageing experiences of older women. The study is divided into two parts: the first deals with the gendered dynamics of public spaces, while the second part incorporates the contribution of public spaces in the active ageing process for older women. The study found that the experiences of older women in navigating public spaces vary widely based on factors such as location, cultural context, and individual circumstances. The respondents experienced physical challenges, safety concerns, transportation issues, social isolation, ageism and gender stereotyping, lack of accommodation and financial constraints as they moved through public spaces. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on active ageing by offering a gendered lens that enriches the understanding of older women’s complexities in navigating public spaces.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rubab Mohsin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MARRIAGE OF THE MIGHT: ARTICULATING THE INDIAN CONDITIONING TOWARDS MARRIAGE THROUGH ISMAT CHUGHTAI’S SHAHUHAR KE KHATIR’ AND ‘CHAUTHI KA JODA’
The Indian Society has existed for centuries as a socio-sexually patriarchal society where marriage features as one of the major facets of building of the family structure. What functions as the aside to this exchange, is the perpetual subjugation of women in the pretext of providing them a ‘respectable’ social status. This Paper would take into consideration two stories written by Ismat Chughtai, Shahuhar ke Khatir’ and ‘Chauthi ka Joda’ that serve as a stark commentary on the ritual of marriage in India by exposing the multi-layered sexual discrimination, torture and oppression that comes along with it. As the subcontinent's one of the famous feminist writers, Chughtai (1915-1991) wrote with panache and depicted the tyrannies of contemporary society. Through this paper, I intend to raise questions on the Indian tradition of marriage and the sexual commercialization behind it. The stories throw light upon the duplicity of the society and how women are subjected to constant ostracization for failing to match to the standards of the society. By taking into light various ancient Indian cultural treatises on sexuality and marriage, it would like to position the stories and the method in which they develop to discuss marriage as an emblem of the culture of the society.
Copyright (c) 2023 R Basu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
REWORKING VULNERABILITIES: LINGUISTIC RESURRECTIONS OF FEMININE IDENTITY
Language and linguistics are critical for exploring the ways in which society tends to perpetuate discrimination against women. The primary concern of this study is to analyze how female respondents understand oppressive patriarchal practices that they encounter in real life and how their language reflects their own orientation to their vulnerable position. In particular, it seeks to discover how language, as deeply embedded in the social construction of reality, helps women to mitigate patriarchal assumptions and practices thereby establishing a more egalitarian social standing. This study analyzes three narratives by female respondents from different socio-economic strata and occupations. The experiences they describe range from dress codes at work to reproductive rights and vulnerability associated with being in the public sphere. Their life experiences capture various facets of oppression including cultural imperialism, powerlessness and exploitation, but the way they use language to navigate this oppression helps with resurrecting feminine identity. The data for this study has been collected from 3 female Hindi/Assamese respondents (aged between early twenties to mid-forties for a representative sample of issues faced by women in adult life). The study uses a discourse analysis framework within a qualitative approach to explore women’s lived experiences both the private and the public sphere. The analysis shows that women’s resurrection of their social standing is made possible by their use of language, which can mitigate their vulnerabilities thereby redefining their identities in more positive light. Keywords: patriarchal oppression, feminine identity, vulnerabilities, resurrection, language, discourse
Copyright (c) 2023 S Barua, B Dutta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
‘THE MENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE INDIGENOUS TIWAS OF INDIA’
Adolescence is a critical period in everyone’s life, but it becomes particularly significant for an adolescent girl reaching childbearing age. The following research investigates the issues concerned in enhancing the reproductive and mental health education of adolescent girls of the Tiwas of West Karbi Anglong district in Assam, India. According to UNICEF data (n.d.), India comprises one-third of the world’s child bride population. However, unlike the tribes of Odisha, India (Pradhan, 2022) where child marriages are prevalent, there is no forced child marriage among the tribes of Assam. In contrast, the choice of marriage is usually made by the Tiwa adolescent girl herself. Early pregnancy in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom is equally alarming. An adolescent girl who reaches puberty undergoes the same physical changes, fear, anxiety, and excitement when entering adulthood irrespective of their socioeconomic status. There is currently a lack of research into the reproductive and mental health of Tiwa adolescent girls in Assam. Therefore, this paper investigates the issues of reproductive and mental health faced by adolescent girls in the Tiwa community by collecting primary data from the field. The best practices of developed nations will be studied from secondary data, to educate Tiwa adolescents about individual rights, marriage age, domestic violence and the dangers of early pregnancy. Finally, the findings will provide a counter-narrative to the common notion that child marriage is enforced in India; instead, it is chosen by the adolescent herself in many tribes of Northeast India. Keywords: adolescent health, child marriage and pregnancy
Copyright (c) 2023 G Baruah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TERESINA NEGRI: A SUCCESS STORY OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP BETWEEN THE 19th AND 20th CENTURIES
This original research focuses upon the story of Teresina Negri (1879-1974), a woman, dancer, entrepreneur and fashion designer who was able to combine inventiveness and entrepreneurial skills to achieve socio-economic affirmation. The research methodology is divided into three phases: the first consists of an acknowledgement of the documentary, bibliographic and iconographic sources related to the case study found in archives, libraries and both private and family collections in France, Italy, UK and Monaco. Next, the data obtained is structured into a narrative highlighting the various personality traits of the subject. The third phase concludes the summation of this study. Born in Italy, at sixteen years old, Teresina ran away from home to devote herself to dance. In this way she was able to gain an independence that would not have been possible for a young woman in late 19th-century Italian society. She took charge of her life, never afraid to reinvent herself and possessing the audacity to turn difficulties into opportunities. She performed for a Lumière Brothers film and then became a successful dance étoile in Belle Époque Paris. In 1920 she became a fashion designer under the pseudonym Madame GRISINA; the invisible bra she invented and patented quickly spread across international fashion, anticipating modern styles and modes of use. Negri was a business executive, she never took second place to anyone; in both public and private life she enacted the tenets of emancipation and continuously sought recognition of her rights, demanding a premarital contract based on principles of social equality. She was also a family woman: while not seeking personal fulfillment in motherhood, she cared for her sister and for her nephews as if they were her own children, providing them with the opportunity for a better life. The discovery and research about the historical figure of Teresina Negri thus offer an original contribution to the role of women in design and business, as well as being emblematic of a spirit of female emancipation and creative fervor that over almost a century stands as a unicum in women’s history.
Copyright (c) 2023 de Paolis Umberto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ENCOURAGING WOMEN LEADERSHIP AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES’S ENVIRONMENT AS IMPLEMENTATION OF AKHLAK’s CORE VALUE
Indonesian state-owned companies have the potential to increase Gross Domestic Product by USD 135 billion by 2025 if they can improve the status of gender equality in the world of work. The Ministry of SOEs seeks to increase women's representation in the Board of Commissioners, Management Board and one level below the Management Council, with a target of 15% in 2021 and 25% in 2023. There has also been an increased focus on the representation of young people within the Board of Directors, and below levels, from state-owned enterprises to 5% in 2021 and 10% in 2023. A survey conducted by McKinsey in 2021 on women in the workplace stated that female leaders produce more fruitful results because women are adept at navigating work/life balance, ensuring that the workload is manageable. This paper explores how to encourage women's leadership and how to empower women in MSME business within SOEs. This will achieve better results in MSME business performance, a more conducive and productive work environment and prioritize respect free from gender discrimination to create gender equality and safeguard human rights. The methodused by researchers in this study is descriptive analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results obtained in this study are the leadership of women MSME owners who receive higher BUMN support than those who do not receive. While the novelty of this study is the leadership and empowerment of women in MSMEs within State-Owned Enterprises (MSMEs)
Copyright (c) 2023 E Susilowati, Chotib, ES Sadirsan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ON THE FEMALE NUDE, SEXUAL BODILY SERVICES, AND WOMEN’S OBJECTIFICATION: A CASE STUDY ON ARAKI’S SEXUALLY EXPLICIT PHOTOGRAPHS
The thin line between art and politics concerning women’s objectification is one of the most apparent problems in the representation of the female body in sex markets and creative spaces. This paper aims to explore and provide a philosophical analysis on women’s objectification and the male construction of female sexuality and femininity apparent in Nobuyoshi Araki’s controversial and sexually explicit photographs. To attain this, I derive from the ethical theory of Kant and his views on the “beautiful” embodied by women, and the moral problem presented by Nussbaum on the legalization of bodily services. I employ the carceral-neoliberalism approach through the method of philosophical analysis to problematize the treatment of women’s bodies under the sheets of high-value art, policy-making, and commodification. The curatorial and commentary of Araki’s photographs as case studies aim to juxtapose the ethical theories and the underlying problems of female sexuality. Therefore, the peculiarities in Araki’s works—presented as the female nude—are addressed and problematized. The discussions are divided in the following: (1) Kantian notions on the female, (2) Nussbaum’s theory on bodily services, (3) Carceral-neoliberalism approach to feminism, and (4) the case study on Araki’s sexually explicit photographs. The results of the discussion show that the portrayal of women in Araki’s photographs establishes the link between the female's body and her sexuality. Assertions of objectification and personification are byproducts of the male gaze as well as a patriarchal indoctrination and colonization of women and their bodies. Repercussions of neoliberalism are also reflected in the marketization of women. I finally conclude that the necessity of continuously framing the problems in women’s sexuality should be recognized so stigmatization against women may be eradicated.
Copyright (c) 2022 Labong, J.A.M https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE PROSTITUTE AS A CITY’S PARADOX: NAVIGATING THE SOCIETY THROUGH THE BODY OF THE FALLEN WOMEN IN THE SELECT STORIES OF SAADAT HASSAN MANTO
Saadat Hassan Manto’s scathing treatment of the society and the people that live in it makes him create a distinct space for himself in the socio-literary environment of Indian literature. Materializing his enterprise, Manto’s female characters stand out and speak for the sadomasochist society. The Prostitution industry -through the eyes of Manto displays the dark underbelly of the developing city thus manifesting into commodified human existence. This paper would discuss stories like, ‘Boo’, ‘Haatak’, ‘Kaali Salwar’and ‘Dus Rupaiyaa’ to talk about the ever-growing malaise of sex-slavery and the society amongst which such animosity harbors. The poverty and destitution in Manto’s world draw a parallel to contemporary India thus making it all the more important for internalizing him and his iconoclastic ideas. The tattered society that existed then just like it does now symbolize the fact that prostitutes are a transacted handiwork of a diseased social order. The women who are a part of it and the others who compliment the functioning of this infested vicious cycle are reduced to live on the remains of the society. The stories remind us that they are not regionalist case of sexual slavery but they point out to the incessant sexual oppression that Indian women face everywhere. This paper would extensively use the above-mentioned works of the author to paint a picture of the degenerate world around what surprisingly appears to be symptomatic of contemporary India.
Copyright (c) 2022 Ria Basu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Martial Art Female Action Characters in Contemporary Vietnamese Cinema: Masculine Transformation and Gender Renovation
This research discusses masculine transformation and gender renovation in contemporary Vietnamese cinema with the vivid depictions of female characters playing martial arts along the men and even transforming their masculinity. However, there is limited research about examining female characters in Vietnamese action films to find how genders are renovated and transformed. Using gender stereotype study, female masculinity and content analysis, this qualitative research analyzed four films: The Rebel (Charlie Nguyen, 2007), Clash (Le Thanh Son, 2009), Rise (Ngo Quoc Cuong, 2014), and Furie (Le Van Kiet, 2019), to identify (1) how women re-represent their image in films, (2) how female action characters are portrayed in Vietnamese cinema, and (3) with this re-representation, how they transform the masculinity with their active woman stereotype. Findings show that audiences get used to watching female characters in passive images and expect them to change to more masculine roles. First, women are depicted in a more consistent pattern of female characters at the age of twenties and thirties and do the occupations dominated by men. Second, they are viewed as a hero, a warrior, a fighter or a leader who manages others including men to save the country, win a business, or overcome dangerous obstacles. Third, they deal with issues and gain power to control over men, which has never happened before in Vietnam’s cinema.
Copyright (c) 2022 Liem Bui Quoc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES ARE MARGINALIZED: A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE
Disable people continuously have been facing different problems in their personal and public life. Disability changes and it shifts incredibly from nation to nation. Women with disabilities are frequently compared to able-bodied people, particularly in India. Women with disabilities in India are more vulnerable to discrimination based on caste and class. The status of women with disabilities is comportment poverty different cases, and their extremely low literacy rate among women with disabilities. This is one of the main reasons for awareness deficit, and due to a lack of knowledge, awareness, education, income, and limited contact. The challenges that women with disabilities face are exacerbated in rural areas, resulting in great isolation and invisibility. In India, women with disabilities confront barriers to access and a shortage of bathrooms with disabled-friendly features daily. In public locations, educational institutions, and workplaces, women have fewer bathrooms than men, raising health and safety concerns. Many women and girls are forced to urinate in public, either in the early hours of the morning, which leaves them more subject to harassment, physical violence, and sexual abuse. However, by providing facilities aimed at lessening the impact of disability and also by sensitizing society, attempts can be made to lessen the burden suffered by disabled persons. The present paper highlights the different issues of women with disabilities in India section-wise.
Copyright (c) 2022 Ramesh Singisala, Renuka Aravapalli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Feminist Consciousness, Empowerment and Identity: Contextualizing Chandraprabha Saikiani in Contemporary Assam
A crusader for women’s rights, Chandraprabha Saikiani was both a torchbearer and an icon of 20th century Assam. She became synonymous with the feminist movement in Assam which was, in her days, still in an inchoate state. From her young days, she actively challenged the dominance of men in the public space. Her contribution to Assam Mahila Samitys (AMS) (Assam Women Associations) from 1920s to 1960s is crucial in understanding the position of modern Assamese women. During her period, women’s movement saw a change in guard from men to women. ‘Why in our society the women are confined in a cage like this? Why should you sit in that cage like structure? Who dares to prevent you from sitting outside it?’ Saikiani, through questioning mundane discrimination against women, constructed feminist consciousness. This consciousness was further reflected in the freedom struggle and the women’s movement in colonial Assam. This paper attempts to analyze her understanding of feminist consciousness, empowerment and identity in colonial Assam using a Critical Discourse Analysis of her select writings such as Doibajna Duhita (The Brahmin’s Daughter), ‘Unnoti Pothot Russ Nari’ etc. While doing so, this paper also attempts to locate Chandraprabha Saikiani in the contemporary Assamese society.
Copyright (c) 2021 S Barua, LD Lal http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Why Clean Cooking Programs Fail Among Rural Women? A Female User-Centered View from Uttar Pradesh, India
Many clean cooking programs around the world have invested in women to lead in the transition to cleaner cookstoves. However, in rural India, the lack of uptake from women is a major problem that has undermined the success of programs which expect women to act as champions of clean cookstoves in their community. To inform the theory of change of women-centered clean cooking programs and support future policymaking and programming in this field, this paper aims to address the knowledge gap on consumers’ – and especially women’s - attitude, knowledge and choice behavior towards improved cookstoves. In this paper, I use data from the ACCESS survey, collected in 2015 in Uttar Pradesh, to generate further gender-disaggregated evidence on the roles played by health impact awareness, intra-household power dynamics and access to finance on rural women’s behavior towards improved biomass cookstoves (IBCS). I identify the two most important shapers of women’s choice behavior towards IBCS as 1) level of satisfaction with traditional biomass cookstoves and 2) previous awareness and experience of IBCS. I find that Uttar Pradesh women are at once more unsatisfied with traditional unimproved biomass cooking practice, and more aware of IBCS technology. Whereas the former has a significant and positive effect in driving women towards adoption of IBCS, I find the latter in fact not only fails to mobilize demand but also undermines willingness to pay by about 40% on average. Through gender-lens market research in the improved biomass cookstoves market, this paper builds upon the evidence base for the design of more successful women-focused clean cooking programs.
Copyright (c) 2021 J Wang http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Current Issues Pertaining Gender-Based Violence in Sri Lanka
A qualitative study was conducted to obtain an understanding of the current attitudes, beliefs, and other related issues related to gender in Sri Lanka. The study used interviews, mini-interviews, and Focused Group Discussions (FGD) for this purpose. The study consisted a few different samples and the majority of the sample was drawn from the health sector. The study explored different cultural regions of Sri Lanka via the FGDs. The objective of the study was to provide insight in to the current situation of gender-based violence (GBV) and related issues in Sri Lanka. The study yielded interesting results which could be explored by future researchers. The salient outcomes were that the strong role of economic factors in GBV was identified, the effect of micro credit facilities and increased substance abuse on GBV were identified. In addition to this insight was gained to the possible issues related to GBV in different cultures in Sri Lanka and GBV in a few industrial settings in Sri Lanka.
Copyright (c) 2021 TH Solomons http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sustainable Gender Equity Influenced by an Americanized Lebanese Pedagogy
Gender representation and equity is a quintessential aspect of higher education, as research has shown higher level of research engagement between students and faculty of similar ethnicity, culture, or gender. Therefore, to promote increased student engagement and interest in pursuing graduate education across these groups, proper efforts and policies should be put in place to provide equitable and heterogenous representation. This study quantifies the importance of gender representation by employing a bibliometric analysis of female and male student engagement in research led by female or male faculty counterparts. The scope is the Lebanese American University and respective scholarly publications, due to its unique dichotomy of being an American-charted university, with American policies and international faculty, in a patriarchal Middle Eastern country. Our findings demonstrate that in 2020, 72.7% of publications with a female last author had a female first author, while only 52.4% of male last authors had a female first author. Whereas in 2021, the numbers decreased to 57.1% and 33.3%, respectively, likely due to COVID-19 prompting a decrease in published articles in female-led subjects. The elevated frequency of collaboration between first and last female authors illustrates increased engagement between students and faculty of the female gender, heightened by an effort to combat existing inequalities in representation. This is furthered by the comparable frequency of male and female student collaborations with male last authors, which could indicate some form of allyship to promote gender equity in research groups.
Copyright (c) 2021 M Al-Abbas, J Oneissi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bridging Gender and Caste Based Gap in Education: Lessons from a Pilot in Rajasthan, India
Girls in Rajasthan face several barriers in accessing education that range from physical (distance to schools), infrastructure, discriminative social norms, and a lack of incentive for families to send girls to schools beyond a certain age. COVID-19 has worsened the situation with school closures and several girls engaged in household chores. It becomes more challenging for girls who are at the intersections of caste, class, and poverty. Data shows that gender differentials in access to education are stark at secondary and senior secondary levels. Caste-based differentials are also observed with higher dropouts among girls from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. IPE Global, in collaboration with AMIED, NGO based in Rajasthan, piloted a leadership model to bridge the gap in access to education for girls from SC and ST communities. This was based on the pedagogy of Leadership, Organising and Action (LOA) and a snowflake leadership structure was built and led by girls from these communities. This paper used qualitative surveys with a cohort of girls to study the role of this leadership model in supporting girls from marginalised communities in accessing education and bridging inequalities, and explores the potential for scaling it up across State of Rajasthan and other States. Structured, open-ended questionnaires were used to conduct Focus Group Discussions with girls who are a part of the movement and results were analysed in context of seven themes linked to the study objectives. Preliminary results indicate success of LOA pedagogy in promoting equitable access. Girls’ leadership collective commenced with 10 girls, is now an alliance of more than 1200 girls within three months. The girl leaders have become a social and political force in their district, with enhanced agency and voice. It builds a strong case for replicating and scaling up this leadership model in other districts of Rajasthan. Lessons from the pilot in Karauli will be critical in informing its replication and adaptation to other districts.
Copyright (c) 2021 N Saigal, S Shrivastava http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Challenges in investigating trafficking of migrant workers for labour exploitation: Case Study
This paper examines the phenomenon of Human Trafficking for Labour Exploitation of Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad. Labour trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals are recruited or transported to perform labour or services through the use of force, fraud or coercion and under the threat of some kind of penalty. Over the years, foreign employment has generated substantial inflows of remittances and acted as a safety valve for local unemployment and has also opened up overseas employment opportunities for many women who may not have been active in the local labour force, though in low paid occupations such as domestic work. Some Sri Lankan men, women, and children who migrate to the Middle East, Asia—including Southeast Asia and Afghanistan—Europe, and the United States to work in the construction, garment and domestic service sectors are victims of forced labour. This study will focus on a selected sample of cases reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of Sri Lanka Police, on Trafficking of migrants for labour exploitation. The data was collected from operational case files and interviews with senior investigating officers. Part I of this study discuss the introduction to human trafficking, the definition and the legal framework pertaining to human trafficking in Sri Lanka. Part II, will illustrate the case studies with the three major stages in the trafficking process: recruitment, control, and exploitation. The key challenges associated with investigating this crime will be discussed in Part III of this study. The paper ultimately concludes the officers’ recommendations for future cases.
Copyright (c) 2020 Roma Ranasinghe http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bitch-Goddess: The Revolutionary Power Against Tyrannical Patriarchy
The archetype of ‘Bitch-goddess’ is a literary concept which is often read and depicted as entailing negative connotations. It is researched in relation to twentieth century literary work, which depicts feminine and powerful female characters. This approach fosters reading of ‘Bitch-goddess’ archetype in a positive light and in relation to Greek drama; a source of art, culture and history. Focusing on the two Greek dramas, Medea and Lysistrata which serve as my primary data, I demonstrate that the afore mentioned archetype is not a form of deviance, but a form of transgression that threatens the unbridled authority that patriarchy wields. Both dramas depict how the ‘Bitch-goddess’ functions in the patriarchal society as the dramas showcase the nature of the patriarchal society, in addition to the fact that they are produced in a patriarchal society. My approach is analytical and qualitative and focuses whether ‘Bitch-goddess’ is a ‘label’ that is utilized by the patriarchy to undermine the power of women with agency. Women who possess immense power and agency are labeled as ‘Bitchgoddesses’ and their actions which do not conform to that of normative gender roles are deemed as deviant and transgressive. Thus, the research reveals that patriarchy brands powerful and defiant women as ‘Bitch-goddesses’, as their transgression threatens patriarchy and challenges the absolute authority that the patriarchs possess. Keywords: Bitch-goddess; patriarchy; transgression
Copyright (c) 2020 Kaushalya Supun Gunarathne http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Study on the Practice of Witch-Hunting in Assam, An Ontology
The research paper studies witch beliefs and witch hunts practices that exist in the state of Assam. The study investigates the reasons behind the existence of such beliefs and practices. It also tries to locate the inter-linkages between witch beliefs and witch hunt at the same time. Additionally, the research looks at the benefits that people get from sustaining these beliefs and practices. In this paper, I propose an ontological framework of witch-hunting that provides a structured logic for policy intervention by streamlining the different perspective of tackling this problem. The ontology provides us a lens to captures the nature of the people in Assam where witch beliefs and witchcraft continue to exists, the common witch beliefs and its relationship with the witch-hunting practices; it examines the interconnections between mythological tales and the real scenario of witch beliefs and witch hunt, its association with violence, and anti-witch hunt awareness and sensitization. The ontology provides a systematic, systemic and symmetric approach to viewing the problem which can be extensively used to design a roadmap for a draft policy proposal
Witch-Hunt and Witchcraft Practice in Assam
Copyright (c) 2020 Devina Neogi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
COVID-19: Perceptions and Awareness among Women in Bangladesh
Abstract: The present study aims to get the perceptions, notions, and levels of knowledge of women in Bangladesh with regard to COVID-19 and to learn their cognizance as to how they prepare themselves or what kinds of initiatives they have taken to protect their families as well as themselves, as females are the true manager, caretaker of a family in terms of the cultural aspects of Bangladesh. To control the spread of COVID19, we should start with the family as this institution in fact energizes the state apparatus to deal with the situation more effectively. COVID-19, the ongoing pandemic ruling over the world has drastically changed the traditional look of the world. Most of the countries including the world's most powerful ones have been stifled by the pandemic. Bangladesh is no exception. Due to the diversity of the situation, the study found that most of the women in Bangladesh except a small portion do not have clear understanding of the pandemic and what to do in order to stay safe during Covid-19. What is worse a sizeable portion of them do not want to learn what is happening across the world. In this study, 70 respondents were selected randomly for conducting a sample survey to represent all the classes regardless of their education, work, and economy. Common statuses among the respondents were married. By using quantitative research methodology, a self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct the study. At present, the only way to get rid of this epidemic is through state initiatives as well as the consciousness of every citizen as there are currently no drugs or vaccines available for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Findings led to the conclusion that if initiatives can be taken to help them understand the gravity of COVID-19 Bangladesh, they can contribute to the government initiatives for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 by controlling their family and beyond.
Copyright (c) 2020 Kamrun Nahar http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
125,873,412 number of women are going through menopause in India. However, the impact of patriarchal structure reigns over every aspect of a women’s existence in Asia. From health and education to simple neglect in all aspects social or religious. From shaming the menstrual cycle to ignoring her menopausal cries for help, women are subjected to many pervasive discriminations. Gender bias exists in all rural and urban societies as a women’s wellbeing takes a backseat as she is not considered the prime provider for the family unit. Many women are not even aware of the symptoms of menopause. Symptoms are treated as a disease! A methodical approach whereby women across the spectrum of society were interviewed along with with their family members to get first-hand insight on women health-related issue in urban India. Secondary data was gathered through interviews conducted with medical practitioners and other free resources available on the world wide web. An urban-based campaign is designed within the academic parameters of Communication Design at ISDI, which seeks to educate society and women at large about the changes that can occur both on the conscious and subconscious level and how to deal with them. A holistic approach whereby educating society at large on a topic not discussed openly as society is handicapped by the male customized versions of “it being a women’s problem only”! Targeting this issue will benefit women in India and change mindsets of a regressive society which needs to address women related issues by adopting a healthy attitude.
Copyright (c) 2019 Author http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Implementation of Social Network in an Effort to Prevent and Handle Pregnancy and Childbirth Emergency in Karang Bajo Village, North Lombok, Indonesia
The reduction of maternal mortality remains the main focus of health development target of achievement in many parts of the world as the highest contribution of deaths occurred in developing countries. Social network system developed within community has obstacles in achieving target of maternal mortality reduction. This study used quantitative and qualitative approach. Sampling for each respondent and informant was done using purposive sampling method. Quantitative data collection was undertaken among 90 postpartum women, and 25 qualitative informants. Quantitative results shows attitude and behaviour of women: most women chose delivery at health facility (96.7%) with assistance by health professionals (100%). Almost all respondents received ANC (95.6%), mostly reported of having socialization and information on safe delivery. Result of in-depth interview among community members showed that strategy to overcome obstacles in social network is to include TBA in the social network, as well as report promptly if encounter difficulties in helping childbirth and using “tabulin” to overcome the economic problems of the family. The social network works by exploiting the potential that exists in the community agreed upon and built on initiation within the community itself and proven to be able to overcome various obstacles to prevent and handle the emergency of pregnancy and childbirth
Gender and Security – Female Military Service in Social Perspective – History, Present Days, Law and Communication
The article concerns the role of the women in national security on the women military service like example. The key point presentation are history and present circumstances of women military service. I plan present results my own research in this area. I have been researched this issues since 8 years. The army is the institution that has been created by man and for man from many ages. The women have been presented only in especially situation, like the lack of male resources, e.g. Second World War. But the situation has been changed; thanks feministic movement in United States. Nowadays, the women are minority in army. There are dominated masculine style of work and communication. It is connected with gender, culture, stereotypies and society`s mentality. The role of women in army is the projection of women`s role in society in every country. For many soldiers this situation is quite inconvenience because of sexual and gender diversity. They think about women as a problem because this needs a lot of changes in army and social mentality. But the research shows that there are places on the world where the female resources are necessity because the women are the only people who could contact with local civilians.
The Changing Dynamics of Gender in the Labour Market: A Jamaican Perspective
One of the barriers to human development is gender inequality. In many parts of the world there is a large concentration of females in non-technical service jobs, while their male counterparts are employed in more high skilled technical jobs which are associated with greater prestige and higher levels of remuneration. Nevertheless, the evidence points to a change in how gender roles are being perceived intergenerationally, at least in the case of Jamaica. Drawing on the findings from two studies (1997 and 2017) of lower and lower-middle income communities in Jamaica, along with a review of official statistics on the labour market, this paper discusses the extent to which perceptions of gender roles have remained stereotypical in regard to the household and the workplace. The paper concludes that while gender stereotypes persists the situation has been changing and gender roles are no longer seen as natural or immutable.
Copyright (c) 2019 Authors http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0