Search results

1 – 10 of 165
Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Yahya Skaf, Zouhour El Abiad, Hani El Chaarani, Sam El Nemar and Demetris Vrontis

This paper aims to examine how gender diversity and women’s empowerment influence the performance of family entrepreneurships and explores the role of firm characteristics as a…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how gender diversity and women’s empowerment influence the performance of family entrepreneurships and explores the role of firm characteristics as a moderating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a structured questionnaire as the survey tool to collect data from 91 women managers working in family entrepreneurships, which originated from entrepreneurial initiatives, located in various Lebanese regions. The validity of the construct was assumed using the fitness of extracted index, incremental fit-index, non-normal fit-index, root mean square of residuals and standard root mean square residual. Composite reliability, Cronbach's alpha and value confirmatory factor analysis were used to measure the internal consistency. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method.

Findings

This study reveals that gender equality, education level and family support significantly affect women's empowerment while an insignificant association was found between empowerment and earning social status and achieving financial independence. This paper also showed a significant interaction between women’s empowerment and the performance of family entrepreneurships. Additionally, the results showed that women holding managerial positions in family entrepreneurships is positively associated with firm performance. Finally, it was concluded that the location of the family firm moderates the relationship between gender diversity and firm performance.

Originality/value

This research contributes to theory and practice regarding the role of women in family entrepreneurships and sheds light on gender differences influencing family entrepreneurships and women empowerment issues.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2023

Rabia Naguib and Muznah Madeeha

Despite several policies in the Arab Gulf States aimed at promoting women’s empowerment through employment, women’s career progress has not met the expected gains. Workplace…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite several policies in the Arab Gulf States aimed at promoting women’s empowerment through employment, women’s career progress has not met the expected gains. Workplace empowerment is a critical aspect of women’s economic empowerment. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the factors that contribute to workplace empowerment for women in the Qatari public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a mixed-methods approach to explore workplace empowerment among female civil servants in the State of Qatar. The study combines surveys (N = 310) and interviews (N = 30) and uses an inductive thematic approach that considers women’s narratives as the primary source of knowledge construction.

Findings

The authors’ findings strongly suggest that perception-related factors have a more significant impact on workplace empowerment than structural ones. The results indicate that feelings of disempowerment are influenced by perceptions of gender-based discrimination, poor relationships with supervisors and dissatisfaction with work–life balance. Women feel empowered when they have access to decision-making opportunities and perceive that their workplace supports their professional growth and advancement.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper focuses solely on women’s perceptions, additional research is necessary to compare the experiences of both men and women regarding workplace empowerment. While individual and organizational factors were examined in this paper, future studies should also consider societal factors. The results highlight the importance of equal and supportive organizational practices and cultures to foster empowerment among women in the workplace, providing valuable insights for policymakers.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a critical research gap on the intersection of gender, work and management in the Middle East. It responds to the need for more diverse contextual research on Arab women’s work experiences and provides methodological diversity by using an exploratory, mixed-methods design with a grounded approach. The study highlights the interaction between structural and psychological factors, emphasizing the gap between policies and resources and women’s lived experiences and perceptions of workplace empowerment.

Details

Gender in Management: An International Journal , vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2413

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 April 2024

Benjian Wu, Linyi Niu, Ruiqi Tan and Haibo Zhu

This study explores whether targeted microcredit can effectively alleviate households’ multidimensional relative poverty (MdRP) in rural China in the new era following the poverty…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores whether targeted microcredit can effectively alleviate households’ multidimensional relative poverty (MdRP) in rural China in the new era following the poverty elimination campaign and discusses it from a gendered perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a fixed-effects model, propensity score matching (PSM) and two-stage instrumental variable method to two-period panel data collected from 611 households in rural western China in 2018 and 2021 to explore the effects, mechanisms and heterogenous performance of targeted microcredit on households’ MdRP in the new era.

Findings

(i) Targeted microcredit can alleviate MdRP among rural households in the new era, mainly by reducing income and opportunity inequality. (ii) Targeted microcredit can promote women’s empowerment, mainly by enhancing their social participation, thereby helping alleviate households’ MdRP. The effect of the targeted microcredit on MdRP is more significant in medium-educated women households and non-left-behind women households. (iii) The MdRP alleviation effect is stronger in villages with a high degree of digitalization.

Research limitations/implications

Learn from the experience of targeted microcredit. Accurately identify poor groups and integrate loan design into financial health and women empowerment. Particularly, pay attention to less-educated and left-behind women households and strengthen coordination between targeted microcredit and digital village strategies.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the effect of targeted microcredit on women’s empowerment and households’ MdRP alleviation in the new era. It also explores its various effects on households with different female characteristics and regional digitalization levels, providing ideas for optimizing microcredit.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Tanushree Mahato and Manish Kumar Jha

This study aims to assess the impact of participation in self-help group (SHG) on the psychological empowerment of rural tribal women.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the impact of participation in self-help group (SHG) on the psychological empowerment of rural tribal women.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected using multistage random sampling from the rural women of Jharkhand, India. The propensity score matching method was adopted using the psmatch2 command in STATA.

Findings

The results show a significant positive change in women’s self-esteem, self-confidence, self-efficacy, autonomy, knowledge and skills, reduction in agony and quality of life after participation in SHG. This reveals that participation in SHG has a significant positive impact on the psychological empowerment of rural tribal women.

Originality/value

Despite the numerous studies on rural women’s empowerment, there is little evidence of literature focusing on the impact of participation in SHG on psychological empowerment, specifically in the tribal context. This study primarily focuses on women belonging to the scheduled tribe category of Jharkhand, one of the poorest states of India.

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2023

Fani Efthymiadou and Anna Farmaki

This review paper aims to contribute to the growing literature on women empowerment in tourism by identifying knowledge gaps that may offer opportunities for further research.

Abstract

Purpose

This review paper aims to contribute to the growing literature on women empowerment in tourism by identifying knowledge gaps that may offer opportunities for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of the literature on women empowerment in tourism was conducted.

Findings

The review reveals four knowledge gaps in relation to methodology, geographical location, study context and theoretical framework adopted. Pertinent research includes mostly qualitative research with a focus on non-Western geographical locations. Studies examined women empowerment in relation to alternative tourism forms with several not adopting a theoretical framework. Based on these gaps, suggestions for further research are made.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper does not aim at providing an exhaustive review of the gender literature, it highlights the narrow focus placed on women empowerment in tourism and suggests avenues for further research.

Originality/value

Women empowerment has only recently begun to attract attention in tourism. This paper adds to extant knowledge on gender tourism studies by suggesting ways to achieve gender equality for sustainable development.

目的

本综述旨在通过确定可能为进一步研究提供机会的知识差距, 对旅游业中妇女赋能的文献做出贡献。

设计/方法/方法

对关于在旅游业中赋予妇女权利的文献进行了批判性综述。

研究发现

在研究方法、地理位置、研究情境和所采用的理论框架方面, 本综述揭示了四个知识差距。相关研究主要包括关注非西方地理位置的定性研究。研究检验了与其他旅游形式有关的妇女赋权问题, 其中有几项研究没有采用理论框架。基于这些差距提出进一步研究的建议。

研究局限/影响

虽然本文的目的不是对性别文献进行详尽的审查, 但它强调了对旅游业中妇女赋能的狭隘关注, 并提出了进一步研究的途径。

独创性/价值

妇女赋能最近才开始在旅游业引发关注。本文通过提出实现可持续发展的性别平等的途径, 拓展了性别旅游研究的现有知识。

Objetivo

El objetivo de este trabajo de revisión es contribuir a las crecientes publicaciones sobre el empoderamiento de la mujer en el turismo, identificando la brecha de conocimiento que puede ofrecer oportunidades para futuros estudios.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se llevó a cabo una revisión crítica de la bibliografía sobre el empoderamiento de la mujer en el turismo.

Resultados

El análisis revela cuatro brechas de conocimiento con relación a la metodología, situación geográfica, contexto de estudio y el marco teórico adoptado. La presente investigación incluye en su mayoría estudios cualitativos centrado en las localizaciones geográficas no occidentales. Los estudios examinaron el empoderamiento de la mujer con relación a las formas de turismo alternativo, y varios de ellos no adoptaron un marco teórico. A partir de estas lagunas, se hacen sugerencias para futuras investigaciones.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

Aunque este artículo no pretende ofrecer una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura sobre género, pone de relieve la escasa atención prestada al empoderamiento de la mujer en el turismo y sugiere vías para futuras investigaciones.

Originalidad/valor

El empoderamiento de la mujer sólo ha empezado a ser objeto de atención en el turismo recientemente. Este artículo se suma a los conocimientos existentes sobre estudios turísticos de género al sugerir vías para lograr la igualdad de género en aras del desarrollo sostenible.

Book part
Publication date: 15 April 2024

M. Rezaul Islam

This chapter discusses various aspects of family planning initiatives on a global scale, with a specific focus on their influence in Asian contexts, including Bangladesh. This…

Abstract

This chapter discusses various aspects of family planning initiatives on a global scale, with a specific focus on their influence in Asian contexts, including Bangladesh. This chapter examines the diverse range of family planning programs and policies implemented worldwide, in Asia and Bangladesh considering cultural factors that significantly shape family planning decisions. By highlighting the unique approaches and challenges faced in different regions, it provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of family planning efforts and their impact on population dynamics.

Details

Family Planning and Sustainable Development in Bangladesh: Empowering Marginalized Communities in Asian Contexts
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-165-2

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 April 2024

M. Rezaul Islam

This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of global demographic trends and challenges, specifically focusing on Asian countries and the demographic landscape of…

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of global demographic trends and challenges, specifically focusing on Asian countries and the demographic landscape of Bangladesh. This chapter highlights the implications of rapid population growth, aging populations, and urbanization, analyzing their socioeconomic impacts on education, healthcare, and employment. By contextualizing these trends within the broader framework of sustainable development, this chapter sets the stage for understanding the intricate relationship between population dynamics and the empowerment of marginalized communities through family planning strategies.

Details

Family Planning and Sustainable Development in Bangladesh: Empowering Marginalized Communities in Asian Contexts
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-165-2

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 November 2023

Rahma Isaack Adam, Farha Deba Sufian and Lucy Njogu

Women’s empowerment remains a key development challenge in Kenya. The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the status of women’s empowerment and the key contributors…

Abstract

Purpose

Women’s empowerment remains a key development challenge in Kenya. The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the status of women’s empowerment and the key contributors to their disempowerment in Kenya’s aquaculture sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 534 male and female fish farmers from 300 households drawn from six counties in Kenya (Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Kiambu, Meru and Nyeri). The Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI) was adapted to Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries and Aquaculture Index (A-WEFI) to suit the aquaculture and fisheries sub-sector. The adapted A-WEFI was then used to estimate and the status of women’s and men’s using five domains of empowerment (5DE) and a gender parity index (GPI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cramer’s V and sensitivity analysis as test statistics.

Findings

About 86% of the men and 80% of the women were classified as empowered. The mean score of the 5DE was 0.93 and 0.95 for women and men, respectively. In addition, 82% of the households achieved gender parity, suggesting that for such households, empowerment of men was no greater than that of women. Overall, the results suggest no major differences between the empowerment of women and men. Findings suggest areas of improvement in empowerment: when observed separately, women report lack of agency in production, resource, time-use and allocation and leadership.

Originality/value

This paper adapts the A-WEAI to the fisheries and aquaculture context, in bid to bridge the gap in standard women’s empowerment measurement methods in this area. Also, there are limited empirical studies on the multifaceted empowerment of women in aquaculture in Kenya. The findings are meant to serve as a point of reference for policymakers, as they develop gender-responsive intervention programmes, and in implementing gender mainstreaming in Kenya.

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Suneel Kumar, Varinder Kumar and Nisha Devi

This study aims to investigate the connection between digital literacy and women’s empowerment in the rural Himachal Pradesh. It explores how improved digital skills contribute to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the connection between digital literacy and women’s empowerment in the rural Himachal Pradesh. It explores how improved digital skills contribute to increased empowerment among women with a specific focus on the role of education in enhancing digital literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included 250 rural participants who completed structured questionnaires. Analytical tools, including independent-sample t-tests and partial least squares structural equation modeling, were applied to the data to gain insights into the relationship between digital literacy and women’s empowerment.

Findings

This study revealed a significant positive link between digital literacy and women’s empowerment in the rural Himachal Pradesh context. Education has emerged as a key factor that influences women’s digital skills and empowerment levels.

Originality/value

This research adds novelty by examining the digital literacy–women’s empowerment nexus in rural Himachal Pradesh and emphasizing the impact of education. The combination of statistical methods offers a robust approach to understanding this relationship and underscores the importance of digital inclusion and education for gender equality and women’s progress.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 October 2023

Aleksandra Gaweł, Katarzyna Mroczek-Dąbrowska and Malgorzata Bartosik-Purgat

As women’s position in the economy and society is often explained by cultural factors, this study aims to verify whether the observed changes in female empowerment in the region…

Abstract

Purpose

As women’s position in the economy and society is often explained by cultural factors, this study aims to verify whether the observed changes in female empowerment in the region of Central and East European (CEE) countries of the European Union (EU) are associated with masculinity as a cultural trait.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the k-means clustering method to group CEE countries into clusters with similar levels of female empowerment in two time points – 2013 and 2019. Next, the authors examine the clusters and cross-reference them with the national culture’s masculinity to explore the interrelations between female empowerment and cultural traits in the CEE countries and their development in time.

Findings

The analyses reveal that female empowerment is not uniform or stable across the CEE countries. The masculinity level is not strongly related to women’s position in these countries, and changes in female empowerment are not closely linked to masculinity.

Originality/value

Despite the tumultuous history of women’s empowerment in the CEE countries, the issues related to gender equality and cultural traits pertaining to the region are relatively understudied in the literature. By focusing on the CEE region, the authors fill the gap in examining the independencies between female empowerment and cultural masculinity.

Details

Gender in Management: An International Journal , vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2413

Keywords

1 – 10 of 165