Abstract: Heavy drinking is prevalent in young adulthood, yet its relationship with psychosocial well-being remains com-plex. This study examines the association between heavy drinking and social isolation among young adults and tests whether this relationship varies by sexual orientation. Using pooled, nationally representative data from the 2022 and 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), we analyzed adults aged 18–29 (N = 723). Perceived social isolation was measured using the PROMIS Social Isolation Short Form. Weighted multivariable linear regression models assessed interactions between sexual orientation and heavy drinking occasions (0 vs. 1+), adjusting for sociodemographics and psychological distress. 45.5% reported heavy drinking. Lesbian/gay (B = 5.39, p < .001) and bisexual (B = 1.49, p < .001) young adults reported higher isolation than straight peers; heavy drinking was inversely associated with isolation (B = −1.34, p < .001). A significant interaction indicated that among lesbian/gay young adults, heavy drinking was associated with lower perceived isolation (B = −5.90, p < .001). These findings suggest that alcohol-centered social spaces may play a distinct role in fostering community belonging for lesbian/gay young adults. Interventions should account for the social meanings of alcohol use to avoid unintentionally increasing isolation among sexual minoritized populations.

Abstract: The role of women in conflict and peacebuilding has been insufficiently explored, despite their substantial contributions. Women’s experiences during conflict frequently strengthen communities in post-conflict settings, where they play a crucial role in mediation, reconciliation, and transitional justice, drawing on their social capital and knowledge of international law. This paper examines the intersection of religion, gender, and development through a case study of Guinea-Bissau, a paradigmatic example within the Lusophone world. It analyses women’s participation in political power from the struggle for independence to the present, highlighting their evolving social and political roles. The family institution, which is central to Guinean society, assigns women significant responsibility and commitment, reinforcing their leadership through long-standing traditional alliances. Using a historical approach complemented by a gender perspective, the study identifies both progress and regression in the country’s development, closely linked to women’s participation in public spaces as an indicator of democratic quality and social advancement. The analysis focuses on four key outcomes: food security; improved access to basic services such as health, education, and nutrition; enhanced resilience of rural communities—particularly women and youth—to climate and socio-economic challenges; and the strengthening of social protection systems. These priorities align with Guinea-Bissau’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, and 4, and inform emerging approaches to international cooperation centered on resilience and vulnerability.

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As high rates of sexual violence worldwide have increasingly been met with educational initiatives promoting sexual consent as a core preventive strategy, it becomes crucial to understand how consent is actually conceptualized in specific sociocultural contexts. This study examines how adult women in Chile conceptualize sexual consent and how their understandings align with, expand or diverge from the definition promoted by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), one of the more wide-spread accounts. Using a therapeutic writing methodology designed to support emotional safety and reflective depth, 34 women completed a collective writing workshop. For this paper, the main writing exercise was analyzed through thematic analysis. Results show three overarching themes: sexual consent as a self-directed and desire-aligned experience; the intricacies of giving in to sexual encounters as shaped by social expectations, emotional pressures, and relational considerations; and the tensions when differentiating consent from giving in, a distinction experienced as meaningful yet fluid and learned over time. Together, these findings reveal that Chilean women’s conceptualizations of sexual consent extend beyond normative international models, highlighting the need for attuned consent frameworks and educational approaches designed to prevent sexual violence.

Abstract: Although Palestine ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2014 without reservations, women’s participation in the labor force has stagnated over the past fifteen years, fluctu-ating between 16% and 20%. In light of the explicit commitments under Article 11 of the CEDAW regarding employment, it is essential to assess the extent to which these commitments are aligned with the national legal frameworks and institutional practices to recognize their role in achieving SDGs 5 (gender equality) and 8 (decent work). This study employs a mixed-method design, where quantitative findings reveal a widespread, albeit superficial, awareness of Article 11, with one-third of respondents reporting they did not attempt to review reliable sources to learn about it. In contrast, self-learned respondents showed significantly higher levels of knowledge. Qualitative results highlight the symbolic nature of reform, fragmented advocacy efforts, limited enforcement capacity, wage inequality, and the fragility of the private sector. Overall, the findings reveal a persistent gap between international commitments and domestic implementation. Strengthening legal rights, enforcement mechanisms, inter-institutional coordination, and civil society partnerships at the national level are essential to translating the normative commitments of CEDAW into tangible improvements in women’s employment outcomes and to promoting gender-responsive and sustainable reforms.

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Stunting continues to be a significant public health issue in Indonesia, with a countrywide frequency of 21.6% reported in 2022. Rural regions like Madura encounter exacerbated hazards stemming from cultural dietary prohibitions, gendered domestic dynamics, and restricted access to reliable health information. Mothers, young brides, and children are crucial to nutritional practices but frequently hindered by patriarchal standards and digital disparities. This study examines the efficacy of gender-sensitive serious games as novel communication instruments for nutrition education and stunting prevention in rural areas.The research used a qualitative exploratory design, incorporating over thirty respondents, including mothers of children under five, brides-to-be, cadres, midwives, community leaders, and social media influencers from various villages in Bangkalan, Madura. The data were evaluated topically, emphasizing gender roles, perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI), and prospects for digital health innovation. Research indicates that although mothers pursue advice and youth exhibit eagerness for digital tools, implementation necessitates endorsement from credible sources and cultural adjustment. Serious games, augmented with gamification and nudging techniques, were recognized as especially beneficial in promoting intergenerational learning, enhancing mother–child co-play, and empowering brides-to-be in pre-parenting scenarios.The research presents a framework that amalgamates feminist communication theory, health-oriented serious games, and technological acceptance paradigms. Essential design components are localized narratives, visual gamification indicators, offline functionality, and the incorporation of religious and cultural principles. Instead than supplanting conventional networks, serious games ought to augment the roles of cadres, midwives, and religious leaders within a hybrid communication framework.The results indicate that gender-sensitive serious games can connect traditional trust-based communication with digital innovation, providing a culturally relevant approach to expedite stunting reduction and promote equitable public health outcomes in rural Indonesia.

Abstract: Gender discrimination is a pervasive and multifaceted phenomenon rooted in cognitive, emotional, and social mechanisms that operate across individual, interpersonal, and structural levels. This umbrella review synthesizes systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2013 and 2024 examining the relationship between gender, stereotypes, and discrimination. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searches were conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, yielding 22 eligible reviews after screening 684 records. Thematic synthesis identified two overarching domains: manifestations of discrimination and health and professional outcomes. Discrimination emerged as structural, interpersonal, and implicit, operating through institutional barriers, microaggressions, and stereotyping mechanisms. These dynamics were found to significantly affect mental health, and particularly anxiety, depression, and psychological distress, as well as physical health, including cardiovascular outcomes and maternal morbidity. Professional and social functioning were also impaired, with gender-based inequalities documented in pay, promotion, and role allocation across multiple occupational contexts. Despite consistent evidence of harm, the literature revealed limited consensus in conceptualization and a lack of longitudinal and intervention research. Collectively, findings underscore that gender discrimination constitutes both a public health concern and a systemic social mechanism that shapes individual cognition, emotion, and behaviour, demanding multi-level psychological and policy responses.

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This quantitative study explores the attitudes toward feminism and gender equity among male university students in Bangladesh. A sample of 128 participants from STEM, business, and humanities majors rated their agreement with 12 feminist-attitude statements on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). Reverse-coded items were transformed so that higher scores correspond to stronger feminist orientation. The mean Feminism Attitude Score (FAS) was 3.74 (SD = 0.62). Slight differences emerged across academic discipline (Humanities M = 3.82; Business M = 3.70; STEM M = 3.68) and political orientation (Left M = 3.79; Center M = 3.72; Right M = 3.67). Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86 indicated high internal consistency. The results suggest moderate feminist support among educated Bangladeshi men, with minimal variation by discipline or ideology. These findings align with the alternative hypothesis that feminist attitudes are present but not uniformly realized. Implications for gender education and policy in Bangladesh are discussed.

Abstract: This review synthesizes the latest evidence on whether and how gender responsive disaster management improves disaster resilience and reduces impact, identifies mechanisms and barriers, and highlights best practices and research gaps. A systematic literature method was adopted to identify, select, assess and synthesize research related studies. Following the literature search in tow major databases, 1,050 potentially relevant papers were identified and 50 most relevant and high-quality papers were eventually included in the review. This literature review has shown that gender-responsive disaster management is a proven strategy for improving resilience and reducing disaster impact, but further research and action are needed to address persistent gaps and ensure truly inclusive and effective disaster risk reduction.

Abstract: In this paper we describe and present the Subnational Gender Development Database. This database contains for the period 2000-2023 the national and subnational values of the Subnational Gender Development Index (SGDI), the male and female values of the Subnational Human Development Index and the underlying gender-specific education, health and standard of living indices. The subnational values of the indicators were computed on the basis of data from statistical offices and from the Area Database of the Global Data Lab, which contains indicators aggregated from household surveys and census datasets. These subnational values were computed in such a way that their population-weighted national averages are equal to their official national values, as presented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in their Human Development Reports. Subnational values for missing years have been calculated by using interpolation and extrapolation on the basis of real values. The SGDI Database contains values for the SGDI and underlying indicators for 1810 subnational regions in 166 countries.

Abstract: Drag performance, while often seen as entertainment, serves as a transformative and political act within academic settings. This study investigates the lived experiences of drag queens in a public university, focusing on the socio-educational effects of their visibility. Grounded in Queer Theory, the research explores how drag intersects with identity formation, resistance against institutional norms, political expression, and the need for community and institutional support. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive-phenomenological method and online written interviews, four major themes emerged: engaging in drag for personal development, challenging restrictive academic structures, using drag for cultural and political advocacy, and seeking peer and institutional support. These findings reveal that drag is more than performance—it is a tool for empowerment, activism, and educational inclusion. The study underscores the need for academic institutions to move beyond symbolic gestures toward genuine structural change. When drag is embraced within education, it transforms schools into inclusive spaces that affirm gender diversity and challenge oppressive norms.

Abstract: Humans, since the consciousness developed, have had been looking for and acting according to the existing differences in the nature. It has been the nature of the society to look into these differences and then assign roles accordingly. All this has resulted into emergence of social issues in society. The same dictum is reflected in the economic system of management, wherein the tasks are being given, assigned or run according to the naturally existing distinctions among the task force. Considering, Gender as one of the main ingredients among these differences, many social issues stemming from Gender Biases and Gender Inequality have raised their heads in the economic system. “Gender refers to socially constructed characters and opportunities available to men and women based on cultural beliefs or norms which are different from their biological characters” (Adegbite and Machethe 2020). It is viewed as “an ideological and cultural construct” which “is reproduced within the realm of material practices and which in turn also influences the outcomes of such practices” (Adegbite and Machethe 2020). Gender differences, hence, have had been governing the nature of economic activity since the time of realization of such differences. The studies so far confirm the relationship between Gender and economic activity across the globe and consider economics as a gendered process (Bertay, Dordevic, and Sever 2020). Same is true for the United States. Women are a driving force in the American economy, as their labor market gains and spending increased in 2023. However, there are still gender-related economic inequalities in the US which greatly impact the US economy. “In 2022, working women lost more than $1.6 trillion due to the gender wage gap, which is equivalent to 6.3% of the US GDP. Women also make up 67.9% of workers earning the federal minimum wage, which has been $7.25 since 2009”. Further, “the gender wealth gap” is more than “the gender wage gap, with families headed by women having 55 cents in median wealth for every dollar owned by families headed by men” (Keka 2025). These figures reflect a general scenario of existence of issues stemming from gender linked differences for the American economy. Research has been following these issues since the realization of their existence and trying to study the channels through which they impact the American economy. The most of the research is directed towards examination of gendered income inequalities in various fields however, little literature has explored or linked gender with artistic careers. This research is aimed at bridging this Gap.

Abstract: Discrimination and harassment (DH) against women are topics of broad concern to gender equality advocates. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of DH among women in Nigeria, based on seven specific forms of DH captured in the 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), and to identify key socio-demographic factors associated with an aggregated DH outcome variable. Drawing upon data from 38,806 women aged 15-49, we used descriptive statistics to summarize the prevalence of DH across seven reasons and the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, followed by chi-square analysis to test bivariate associations and binary logistic regression to identify predictors. Results showed that DH prevalence among Nigerian women (18.9%) was significantly associated with socio-demographic factors such as age, education level, wealth index, marital status, and ethnicity. At the individual level, women who felt very unhappy had higher odds of experiencing DH (OR = 3.101, 95% CI: 2.393–4.018, p < 0.001) compared to those who felt very happy. In contrast, women with higher/tertiary education (OR = 0.686, 95% CI: 0.560–0.842, p < 0.001) were 31.4% less likely to face DH than those with no education. Regionally, respondents living in Zamfara (OR = 5.045, 95% CI: 3.072–8.288, p < 0.001) were over five times more likely to experience DH than those in Kano state. The findings underscore the need for policy interventions and support systems to address DH among women in Nigeria.

Abstract: Taboos reinforce socially constructed gender and sexual hierarchies that affect the expe-riences of all people- women, men, queer, heterosexual, and transgender people. In Delhi, India, institutions of heteropatriarchy, buttressed by colonial history, reproduce and naturalize limits to the agency and economic autonomy of women and queer people. How do individuals and groups simultaneously question and enlarge gendered cate-gories and experiences? Interviews with middle-class people are discussed in the context of scholarship that considers the social, political, and economic histories of the region. Interview responses are triangulated with ethnographic participation in Delhi-based events that examine and confront aspects of heteropatriarchal regulation of people re-garding categories of gender and sexual expression. Themes emerge regarding access to knowledge, economic autonomy, relationships, and family formation. The conclusion reveals ways in which the erosion of taboos and changing roles and identities affect the hierarchal gender binary, producing social tensions and paradoxes.

Abstract: With most individuals in the U.S. having regular access to internet connection and/or owning smartphones, digital communication has become an inevitable part of daily life for adults and adolescents. Consequently, forming, maintaining and ending relationships via digital media is a widespread phenomenon, however, there also is an ongoing risk of technology facilitated intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization. The current paper conducts a traditional narrative review to synthesize extant research on the nature and scope of technology facilitated IPV among Generation Z individuals. The study endeavors to find key patterns in technology facilitated IPV and examine any reciprocal association between online and offline violence victimization and perpetration. In view of the international recognition of intimate partner violence (IPV) as an important public health concern, and the further complexity presented by the rapid digitalization of communication and interaction, the paper investigates any existing association between offline and online dating violence perpetration and victimization to improve violence mitigation programs and support services for younger victims.

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.

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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.