Abstract: Given the difficulty of measuring gender gaps in STI and research due to access to comparable information, this research aimed to measure the gender gap in research and the Gender Parity Index for the Department of Cauca, Colombia, in the calls for proposals for Minisciences 2013-2021. This approach is unique to date. The goal of the mixed-methods approach was to determine the gender parity index (GPI) and the gender gaps in research in four fundamental aspects: research area, level of training, classification of researchers and age groups. The results of the measurement were contrasted with the perceptions obtained from a focus group composed of recognized researchers from the region. The triangulation of the information indicates that the gender gaps are high and the GPI is low, whereas the researchers do not perceive the existence of the gaps, a situation that is detected in the field of administrative management and the scarcity of financial resources for research.

Abstract: This article examines LGBTQI+ asylum claims in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The data are part of a larger study that has identified 520 LGBTQI+ claims in the U.S. Circuit of Appeals from 1994-2023. It focuses on examples from the 115 cases that were granted a review and analyzes the logic that U.S. Circuit Court justices use when deciding to grant a review of a petition that was denied by a lower court, such as the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and immigration courts. This article argues that the U.S. Circuit of Appeals contests lower court rulings from BIA and immigration court judges based on assumptions about credibility, discretion, persecution, and criminalization for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. By granting reviews, the Circuit Courts provide an opening for the acceptance of queer asylum claims.

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: In our society, as well as in many other parts of the world, sexuality is shaped through gender-differentiated socialization. This process compels individuals to align their desires, behaviors, emotions, and thoughts with the expectations of normative sexuality, especially hegemonic heterosexuality. The primary objective of this current research was to examine the influence of hegemonic masculinity on the sexuality of men struggling with addiction. Method: This study employed a qualitative approach, specifically using conventional content analysis. To ensure research quality and transparency, the study adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ). Fourteen participants from a Therapeutic Community for Addiction Treatment in Spain were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, supplemented by participant observation. The sample size was determined based on the principle of data saturation. Results: The findings reveal that factors such as gender-differentiated socialization, particularly the values associated with hegemonic masculinity (e.g., the pressure to maintain constant sexual availability and sexual initiative), alongside excessive engagement with prostitution and pornography, are closely linked to substance abuse, the development of addictions, and the emergence of sexual dysfunctions in men. The study also highlights the role of challenges related to oppression rooted in heteronormativity- understood as the imposition of rigid norms governing sexual orientation and behavior- in shaping sexual problems and in the origin and maintenance of addictions in men. Conclusions: It is essential to implement an intervention strategy that promotes egalitarian masculinities within the treatment of men with addiction issues, emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach to sexuality that integrates a gender perspective. Additionally, it is crucial to incorporate gender-sensitive interventions into rehabilitation programs for both men and women, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each group's specific needs and fostering the development of healthy, equitable relationships in the context of addiction treatment.

Abstract:

This study assessed the effectiveness of the broadcast media campaign against gender-based violence in Benin City, focusing on radio stations as the primary medium of dissemination. Gender based violence remains a significant concern in many societies, including Benin City, and media campaigns have been recognized as crucial tools for raising awareness and promoting behavioural change. This study assessed the impact of the radio campaign on public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to gender based violence. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The surveys gathered data on participants' exposure to the campaign, knowledge about gender based violence, attitudes towards survivors, and intentions to take action. The interviews provided in-depth insight into participants' perceptions of the campaign and its effectiveness. The findings will contribute to understanding the role of radio stations in combating gender based violence and inform the design of future media campaigns. The research outcomes have the potential to inform policymakers, broadcasters, and activists working to address gender based violence in Benin City, facilitating evidence-based strategies for preventing and addressing this pervasive social issue.

Abstract: Background: The life courses of sexually and gender diverse individuals are shaped by a series of events that include acceptance of one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity, the coming out process, socialization in the LGBTQ+ environment. Generally experienced in a cis-heteronormative context, it is marked by stigma and discrimination and the social harms they can cause, including a higher-than-average prevalence of alcohol use. Objectives: To profile the alcohol use of SGD youth from a life course perspective; and to explore individual perceptions regarding the personal, social and cultural factors (including stigmatization and its consequences) modulating their consumption. Methodology: This qualitative descriptive study is grounded in symbolic interactionism. Semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 90 minutes were conducted with LGBTQ+ youth aged 18 to 30 using alcohol at least once a week. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: 31 individuals aged 18–29 (average age: 25) were interviewed. The average score regarding alcohol use was 14.25 (SD: 4–31), which corresponds to moderate risk and indicates the need for a brief intervention. Our study document how higher alcohol use among LGBTQ+ youth is shaped by individual, community and cultural factors at different points in the queer life course. Among the factors influencing drinking are the emotions experienced when questioning sexual orientation and/or gender identity as well as the feelings resulting from stigma and discrimination. Our findings also indicate the influence of socializing in the queer community and meeting peers and partners, as well as that of LGBTQ+ cultural practices. Discussion: Our study indicates the need for grassroots-level interventions that work to mitigate social pressures in queer socialization contexts. Accordingly, any intervention, whether preventive or therapeutic, must consider the interplay of personal, social, community and cultural factors. Interventions regarding alcohol use must build on the strengths of community and the sense of belonging.

Abstract: Tongqi - women married to men who have sex with men (MSM) – from rural China encountered multi stigma with their male partners, family, community, local bureaucracies, and national laws, such as the hukou system, form a complex tapestry of life. The analysis navigates through various dimensions of stigma, reflecting systematically on their mutual implications. Social structures, including class and gender, shape societal norms and behaviors. This study explores the under-researched influence of social interaction, community relationships, and macrostructural factors contributing to the enacted stigma experienced by Tongqi Data collected from 59 rural Tongqi, 11 of whom contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDs), reveals the significant role of extended kinship networks and macrostructural elements, such as hukou (household registration) and government officers, in shaping the stigma faced by Tongqi. The importance of village-level lineage structures and dynamics highlights how these lineage relationships, interwoven with gender practices, contribute to the enacted stigma, physical and psychological health, and well-being of Tongqi. These include mental health, post-traumatic stress, depression, functional impairment, and permanent disability. Others include reproductive health, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy complications.

Abstract: In the contemporary era, the movement for women empowerment is not merely a social cause but a transformative force reshaping societies across the globe. The article "Breaking Barriers: Women Empowerment Transforming Societies in Modern Times Building a Better Future" delves into the multifaceted impact of empowering women, highlighting how it transcends individual upliftment and fosters widespread societal progress. It also delves into the transformative impact of women’s empowerment on societies, highlighting successful initiatives, case studies, and personal narratives that illustrate the journey towards gender parity. It examines the challenges and opportunities in this ongoing struggle, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy, education, and policy reform. By fostering an environment where women can thrive, societies can unlock unprecedented potential and build a better, more prosperous future for all. By examining key areas such as education, economic participation, political representation, and social inclusion, the article elucidates how empowering women leads to more equitable, prosperous, and resilient communities. It underscores the importance of dismantling historical and cultural barriers that have long hindered women's potential, while celebrating the strides made towards gender equality. Furthermore, the narrative showcases inspiring stories of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who are spearheading efforts to build a better future for all. This exploration not only emphasizes the moral imperative of gender equality but also its critical role in driving sustainable development and global advancement.

Abstract: The prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in school sport, specifically from coaches to their athletes remains a concerning and pervasive issue. In an attempt to better understand and prevent specific coach-behaviours associated with such sexual misconduct, researchers have developed the Sexual Violence Questionaire in Sport. While the reliability of this measurement tool has been tested in anglo-saxon cultural contexts, it is not known whether the questionnaire is applicable to other cultural contexts. A sample of 146 (52 female, 94 male) Bachelor students from a university in the Basque Country participated in this cross cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was administered twice over a two-week period to assess test-retest reliability. The internal consistency of the Sexual Violence Questionaire in Sport was high, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.891 for perceptions and 0.813 for experiences across all participants. Gender-specific analysis showed similar reliability, with females having slightly lower alpha values for perceptions. Significant differences between test and retest were found (10 from perceptions 2 from experiences). However, Cohen’s Kappa analysis showed significant agreement across all items. In conclusion, the study highlights the questionnaire’s overall reliability and suggests its effectiveness as a tool for measuring sexual violence in sports within the Spanish context. Nonetheless, the findings of this study underscore the need for further research to enhance the instrument's stability and to better understand gender differences in perceptions and experiences of sexual violence in sports contexts.

Abstract: Urban environments play a crucial role in shaping the lived experiences of women, yet traditional urban design practices often neglect the diverse needs and identities of women, perpetuating social barriers and gender inequalities. This review paper seeks to explore the existing research on how urban design influences women's social challenges in cities. By synthesizing literature from urban planning, architecture, gender studies, and sociology, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of urban design on women's experiences and opportunities in urban spaces. The review highlights gender disparities in urban design, inclusivity in urban planning, and the need for gender-sensitive approaches to address these disparities. Key scholars, including Susan S. Fainstein, Leslie Kern, Sharon Zukin, Daphne Spain, and Vandana Shiva, have contributed significantly to understanding gender disparities in urban spaces and advocating for more inclusive and equitable urban environments. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community engagement, participatory planning processes, and an intersectional lens in urban design to ensure that women's voices and needs are effectively incorporated into decision-making processes. Future research directions include exploring the role of technology, smart city initiatives, and addressing the impacts of gentrification and urban redevelopment on women's access to housing and resources. By advancing research on gender equity in city planning, we can work towards creating more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban environments that benefit all residents.

Abstract: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an age-long issue plaguing societies all over the globe. Over the years, GBV perpetrated against women has been justified and legitimized by patriarchal and hegemonic masculine structures. This study explored the role of hegemonic masculinities and transnational cultural conflicts in creating a suitable environment for GBV against women to thrive amongst African immigrants in Canada, gathering perspectives of African immigrants and of the service providers working in immigrant-serving organizations. The paper adopts a qualita-tive approach and is hinged on the transnationalism framework. This framework argues that im-migrants maintain connections while transitioning to their countries of destinations. In such pro-cesses, immigrants carry with them their beliefs about cultural norms and hegemonic masculinity, of their country of origin. A total of 13 women immigrants and 20 service providers were pur-posively recruited to participate in the semi-structured interview. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed thematically and organized using the Nvivo version 12. Findings show that African immigrant women in Canada continue to disproportion-ately bear the burden of GBV due hegemonic masculinities. The construction of masculinity in immigrant population is heavily reliant on the communities of origin. As such, the prevailing sys-tems during and post migration such as – unstable residency status, fear of deportation, fear of social and family sanctions and stigmatization, economic dependence on their spouses, and fear of retaliation from their spouses creates an environment that supports toxic masculinity. The study recommends a comprehensive and culturally sensitive programs and services to support African immigrants affected by hegemonic masculinity and GBV.

Abstract: Historically, the military and non-religious, sub-continent’s intellectual elite Muslim men crafted state ideologies before partition, by actively contributing to sociocultural constructs prevalent to this day, in service of colonial patriarchal concepts. The purpose of this ideological collaboration has been to mould a Pakistani cis-gendered female child primarily into the ideal “Pakistan-Muslim” bride for marriage, carried out through her family and society. This has shaped the lives of cis-gendered female children in Pakistan through coerced, gendered control, implemented as prescriptive societal norms. These norms are rooted in colonial, patriarchal ideologies and are functions of capital and coercion intentionally perpetuated to erase her pluralistic identity, reducing her to a central resource within a family unit. To the military concept of nationalism, her mind and her body symbolize the unification and centralization of a statist ideology. Thus, the military state plays an essential role in shaping her purpose around the concept of nationalism. The intellectual elite, via the state, uphold colonial, patriarchal ideologies, where the primary identity of a cis-gendered female child is actualized through her marriage. The cis-gendered female child’s life is a vehicle to unify the state’s two-fold “Pakistani-Muslim” agenda, by implementing a ‘singular statist narrative’. A narrative that attempts to resolve two major tensions: First, it seeks to wipe out the possibility of a nation connecting with and exploring its own immense, internal ethnocultural diversity. It does this by imposing an imagined “homogenous Muslim” identity — which doesn’t exist — and is instead imported from multiple countries to reinforce a ‘singular statist narrative’, Second, it aims to control the mixing of local, sociocultural narratives by bridging any disjuncture between them by labelling colonial institutional patriarchy concepts as inherently “Pakistani”; in service of its preferred ‘singular statist narrative’.

Abstract: Gender has been a rarely addressed aspect in digital game-based learning (DGBL). Likewise, mixed results have been presented regarding the effects according to gender and the conditions that generate these effects. The present work studies the effects of a drill-and-practice mathe-matical game on primary students. The study focused on an analysis by gender, measuring learning performance, and motivation in the practice activity. Also, two instructional mechanics were considered regarding the question answering, a multiple-try (MTF) and a single-try (STF) condition, to search for possible differences. A total of 81 students from 4 courses and 2 schools participated in the experiment. The study's main findings were that: (a) the girls outperformed boys in terms of students' learning gains, (b) girls presented lower levels of competence and autonomy than boys, (c) in the MTF, girls presented lower levels of autonomy but no differences in competence contrasted to boys, (d) in the STF, girls presented lower levels of competence but no differences in autonomy against boys, and (e) no differences existed in interest, effort and value among gender overall o per instructional condition. This study enhances the knowledge of gender differences under diverse instructional settings, in particular providing insights into possible differences by gender when varying the number of attempts provided to students.

Abstract: This study focused on the stories of women planters in the implementation of Taranuman Project in the Third District of Albay. Particularly, this explores and documents the experiences, challenges, and successes of women planters involved. By understanding their stories, this undertaking shed light on the motivations and aspirations of women planters, the barriers they have experienced, and their strategies to achieve success. The researchers used descriptive-qualitative research and made use of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). From the collection of the respondents’ narratives, three (3) recurring themes emerged on the motivation and aspirations of women planters in Taranuman Project; Taranuman para sa Pagkasararo (Social cohesion, belonging and unity), Taranuman para sa Pangkabuhayan (Economic empowerment), and Taranuman para sa Karapatang Pampulitika (Political rights, engagement and participation). This study also revealed major challenges in its implementation including infertility of the soil, the distant location of the lands to be cultivated for the project, and the insufficiency in the supply of tools and equipment. However, despite the emerging problems, strategies to counter the difficulties were also formulated. Even so, the researchers strongly recommend that implementers should expand the Taranuman Project in all of the district’s municipalities, enhance women planters' financial and communication skills through training, maintain close partnerships with agencies for project support, encourage beneficiary communication, and develop comprehensive strategies to overcome ongoing challenges and ease beneficiaries’ burdens.

Abstract: Communicating about sex is important in generating positive perceptions about one’s sexual and romantic life. The last decade has provided insight into the theoretical applications on sex communication research. While the focus on extant research focuses on the psychological processes’ individuals employ to talk about sex, no theoretical framework exists that identifies key constructs that provides a parsimonious understanding about the communicative processes of sex and sexuality. This review sought to identified key constructs that are suitable to develop a sex talk theory. In the current project, we reviewed 24 studies including 8,698 participants (Mage = 24.98) that applied a theoretical framework to sex research. This review identified three salient constructs (e.g., disclosure, cognitive, and relational and behavioral) that are important for a sex talk theory. Last, this review indicated that scholarship should explain the relationships between the key constructs. We provided several recommendations that scholars should take when developing a theory in sex communication research.

Abstract: Abstract: Women bear the biological responsibilities of reproduction to ensure human population sustainability, yet women continue to face discriminatory treatments when they become either pregnant or nursing mothers. The question is, how do we legally reconcile women’s natural child-bearing roles and support their professional endeavors? Against this backdrop, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) were passed by the US government to address workplace biases and discrimination against women and help women during pregnancy and after childbirth. The paper is a commentary highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of these laws. We submit that while these laws mean a breakthrough for women in these categories, there are inherent flaws and areas for improvement. A limitation of the act is that the PWFA and PUMP laws do not protect pregnant women in an all-encompassing manner, with some pregnant women excluded. Pregnant and Nursing mothers should be protected by their employers regardless of the size of the organizations. We conclude that the PUMP and PWFA laws are not enough and there is a critical need for the government to address some of the critical barriers to the laws and provide an encompassing support for women.

Abstract: Previous research showed that intersex people face specific challenges in their sexual development, including uncertainties or confusion about their gender, a negative genital self-image, and hesitance to engage in romantic and sexual relationships. However, in-depth knowledge of a central period of this development, adolescence, is missing. In our qualitative study, we explore which factors influence the relational and sexual development of intersex youth and what elements contribute to a positive development. We interviewed eighteen intersex persons aged 18-38. We identified three main themes: (1) intersex experiences, (2) the described sexual and relational life course, and (3) factors influencing a positive development. Our findings show that intersex youth face many obstacles to their relational and sexual development, many of which related to healthcare. However, their life stories also illuminate how healthcare professionals but also parents, friends, partners, teachers and others can make a substantial difference in intersex lives by breaking normative, binary thinking on sex and gender.

Abstract: In 2018, the state of Himachal Pradesh in north India launched an initiative to convert all its farmers to natural farming (NF), an agroecological approach. The aim was to address multiple challenges related to rural livelihoods, high input costs, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. This paper is based on a qualitative case study of the state programme to transition farmers to NF. It seeks to understand how its mechanisms support and empower small and marginal women farmers. In addition to identifying mechanisms that facilitate the effective uptake of NF, the case study sought women's views on whether these increased spaces for decision-making and developed capabilities and autonomy. Framed within the vision of reclaiming food sovereignty, various mechanisms such as training in villages, participating in NF groups and networks, visits to model farms and adopting leadership roles offered new pathways for women farmers to gain confidence and capabilities. Women began to participate in spaces that had been culturally and structurally denied to them. This case study illustrates how agroecology efforts with a specific focus on gender have the potential to provide women with creative outlets and a variety of decision-making and income-generating roles, spaces for community learning and knowledge needed for sustainable ecosystems.

Abstract: The present study examines the long-term care service awareness, needs, and usage intention of elderly male homosexuals in Taiwan and their ideal long-term care service model. This study of five elderly male homosexual subjects aged 66 to 73 years was intended as a preliminary exploration. Interviews were used to collect data. The study determined that the five subjects had high awareness of long-term care services, as they had actual experience of long-term care services or even participated in care service staff training to obtain certificates. Some even had experience in applying for home care services and experienced problems during use. The subjects perceived that they were very likely to require long-term care services in the future and tended to use home care services if they required long-term care services. Due to their personal experiences, the subjects had negative awareness of long-term care services and worried that long-term care service staff had poor attitudes toward homosexuals. The subjects considered the most important aspects of long-term care to be basic medical care and lifestyle care. However, they worried that long-term care staff would delay or refuse to provide such services due to the subjects’ sexual orientation or stereotypes, and they were concerned above all about the “friendly attitude” of long-term care staff. They hoped that long-term care staff were friendly toward homosexuals and did not discriminate against them, and they felt that it would be more appropriate for homosexual long-term care staff to provide assistance. In terms of vision, while preferring organizations with homosexual employees, the subjects worried that they would be stigmatized and discriminated against . With regard to ideal long-term care services, while considering institutions with homosexual staff to be ideal, the subjects also worried that these would be labeled as institutions that were dedicated to homosexuals, potentially resulting in discrimination. Therefore, they hoped that the sexuality sensitivity of long-term care staff could be improved and that they would undergo professional continuing education to learn about homosexuals, the situation and care needs of homosexuals, and care techniques for homosexuals.

Abstract: This article focuses on the variation of how the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals uses the language of trauma in gender-based asylum claims. Gender-based asylum claims include female genital mu-tilation (FGM), domestic violence, forced marriage, coercive population control (CPC) in the form of forced abortions and forced sterilizations, and rape. The Circuit Courts have reviewed appeals from petitioners with asylum claims since 1946, yet the language of trauma did not appear in the Court’s decisions until 1983. From 1983-2023 only 385, 3.85% or less, of the over 10,000 asylum cases before the Circuit Courts used the language of trauma in its legal interpretation of persecution. I have identified 101 gender-based asylum cases that were reviewed by one of the eleven U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that apply the language of trauma in its legal interpretation of persecution for this analysis. This study found that U.S. Circuit Courts use the language of trauma in four ways: precedent cases, psychological trauma, physical trauma, and policies and reports when reviewing gender-based asylum claims.

Abstract: Women of color (WoC) in the health professions encounter challenges in advancement to higher positions, disparities in wages, discrimination, lack of expectation to achieve leadership positions, and absence of extensive support networks. Articles in the literature have addressed race and/or gender in the context of professional development. However, applying an intersectionality lens or framework to better understand the contextual issues of professional development for WoC remains to be addressed. Thus, this scoping review aimed to (i) identify health professions literature that addresses disparities affecting WoC, and (ii) describe strategies and approaches to support WoC in the health professions. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in multiple databases. Three independent reviewers reviewed and screened articles for inclusion. Results: 31 articles were included - medicine(17), nursing(1), pharmacy(7), other(4), and multiple health professions(2). Key findings included underrepresentation of women and minority groups, inequities in professional advancement and leadership positions for WoC, and greater dissatisfaction and attrition among minority and women professionals. Conclusion: WoC face unique and distinct challenges and barriers in their professional careers resulting from the intersectionality of not only race and gender, but also lived experiences and opportunities. Strategies to improve diversity and representation should include an intersectionality framework or lens and be critically evaluated.