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The study aims to identify the forms of violence against women and girls with disabilities and their relationship to psychological well-being. The study used a descriptive approach with a correlational study design. We selected the study sample using stratified random sampling, which included 220 girls and women with physical and sensory disabilities aged 14 to 30 years from primary and secondary schools as well as universities in the Ajloun region of northern Jordan. We collected data using a scale for forms of violence (16 items) and a scale for psychological well-being (28 items) after verifying their validity and reliability in the Jordanian context. According to the study sample, the forms of violence against girls and women with disabilities were moderate. Familial violence ranked first and was at a high level, followed by societal violence at a moderate level, and self-assault ranked third at a moderate level. The results also showed that the overall level of psychological well-being and its six domains (self-acceptance, independence, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships with others, and purpose in life) among girls and women with disabilities were low. Additionally, there was a statistically significant negative correlational relationship between the forms of violence against girls and women with disabilities and psychological well-being. The study recommends counseling programs to train women and girls with disabilities on coping mechanisms for different forms of violence and improve their levels of psychological well-being. It also emphasizes raising awareness and societal culture towards women and girls with disabilities and reaffirming their right to live independently, freely, and with dignity by preserving their personal and human rights. Keywords: Jordan, Women and girls, Violence, Disabilities, Psychological well-being, Theoretical Background Some of the most pervasive violations of human rights are violence against girls and women which occurs daily, repeatedly in almost every society. Violence has serious short- and [...]

This paper examines the initiatives and policies implemented in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to protect Children of Determination (COD) from abuse and neglect. Despite global efforts to address child abuse, children with disabilities, referred to here as children of determination, remain particularly vulnerable. This paper explores the social framework, legal protections, prevention strategies, challenges, and necessary measures to ensure that such children are safe and empowered to protect themselves from abuse. The paper also explores approaches to enhancing the efficacy of the caregivers engaged with these children so that they can predict, prevent, and deal with incidents of abuse. Drawing upon qualitative research and data analysis, the study assesses the effectiveness of existing programmes and proposes a model for a child advocacy centre that promotes and implements best practices. The study adopts a qualitative approach to collect the views of ten social workers and parents of children of determination through in-depth interviews, and to analyse data, legislation, and initiatives related to the target population in the UAE. In particular, this study highlights the critical importance of protecting girl children from abuse, given that international research indicates that girls are more vulnerable to abuse than boys. Keywords: Disability, Abuse, Prevention, Empowerment, Rehabilitation, Social Policy, Children of Determination, UAE, Child rights, Girls' rights, Introduction International Views on the Abuse and Protection of Girls and Boys with Disabilities People around the world often refer to individuals with disabilities as 'differently abled,' highlighting their unique [...]

Women with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face unique challenges due to traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Despite these challenges, recent social policies in the UAE aimed at supporting people with disabilities have significantly improved their life satisfaction. This study explores the determinants of happiness for women with disabilities compared disabled men using data from the 2017 National Survey for Happiness and Positivity. Contrary to expectations, women with disabilities in the UAE have highest happiness scores compared to women without disabilities and men with/without disabilities. Furthermore, both women with and without disabilities consistently over score men with/without disabilities in happiness and life satisfaction levels in the UAE. In line with our assumption of higher women's vulnerability, we found that women with disabilities report lower levels of satisfaction with their physical health, mental health and their ability to perform daily life activities as well as they declare a bit higher anxiety level than men with disabilities. However, the scores' differences are not significant. At the same time, women with disabilities report higher levels of satisfaction with the health care facilities and social connections. These findings suggest that the UAE's inclusive policies and redesignation of people with disabilities as 'people of determination' may contribute to these high happiness levels. The study highlights the importance of tailored social policies and programs aimed at addressing the specific needs of women with disabilities, emphasizing social and healthcare support, and suggests that continued efforts in this area are yielding positive outcomes. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers to further enhance the wellbeing of women with disabilities, ensuring their full inclusion and empowerment in society. Keywords: Women's happiness, Disability, Predictors of wellbeing, Gender difference, UAE, Introduction The United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries (3), recently established a special term for people with disabilities, 'people of determination,' to emphasize their [...]

People with disabilities make up 16% of the world's population, an estimated 1.3 billion individuals. Because many people rely on the media to make sense of the world, a skewed perception of people with disabilities has become dominant in society today. People with disabilities are largely depicted in the media as deserving of pity and charity and always dependent on others for survival. The media provides us with narratives that we use to create interpretations of the world around us and, consequently, become bases of norms and attitudes about issues and persons around us. This paper studies Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries' news coverage of women with disabilities to gain insights into the kind of narratives the Gulf press constructs about them. Through a content analysis of national news agencies' news reports from Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this study reveals how Gulf media contributes to the consolidation of or liberation from established notions and perceptions about women with disabilities in Gulf society. Keywords: Women with disabilities, GCC countries, People of Determination, Integration, Empowerment, Introduction Human societies comprise multiple communities. We may belong to some communities but not to others. For the communities we do not belong to, we make sense of them through [...]

This study examines the representation of women living with disabilities in Shahira Al-Hassan's novel Cochlea's Secrets. This is an important endeavor as it highlights fiction's role in advocating for women with disabilities, particularly in the Arab region. Such a study is crucial for increasing awareness and support for women with disabilities, especially in literary writing. Also, worldwide readers can learn about the impact of Arab novelists in supporting women with disabilities. Fiction, like the media, plays a pivotal role in promoting the status of women living with disabilities and enhancing their societal role. By addressing this topic from the perspective of an Arab narrative, the study aims to highlight the contributions of Arab novels in addressing injustices against women living with disabilities and exploring opportunities for their empowerment. The research adopts a structural-formative approach by studying characters' psychological and social relationships within their environment. This approach aligns with the study's emphasis on understanding the portrayal of women with disabilities in the Arabic novel by examining the psychological impact of their interactions within society. The article also integrates a subjective narrative voice an explicit feminist methodology that validates lived experiences as both the personal and the political. Research in the Arab region remains incomplete thus leaving a gap in the understanding of the experiences of women with disabilities and their societal roles. A second feature of the research examines how this topic is portrayed in narratives by offering a fresh yet underappreciated perspective, namely Arab fiction's portrayal of women with disabilities, their psychological worlds, their suffering and obstacles, and their potential for sustainable growth. The paper also seeks to reveal how Arab novelistic innovation bridges the gender gap, eliminates discrimination, and ends violence against disabled women. It stresses the significance of empowering disabled women for Arab societies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by meeting their psychological and physical needs as one crucial dimension of sustainable development. Rehabilitation and empathizing with disabled women are crucial features of society's growth and in achieving gender justice. Keywords: Women with disabilities, Feminism, Fiction, Gender, Sustainability, Introduction Globally, more than one billion people have some form of disability. Women who are 18 years of age and older have a prevalence rate of 19.2% with 12 %of [...]

This study looks at the cultural, social, and legislative issues related to the experiences of disabled women in Libya, specifically in the cities of Benghazi and Al-Bayda. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the study explores the many barriers to the full integration of women with disabilities into society. Data were gathered using quantitative and qualitative methods, including formal questionnaires and direct involvement via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The sample was purposefully chosen to include women with a variety of disabilities between the ages of 18 and 33 and over, guaranteeing a complete representation of the target community. The findings indicate substantial impediments, such as social stigma, cultural prejudices, and legislative deficiencies, that prevent impaired women from attaining their goals and getting critical social assistance. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and implementing inclusive policies to empower disadvantaged women, calling for a cultural shift toward greater empathy and support for their rights and integration. By addressing these issues, the study aims to contribute to the development of more effective strategies and interventions for empowering impaired women in Libya. Keywords: Disabled women, Libya, Cultural challenges, Social obstacles, Legislative difficulties, Introduction In 1975, the United Nations adopted a policy of recognizing the rights of persons with disabilities and proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). This was [...]

The higher education system in Oman offers various services to support disabled students to create a positive relationship between students with disabilities, their families, and the community. Both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development share the responsibility of educating students with disabilities. However, women students with disabilities, particularly those with mobility disabilities, still face challenges within higher education institutions. While Omani law allows women with disabilities to pursue higher education, it is uncertain whether women students with mobility disabilities encounter difficulties in accessing education at higher education institutions. Notably, there have been no studies specifically exploring the challenges faced by women students with mobility disabilities in this context. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap and investigate the experiences of women students with mobility disabilities in higher education institutions. The study used a qualitative research approach and employed phenomenology methodology. Purposive sampling based on specific criteria and snowballing were used. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were performed with 15 women students with mobility disabilities enrolled in various higher educational institutions in North Batinah Governorate, Oman. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, leading to the emergence of three main themes: Educational constraints, physical constraints, and psychological constraints. Discrimination based on gender and disability was evident due to cultural and religious factors. These themes highlighted the challenges faced by women students with mobility disabilities in accessing education. The study also identified a significant connection between these themes, leading to the theory of resilience. Resilience is displayed by these women students when facing such challenges. Understanding the obstacles faced by women students with mobility disabilities in higher education institutions can aid policymakers in devising better approaches to offer support and services to these students in Oman. Additionally, this knowledge can help address deficiencies in educational facilities within Oman's higher education institutions. Keywords: Women students, Mobility disabilities, Higher education, Phenomenology, Oman, Introduction Disability is a broad term that includes physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental health varieties. It refers to any state of the body or mind that makes it challenging for [...]

The term 'People of Determination' (PODs), coined by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, refers to women and men with disabilities and is articulated and inspired by the country's history, culture, and traditions. This study aims to examine the constitutional and policy-oriented framework of PODs in terms of rights, services, and their integration process in UAE society. In so doing, it explores the UAE's perspective on PODs in terms of conceptualization, services, framework of empowerment, institutions, rehabilitation efforts, employment, and societal integration. Although the UAE is a federal state composed of seven emirates with federal institutions, each emirate has established a set of governmental and nongovernmental institutions that provide an integrated system of care, rehabilitation, skills-building, employment, and inclusionary and societal integration for PODs. The country is a pioneer in this area such that prominent international institutions have recognized its accomplishments and organized major world events such as the 2019 Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi. The first section of this study examines issues surrounding conceptualization and some relevant theoretical contributions to PODs. The second investigates the constitutional and legal framework of the UAE's POD paradigm. The third explains the UAE's narrative about PODs as well as the policy-oriented instruments, institutions, and mechanisms that have translated such narrative, values, and laws into practical policies and institutions. Finally, the paper discusses accomplishments, outcomes, and recommendations. The article as a whole demonstrates how future researchers and policymakers can contribute to a deeper engagement with issues of gender and disability to achieve intersectional gender and disability justices. Keywords: UAE, People of Determination, Gender, Disability, Services, Rehabilitation, Education, Protection mechanisms, Integration, Emiratis with Disability Act, UAE Constitution, National Plan for PODs, November 2024 Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that a staggering 1.3 billion people experience a significant level of disability, stating that every person will likely experience some disability [...]

This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of university students in the United Arab Emirates towards the marriage of people with disabilities. To achieve this goal, a sample of 396 students, consisting of 222 women and 174 men, was selected. All participants were administered a scale of 15 items built according to the closed-ended Likert. The results indicated a high level of positive attitudes towards this type of marriage. Furthermore, the results showed no statistically significant differences in attitudes attributed to variables such as gender and academic year, while there were statistically significant differences favoring students in scientific colleges over those in humanities colleges regarding academic specialization. The study also reflects a wider gendered analysis based on the field of Arab women with disabilities studies. This might help us to understand how the cultural and societal nature of these norms could impact ways in which students view marriage amongst people with disabilities thus providing more insights into an intersection between gender and disability within UAE. The study concluded with several recommendations, including that the UAE law on the rights of persons with disabilities must emphasize the right to marriage for persons with disabilities. Keywords: Marriage of people with disabilities, University students, Gender variable, Academic specialization, Introduction Family is a vital organ in the establishment and maintenance of societies as it facilitates relations and aims for compatibility among individuals in the community and is where children [...]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant advancements in women empowerment and has established legal frameworks to support people with disabilities, particularly women (People of Determination, POD). However, there is a notable lack of information regarding the career choices of Emirati Women of Determination (EWOD). This literature review aims to address this gap by examining the limited research on EWOD's career choices and the challenges they encounter. The societal stigma surrounding disabilities, especially with women, often results in underreporting which hinders data collection efforts. While existing research predominantly relies on qualitative methods, providing valuable insights, it lacks generalizability. This review underscores the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackle these obstacles. It examines and highlights educational institutions offering tailored career guidance and support services for POD, policymakers facilitating partnerships and developing targeted internship programs to bridge the education-employment gap, and organizations creating inclusive workplaces with accessibility modifications, flexible work arrangements, and continuous training opportunities. Future research should prioritize studies focused on EWOD's experiences, utilizing a mixed-methods approach and involving POD in the research process. Policymakers should invest in research on EWOD's career choices and design specialized educational initiatives. Collaboration among policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector is essential to establish seamless pathways for EWOD's career development. By addressing these knowledge gaps and implementing a combination of interventions, we can empower Emirati women with disabilities to make informed career decisions and reach their full potential. Keywords: Disability, Women, Arab women, Career decisions, Women with disabilities, UAE, Introduction In the early 1970s in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), women were expected to adhere to certain gender norms, such as childbearing, cooking, and cleaning. However, this began to [...]

The State of Kuwait has issued numerous legislations aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, including the State Constitution (1961), Law No. 49 of 1996 (articles 1-6), Law No. 8 of 2010 (articles 2, 3, 5, and 6), and various amendments to these laws. This article is based on a field study conducted to investigate the influence of national law on civil society organizations that support people with disabilities, with a focus on women with disabilities in the State of Kuwait. The researcher collaborated with the Kuwaiti Union of Women Associations and numerous public benefit groups, including the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club, Kuwait Society for the Handicapped, and the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences, to ask people with disabilities and those who assist them to complete a questionnaire based on the study topic. Notably, many of the study's participants were women with disabilities or advocates for women with disabilities. This article focuses on the gender-specific views and experiences gathered during the survey. The findings of the survey provided important insights into these respondents' thoughts on national legislation and its execution. Many participants identified specific issues and inadequacies in the present legislative framework, notably in how successfully these laws are adopted and enforced. This challenge of implementation was frequently discussed, with respondents providing extensive details of their experiences and views. Keywords: Kuwait, Women with disabilities, National legislation, Empowerment, Women's empowerment, Civil Society Organizations, Arab women, Introduction The State of Kuwait is distinguished among Arab countries by its legislative precedence to support individuals with disabilities, including women. According to statistics issued by the Public Authority for [...]

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's legal framework in promoting the rights of women and girls with disabilities through a comparative analysis with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Sweden's disability policies. Employing legislative texts and policy documents, the research identifies gaps and benchmarks against international norms to propose necessary enhancements. The findings indicate that while Saudi Arabia has established a comprehensive legal structure focused on non-discrimination, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation, there are significant shortcomings in enforcement and gender-specific protections. Recommendations include enhancing legal protections for gender-specific needs, improving enforcement mechanisms via independent monitoring bodies, expanding reasonable accommodation provisions, and fostering social inclusion policies. The study highlights the need for strategic implementation involving training, awareness initiatives, and international cooperation better to integrate girls and women with disabilities into Saudi society. Keywords: Women's rights, Persons with disabilities rights, Legal framework, Saudi Arabia, Accessibility, Gender equality, Gender and disability, Introduction Advancing the rights of women and girls with disabilities represents a critical intersection of gender and persons with disabilities (PWD) rights, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive policies and legal [...]

November 2024 This special issue of the Journal of International Women's Studies takes a broad look at issues of disability within the Arab world. Half of the papers address issues [...]

The typical applicant for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waits up to 30 days for benefits and for up to 45 days for Medicaid. Despite years of massive investments [...]

The Aligned Customer-Centered Ecosystem of Supports & Services (ACCESS) Initiative is a two-year initiative led by the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) in partnership with the National Association of [...]

We are living in a historic moment in which emerging technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the proliferation of Generative AI (Gen AI), are providing new opportunities for governments to [...]

In a transformational journey from replacement to reinvention, the New Mexico Medicaid Management Information System Replacement (MMISR) program is reimagining its Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) with a modular solution, [...]

In Smart Wife: Why Siri, Alexa, and Other Smart Home Devices Need a Feminist Reboot, Yolande Strengers, an associate professor of digital technology and society in the Emerging Technologies Research [...]

'These imperatives within a transnational framework address global, national and local sites in activism and deepen understandings of Africana people's political labour through theatre and performance.' (Shakes 166) The last [...]

Lola's War by Olivera Simic explores the narrative of a woman who suffers the harsh consequences of an ineffective transitional justice system. This book is the result of a longitudinal, [...]

'Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men. They describe it from their own point of view, which they confuse with the absolute truth' (de [...]

How does militarism affect women's presence in the political process? Through a focus on the Republic of Armenia during the period 1990-2020, we examine the puzzle of women's political representation. The country's legacy of communist-era ideology of women's equality, its democratic transition, women's high levels of educational attainment and labor force participation, and the 2007 gender quota adoption should have served to place Armenia in the top 50 countries in women's political representation. Yet for two decades, the country appeared low on international rankings of women's political empowerment. To unpack this puzzle, we revisit two strands of the women-and-war literature--one that ties militarism to the dominance of men, and one that finds increases in women's parliamentary representation in the aftermath of conflict. We find that both have merit. Armenia's long history of conflict with Azerbaijan and high military spending have reproduced traditional gender roles, including a militarized masculinity which favors men in positions of political power. The devastating 2020 war, however, may have helped turn the tide that began earlier with constitutional reforms in 2015, elections in 2017, and anti-government protests in 2018. A new gender quota dramatically enhanced women's political representation. Drawing on socio-economic and political indicators as well as documentary and interview data, our paper contributes to literatures on women, gender, and conflict; on patterns and variations in women's political representation; and on women in Armenia. Future research could examine the direction of gendered political change following the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan's unilateral military action in September 2023. Keywords: Armenia, Political representation, Militarization, War, Gender equality, Gender quotas, Women in politics, Introduction In April 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, war broke out between the forces of two former Soviet republics, Armenia and Azerbaijan, over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, an [...]

Mahasweta Devi: Writer, Activist, Visionary offers illuminating resources on the eponymous writer and cultural figure. The editor, Radha Chakravarty, is a noted critic and translator, as well as a former [...]

Since the inception of humanity, the body has always held great significance for understanding the self and the societal structure in which it exists. Michel Foucault, in The History of [...]

Even though numerous studies in the past have taken up the gendered politics of the Turkish modernization and secularization project, none have delved into the affective economy around divination and [...]

Nadine Strossen in Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex, and the Fight for Women's Rights highlights her feminist perspective concerning the protection conferred to pornography under the First Amendment. The book, [...]

The Hollywood industrial complex was developed and has been maintained with assistance from celebrity publications like People, The National Enquirer, and Us Weekly. These magazines are usually seen as ancillary [...]

When analyzing Pakistan's current media scene, toxic masculinity in Pakistani television dramas is essential to discuss. This study explores portrayals of toxic masculinity and how women characters respond to them within Pakistani television series. Furthermore, this study is closely aligned with UNSDG 5 to promote gender equality by critically analyzing media representations and societal norms. A qualitative content analysis was used to address this issue. This research aligns with the social cognitive theory that suggests that individuals learn and adapt their behaviors by observing others. It examined the behavioral patterns of the main characters by highlighting toxic actions across the selected drama series. Moreover, this study aligns with feminist media theory of gender roles by offering an in-depth analysis of how masculinity is represented and normalized within these shows. This theory examines how gender roles are assigned to men and women in media, and whether these portrayals challenge or reinforce existing cultural norms associated with men's behavior. This study gathered data from four popular drama series aired on private channels from 2019 to 2022 that were chosen for their widespread acclaim and numerous awards. The outcomes revealed recurring themes of destructive masculinity featured in these dramas, including various forms of violence, depictions of toxic men and passive women, and unhealthy romantic relationships. Keywords: Toxic masculinity, Television dramas, Gender dynamics, Pakistan, Feminist media theory, Introduction Television dramas are critical in shaping culture and social perceptions, particularly gender roles. This is particularly the case for Pakistani television as these dramas have a large audience and [...]

This research aims to investigate the dynamics of gender roles by focusing on the standpoint of women users of the feminist dating app Bumble. This app has emerged in Indonesia as one of the most popular platforms to meet potential partners, and it has provided a unique setting to examine how traditional and evolving gender roles manifest in online dating. By first analyzing women users' behaviors, preferences, and interactions, this study sheds light on how gender roles and cultural norms influence the dating experience in the digital realm. Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten dating app users to gain deeper insights into their experiences, and the results were analyzed using the phenomenology method. This qualitative component explores the subjective perceptions, expectations, and challenges associated with gender roles in the dating app context. The study's findings illuminate the evolution of dating dynamics in Indonesia and reveal notable shifts in the dating landscape. Challenges such as 'ghosting' and 'relationshopping' emerge, which underscore the nuanced interplay of agency and hesitancy in the quest for meaningful connections. While Bumble empowers women users, it also highlights the delicate balance between newfound agency, societal expectations, and emotional vulnerabilities. These findings highlight the need for future research to consider diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, demographic ranges, and regional variations. Continual investigation is imperative to monitor the evolving nature of dating apps and their impact on societal norms amidst technological advancements and shifting social contexts. Keywords: Feminist standpoint, Gender role, Dating, Feminist dating apps, Online dating, Indonesia, Introduction Internet dating apps first appeared in the mid-nineties (Phan et al., 2021; Brooks, 2011), and more recently, especially during the pandemic, have become an increasingly popular way to find [...]

Recently, the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan banned all beauty parlors, stating cultural reasons that the existence of such parlors violates the tenets of Islam. They also cited another reason for shutting down beauty parlors: that it puts an unnecessary financial burden on a groom's family during marriages. The paper analyzes the policy decision by the Taliban government in light of the public-private divide, theories of Islamic feminism, and feminist understanding of the beauty industry. The author argues that sole application of either a feminist critique of the public-private divide or a feminist critique of beauty ideals fails to provide a holistic and a cogent solution to the problem faced by women in beauty industries all over the world, especially in Taliban-led Afghanistan. The paper also analyzes the ways in which Islamic feminism can better capture such inconsistencies and thereby provide an inclusive solution to the pertaining issues. Keywords: Islamic feminism, Beauty industry, Public-private divide, Beauty parlors, Patriarchy, Taliban, Afghanistan, Introduction In July 2023, the Taliban government in Afghanistan passed an order banning all beauty parlors as such bodies are against the tenets of Islam and prove to be burdensome [...]

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth climate change report in early 2022. For the first time in thirty years, this report acknowledged colonial domination and global exploitation as drivers of the climate issue and contributors to the vulnerability of communities and groups. Colonialism, climate change, and women's vulnerability are rarely discussed in the available literature. A scoping review was done to determine how colonialism makes women more vulnerable to climate change and related disasters. The study examined when and how colonialism increases women's vulnerability in the Global North and South. Through the study, it was found that colonialism's effects vary by situation. Women are often more vulnerable as a result of racism and societal norms inherited from the colonial era. With the aid of this research summary, future studies will be able to lessen women's long-term vulnerability to disasters caused by climate change. Further, this study emphasizes the need to understand each area's social dynamics, which can make it hard for some communities to adapt to climate change. A postcolonial lens may help to comprehend these relationships and address individual susceptibility. A fairer and more climate-resilient society can be built by acknowledging colonialism's legacy and its impact on present-day vulnerabilities. Keywords: Colonialism, Climate change, Women, Vulnerability, Societal dynamics, Postcolonial lens, Introduction: Locating the Problem The historical legacies of exploitation, resource extraction, and power inequalities continue to have a lasting impact on the world today as a result of colonialism, which [...]

Facing the Mirror: Lesbian Writing from India (1999), edited by Ashwini Sukthankar, anthologizes short personal writing and fictional pieces, memoirs, poems, essays, letters and more, all produced by Indian women-loving-women (WLW) (an umbrella term for women with queer sexualities and romantic interests in women). The back cover of the book is blazoned with the quote: 'A groundbreaking book where lesbians found their voice for the first time.' Even more than twenty years after its publication, there is not much scholarship on this book despite it being one of the first few publications to assert and embody the existence of a community of Indian queer women. This paper intends to explore how this collection uses (lesbian) 'writing' as a representative strategy to address the limits of the universalized paradigm of 'lesbian' desires. To this end, the paper will employ the Derridean concept of 'arche-writing' and argue that this anthology becomes an arche-writing of Indian female queer subjects who speak/write/narrate in both homodiegetic (first-person) and heterodiegetic (third-person) narratives. Citing some of these pieces from this anthology, the paper will argue that 'lesbian writing' is not merely a collection of literal writings but a concept of writing that directly embodies the material existence, experiences, voices, desires and bodies of WLW of India. This paper will also argue that through queering or deconstructing the notion of writing as fixed, the anthology destabilizes and queers the fixed understanding of the subjectivities of queer women and lesbians. Keywords: Lesbian, Queer, Writing, Arche-writing, Derridean theory, Deconstruction, Lesbian writing, Introduction Life narratives, fictional pieces, poetry, and several other non-fictional writings make up Facing the Mirror: Lesbian Writing from India (1999), a collection that embodies Indian lesbian subjectivity. Facing the [...]

In this article, I reflect on the APA citation practice of using last names and initials in references for psychological research. This practice reduces authors to their last names in the guise of gender-neutrality, thus making women and gender non-binary authors invisible despite being cited. Decades after Nancy Russo's commentary recommending the use of first names along with last names, there have been no changes in APA style, while other citation styles have incorporated the practice of using first names and last names in references to address this issue. In the changing global socio-cultural landscape that acknowledges gender fluidity, including first names and gender pronouns in end references and in-text citations can be one of the ways of making women and non-binary authors' works more visible in the field of Psychology or other disciplines that use APA style. Keywords: Citation, Gender pronouns, Feminist praxis, Psychology, APA style, Non-binary people, Introduction Recently, when I was talking to a group of undergraduate Psychology students in one of the colleges in Bengaluru, India, I asked them to name a few psychologists, and [...]

This study uses an integrated multidimensional lens to investigate the ongoing issue of domestic gender-based violence (DGBV) against women in conflict areas of Yemen, with a specific focus on the city of Taiz. Yemeni society has historically operated within a framework emphasizing traditional gender roles, which can unfortunately lead to situations where women bear the brunt of societal pressures and misattributed blame. Against this backdrop, this study explores the nature and causes of violence faced by Yemeni women during the period 2021-2023, as well as the role of Islam in addressing and curbing violence against women in Muslim societies. Through applying a qualitative approach involving triangulation and utilizing qualitative data analysis software, namely ATLAS, this study integrates primary data derived from interviews with affected women and secondary data sourced from humanitarian organizations, including Bena Charity for Human Development (BCHD), Nahada Youth for Marginalized Development (NYMD) and Civic Center for Advocacy and Support (CCAS) in Yemen. To illuminate the causes and dynamics of this violence, the analysis draws on Auda's (2008, 2022) concept of maqasid al-shari'ah, the socioecological approach (Heise, 1998), social cognitive theory (SCT) (Bandura, 1986; Bandura, 2001), feminist insights on patriarchy, and the power and control wheel concept (Dobash & Dobash, 1979; Walker, 1980; Pence & Paymar, 1993). The findings unveil an alarming escalation of violence in Taiz. This study reveals the multifaceted factors contributing to the high domestic gender-based violence (DGBV) index during the Yemeni war period. By examining the complex factors involved, this study provides a comprehensive prototype for policymakers and organizations to address and prevent violence in Yemen's conflict areas, safeguarding women's rights, advancing gender equality, and fostering social justice within Yemen and potentially in broader Arab contexts. Keywords: Domestic gender-based violence (DGBV), Humanitarian organizations, Maqasid al-shari'ah, Yemen, ATLAS, Introduction Yemen, as a lower-income country, faces significant socioeconomic challenges, exacerbated by one of the highest poverty rates in the Arab world, as well as an extensive gender disparity in [...]

This article explores the development of the #ArewaMeToo movement in Northern Nigeria. The study is contextualized within the theory of transnational feminism to argue that digital practices among non-Western women are more than merely a technological advancement and are significantly attuned to the socio-political climate of their societies. Therefore, as the #MeToo movement which began in the West goes global, women in Northern Nigerian have found a space to effect social change by resisting socio-cultural practices that challenge their social agency. Using the interview method, we articulate the uniqueness of #ArewaMeToo as a movement that is rooted in specific sociocultural challenges of Nigerian society. We also contend that ethnographic studies produce robust data to understand cultural specificity and enable solutions to address the problems raised by the movement. Keywords: #ArewaMeToo, Northern Nigeria, Sexual violence, Women, Digital feminism, Introduction With the advent of the global #MeToo movement that started in the United States in 2017, many women across the world have localized the protest to address similar problems [...]

Film Information Title: How to Sue the Klan Director/Producer: John Beder Producers: Benjamin Crump & Raji Ramanathan Release Year: 2024 Length: 33 minutes Genre: Documentary Original language: English Educational Distributor: [...]

Film Information Film title: What's Love Got to Do with It? Director: Shekhar Kapur Producers: Nicky Kentish Barnes, Jemima Khan, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner Release Year: 2022 Length: 108 minutes [...]

We are proud to present this regular issue of the JIWS which addresses a diverse array of Gender Studies topics including lesbian writing, menstruation, abortion, online dating, beauty culture, gender [...]

The issue of menstrual health management (MHM) is a significant concern that has garnered attention from menstrual activists due to its profound impact on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of menstruators. This study delves into how menstruators navigate their SRH in India by examining how they adhere to traditional menstrual practices to uphold concealment norms and the politics of social respectability. The aim of the study was to analyze menstrual practices, explore the socio-cultural factors shaping the choice of menstrual products, and assess awareness regarding the toxicity of disposable menstrual products. The findings indicate that a product-centric approach to menstrual management contributes to negative menstrual narratives, thus reinforcing self-surveillance and a sense of detachment from one's own body. The study advocates for dispelling the notion of menstrual blood impurity perpetuated by the menstrual product industry and instead encourages the acceptance of reusable menstrual products as a means to promote both a healthy sense of self and contribute to a sustainable future. Keywords: Menstrual hygiene, Menstrual products, Sexual and reproductive health, Sustainability, Bodily shame, Introduction The issue of menstrual health management (MHM) is a crucial concern that has attracted the attention of menstrual activists due to its substantial impact on a menstruator's sexual and [...]

Anti-abortion regulation and criminalization in Nigeria raises questions about religious, societal, and cultural dispositions to abortion. If one defers to religious and cultural norms that are against abortion, what remains are concerns about discrimination based on gender, age, and economic status. At the regional level, the focus of abortion activism has consistently been on the legal justification for permitting abortion on recognized grounds, particularly under the African Women Protocol, known as the Maputo Protocol. This work analyzes socio-economic grounds for legal justifications for permitting abortion, focusing on how inequality and discrimination can shape the regulation and governance of abortion, especially within developing and highly gender-unequal societies like Nigeria. This paper argues that the systematic maternal deaths resulting from unsafe abortions are avoidable as they stem from social status and an unequal distribution of economic resources. This paper adopts the theory of feminist intersectionality by Crenshaw to expose how inequities on multiple grounds contribute to ineffective reproductive governance, especially concerning abortion in Nigeria. It discusses the potential application of international and regional human rights instruments, especially the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, and challenges in implementing their provisions within Nigerian reproductive rights jurisprudence. It identifies the doctrine of 'Dual Publics' by Peter Ekeh and effects of legal pluralism on the regulation of abortion in Nigeria. It also draws lessons from similar treatment of such issues by the relevant human right bodies through their constituent instruments, case-laws, and jurisprudence. The paper argues that adopting an equality or intersectional approach to address the complexities surrounding abortion in Nigeria holds immense potential for mitigating the historical, legal, and cultural challenges that women face in accessing reproductive healthcare services. Keywords: Abortion, Intersectionality, Equality, Dual publics, Legal pluralism, Nigeria, Introduction The reproductive rights of women have been at the forefront of the feminist agenda in recent times (Ngwena & Durojaye, 2014), but they are often framed with privileged women [...]

This paper aims to analyze gender representation in English for Nursing 1: Vocational English Course Book (Ros et al., 2012) used to teach English for Specific Purposes courses to nursing students at the University of Buraimi in Oman. Quantitative and qualitative content analyses were used to investigate the following categories: images, occupational roles, names, pronouns, and gender firstness. Study findings show that women, in general, are more visible than men in the following categories: images, gender firstness, terms of address, and names. Pronouns are the only category in which men outnumbered women. Although traditional gender norms in the workplace are still evident in the textbook in some categories, this study shows that the gender gap between men and women is closing. The current study's findings provide a light of hope for gender balance in school textbooks. Gender equality should be a top focus for textbook authors and designers. Keywords: Education, Textbooks, Gender bias, Gender balance, Education, Nursing, Oman, Arab/Islamic world, Introduction Gender representation in textbooks is important to analyze to develop a critical understanding of gender and its impact on society (Lee, 2018; Tajeddin & Enayat, 2010). Gender representation in [...]

Film Information: Title: Salaam Venky [The Last Hurrah] Director: Revathi Producers: Connekkt Media, Suraj Singh, Shraddha Agrawal, Varsha Kukreja Release Year: 2022 Duration: 131 minutes Genre: Drama Original Language: Hindi [...]

Among traditional fishing families in coastal village areas in Indonesia, women play a strategic role in improving the business they are engaged in and their families' welfare. This study aimed to examine the role and involvement of women in the empowerment and improvement of the welfare of poor, traditional fishing families in coastal areas. This study employed a quantitative research method with a descriptive research type. In addition to collecting data from the results of a survey of 500 respondents, this study also collected qualitative data from the results of in-depth interviews with 25 informants. Women in traditional fishing families play a significant role in supporting the family's financial stability by doing side jobs within or outside the fisheries sector. They have become more empowered, seeking various types of work to support the family's economy. Unfortunately, they do not have long-term goals for the work in which they are involved. Most women in traditional fishing families face obstacles such as capital acquisition, marketing issues, and a strong patriarchal culture that has hampered their work opportunities and developing businesses. Keywords: Fisherwomen, Traditional fishing, Coastal communities, Family welfare, Indonesia, Women's economic empowerment, Introduction Among traditional fishing families in coastal village areas of Indonesia, women play a strategic role in increasing the welfare of the business they are engaged in, even though the [...]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the position of women in Terengganu's copra industry between 1900 and 1941. Coconut is one of the major crops traditionally farmed in Terengganu, and during this time period, excess coconuts were dried, smoked, and grated to become copra. In Terengganu, the copra sector was intimately linked to women, who were innovators creating a variety of coconut-based food and non-food products, including soap, cooking oil, traditional desserts, and more. Nevertheless, prior studies have mostly disregarded the creative role that women played in Terengganu's copra sector during this time. Studies on women from Terengganu have instead concentrated on handicrafts, rice farming, commerce, and fishing. This historical study highlights women's creative innovation and also examines the importance of copra as a crucial export commodity of the state. In addition to secondary sources, primary sources for this project included archival files from the State Secretary of Terengganu, CO 840/1 (Terengganu Administrative Reports, 1910-1930), CO. 840/2 (Terengganu Administrative Reports, 1931-1940), the National Archives of Malaysia, and the National Archives of Kew Garden in London. The results show that in the early 20th century, Malay women made noteworthy contributions to Terengganu's copra sector. As a result, the Terengganu government acknowledged the production of copra as a vital export during this period. Keywords: Malay women, Terengganu, Copra industry, Early-20th-century Malaya, Working women, Agriculture, Cottage Industries, Introduction This paper discusses the historical roles of women in the early-20th-century economy of the Malay Peninsula. It highlights the traditional division of tasks between men and women while emphasizing [...]

In Hong Kong, Indonesian migrant domestic workers (IMDWs) are forced to leave behind young children in their home country. Often spending the majority of their time in their employer's households, they must manage their limited personal time to maintain connections with their families back home. Many women IMDWs try to overcome distance limitations by performing transnational mothering using any available media to reach their children and to manage and witness their development. By using communication tools such as Internet-mediated calls for distance nurturing, they are able to keep up with their children's lives and monitor day-to-day developments. This research examines the role of communication technologies with an emphasis on the use of social media by women IMDWs in maintaining connections with their families back home. It examines the role social media plays in caregiving for women IMDWs, for whom the family and children's wellbeing back home are one of their most important concerns. This research incorporates netnography, which aims to understand online social interactions. The research was conducted from 2013 to 2019 physically in Hong Kong and through virtual channels. The findings indicate how social media is used as an emotional outlet by women IMDWs in Hong Kong, and how emotional care can be maintained to empower the migrant mothers. Social media and information and communication technology (ICT) have greatly improved channels of communication for IMDWs and created a new space of intimacy. Yet social media also has the possibility of creating tensions and anxiety for IMDWs. Keywords: Migrant, Mothers, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Netnography, Social Media, Introduction Migrant laborers and their activities in their host country cannot be separated from issues of gender. Migration is heavily gendered and most Indonesian migrant domestic workers (IMDWs) in Hong [...]

The rapid advancement of information and communication technology affects many aspects of women's lives. One aspect is social media which provides freedom of expression. However, women are vulnerable to becoming victims of online crime. This study sought to reveal the forms of gender-based cyber violence experienced by Indonesian women, its impact on victims, and strategies for protecting victims of gender-based cyber violence (GBCV). This study employed qualitative research methods. Informants in this study were 98 women students who experienced gender-based cyber violence. This study found various forms of GBCV experienced by victims, including being sent pornographic videos or links, invited to chat or video chat sex, invited to engage in online prostitution (Open Booking Online), forced to engage in pornographic content, asked to post a picture of the body, and threatened that a personal video will be shared to the public. Gender-based cyber violence is often accompanied by violence that victims directly experience in the real world, since most of the perpetrators are ex-boyfriends or current boyfriends. This study found that, in addition to experiencing GBCV, victims also experienced physical and/or verbal sexual violence or harassment including whistling, groping, teasing, non-consensual caressing or hugging, rape and forced sex, hearing comments about their appearance, being sent photos of sexual body parts via social media, being told jokes with sexual overtones, engaging in video chat sex, being abused while sleeping, threatened with death, cursed at, videotaped having sex, and forced to drink alcohol. Gender-based cyber violence has a negative impact with varying degrees of severity. For this reason, efforts involving various parties are needed to eliminate GBCV and all forms of gender-based violence. The handling and prevention efforts carried out by various state institutions in Indonesia also need to be supported by other parties, for example, NGOs, schools, communities, and families. The study concludes by discussing various models of protection strategies for victims of GBCV. Keywords: Gender-based cyber violence, Violence against women, Protection of victims of violence, Gender equality, Introduction The rapid advancement of information and communication technology affects many aspects of women's lives. One aspect is social media which allows women to express themselves freely. However, women are [...]