Arts and Humanities Commons^™

“Nowadays Who Wants Many Children?”: Balancing Tradition And Modernity In Narratives Surrounding Contraception Use Among Poorer Women In West Bengal, India, Devalina Mookerjee

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper investigates how poorer women in West Bengal, India balance the ideas of modernization and tradition in their choices to use birth control. Ideologically, Indian women have traditionally been placed within the context of the home and valued principally as wives and mothers. Children, therefore, are tremendously important for women within this framework. In contrast, the ideology of the relatively well structured and very large family planning program asks especially poorer women to have fewer children for the good of the family and the nation.

How do poorer, predominantly illiterate women balance these two oppositional ideas in an area …

Experiences Of Women War-Torture Survivors In Uganda: Implications For Health And Human Rights, Helen Liebling-Kalifani, Angela Marshall, Ruth Ojiambo-Ochieng, Nassozi Margaret Kakembo

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper will describe the resulting long-term health needs of women war-torture survivors of the civil war years in Luwero District, Uganda. To do this sections of case studies from interviews carried out in Kikamulo Sub-County, Luwero, are utilised. The effects of gender-based violence and torture and its long term, severe and enduring impact on women’s health will be highlighted. In 1994, the Centre for Health and Human rights at Harvard University led the first international conference on health and human rights. This recognised that human rights are an essential pre-condition for physical and mental health. Women’s resulting health needs …

Unbending Gender Narratives In African Literature, Charles C. Fonchingong

Journal of International Women's Studies

The last century has witnessed an upsurge in literature triggered by the feminist movement. This unprecedented event has transformed the various literary genres that are being deconstructed to suit the changing times. African literature has not been spared by the universalized world order. The paper attempts a re-analysis of gender inequality from the pre-colonial to post-colonial period from the lenses of literary narratives. Male writers like Chinua Achebe, Elechi Amadi, Wole Soyinka, Ngugi Wa Thiongo, and Cyprain Ekwensi in their literary mass are accused of condoning patriarchy, are deeply entrenched in a macho conviviality and a one dimensional and minimalised …

Urban Women’S Participation In The Construction Industry: An Analysis Of Experiences From Zimbabwe, Edward Mutandwa, Noah Sigauke, Charles P. Muganiwa

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper analyzed the impact of urban women’s participation in the construction business on income generation, gender roles and responsibilities, family and societal perceptions in Zimbabwe. Problems and constraints affecting women’s participation in the sector were also identified. A total of 130 respondents were purposively selected from four urban cities namely Chitungwiza, Marondera, Norton and Rusape. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were used as the main data collection instruments. The findings of the study showed that women’s businesses in construction were profitable and constituted an important source of family income. However, business growth was negatively affected by limited access …

Violence Against Women In Northern Uganda: The Neglected Health Consequences Of War, Helen Liebling-Kalifani, Ruth Ojiambo-Ochieng, Angela Marshall, Juliet Were-Oguttu, Seggane Musisi, Eugene Kinyanda

Journal of International Women's Studies

This article presents a summary of research intervention work carried out in war-affected Northern Uganda by Isis-WICCE, a women’s international non-government organisation, in conjunction with the Ugandan Medical Association and funded by Medica Mondiale, a German-based foundation. The findings of this research demonstrate the serious effects of sexual violence and torture experienced on women’s physical and psychological health. However, this paper also describes women’s key role in trying to bring peace to this region, as well as their resistance and survival strategies. It is recommended that funding is urgently required for the provision of sustainable, gender sensitive physical and psychological …

Emergence Of Women From ‘Private’ To ‘Public’: A Narrative Of Power Politics From Mizoram, Anup Shekhar Chakraborty

Journal of International Women's Studies

Understanding the complex state-building process in Mizoram requires the systematic mapping of the discourses and narratives of ‘inclusion’ and ‘exclusion’ at all levels which is thoroughly dictated by those in power. The region’s ‘Histories’ of statecraft and policies displays a distinct narrative than that of mainland India. The ‘Northeast’ in general and Mizoram in particular, provides a unique experience in understanding the trends in everyday politics as ‘a living space’ in contemporary India. Mizoram, as a category in contemporary Indian politics reminds one of ‘the protracted insurgency led by the legendary Laldenga and the Mizo National Front’. The region remains …

Gender Disparities In Living Arrangements Of Older People In Ghana: Evidence From The 2003 Ghana Demographic And Health Survey, Chuks J. Mba

Journal of International Women's Studies

In this study, the living arrangements of persons aged 60 years and older in Ghana are examined. The data for the study emanate from the household roster component of the most recent nationally representative sample survey, the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The focus is on socio-economic and demographic characteristics, as well as co-residential patterns, of the elderly persons. Additionally, use is made of the 1960-2000 census results of Ghana in order to through light on the emerging phenomenon of population ageing in the country. The results show that the proportion of persons aged 60 years or older in …

The Role Of Women In Providing And Improving Household Food Security In Sudan: Implications For Reducing Hunger And Malnutrition, Fatma Osman Ibnouf

Journal of International Women's Studies

Relevant and consistent with the recent growing interest to assess the contribution of women to economic activities in Sudan, this study seeks to assess women’s contribution to their household food supply and nutrition status in rural Sudan. As for the contribution of the research, the research is expected to contribute to improve the understanding of the important contribution of women to economic activities and in particular in providing and improving household food security in Sudan and thus valuing the potential role of women in reducing hunger and malnutrition.

Agricultural production (farm and livestock products) with supplemental resources (processed and preserved …

Framing Masculinity In The Poetry Of Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, Margaret Garry Burke

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper examines how the contemporary Irish poet, Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, is destabilizing traditional notions of the masculine and feminine. Female Irish writers have been suppressed and silenced by a strong patriarchal society and it is interesting to study how Ni Dhomhnaill uses vivid masculine imagery to delineate new boundaries within the institutionalized male/female construction. The two works that I explore, “Nude” and “A God Shows Up,” represent her complex journey toward a strong feminine voice.

The Role Of Education In The Empowerment Of Women In A District Of West Bengal, India: Reflections On A Survey Of Women, Haimanti Mukhopadhyay

Journal of International Women's Studies

This article aims to probe the role of education in the empowerment of women in the district of Malda, West Bengal, India. In an exhaustive survey comprising forty two villages, the article tries to unearth the status of women, attitude towards girls’ education in society, problems hindering the education of women, the importance of marriage in women’s life affecting education as well as the empowerment of women. The article also highlights that educated and economically empowered women have said a firm “no” to the prevalent malice of the dowry, thus directly bearing the fruit of economic empowerment in society of …

The Not So New Turkish Woman: A Statistical Look At Women In Two Istanbul Neighborhoods, Mary-Lou O’Neill, Fazil Guler

Journal of International Women's Studies

Using survey data gathered from nearly 400 women living in two Istanbul neighborhoods, this article explores issues of work, education, family and feminism. In addition to presenting the findings we argue that there is a continued gap between the ideal of the Republican woman and the actual practices of this group of Turkish women. The picture of these Turkish women that emerged from this survey is that of women still largely in the grips of an ideal born in the early days of the Turkish Republic. However, it also became clear that there also exist rifts between belief and practice …

When Personal Dreams Derail: Rural Cameroonian Women Aspire For Their Children, Akuri John, Susan Weinger, Barbara Barton

Journal of International Women's Studies

Data gathered from a convenience sample of 36 women who reside in rural villages lying on the outskirts of Buea, Cameroon is not consistent with the “culture of poverty” proposition which states that personal characteristics of the poor tie them to a life of poverty. These findings run counter to an assumed “culture of poverty” in which persons do not hold career aspirations and socialize their children with attitudes that assure the generational transmission of poverty. Respondents, as a case vignette illustrates, conveyed that besides marriage they had wanted a career in order to achieve a living wage. After their …

Women’S Understanding Of The Effects Of Domestic Abuse: The Impact On Their Identity, Sense Of Self And Resilience. A Grounded Theory Approach, Emma Crawford, Helen Liebling-Kalifani, Vicki Hill

Journal of International Women's Studies

Research on women who have experienced domestic abuse indicates that they feel marginalized; stigma, shame and fear about the response of services stop women from seeking the support they need. The current study aimed to explore the unique perspectives of women who have experienced domestic abuse in order to gain an understanding of their experiences, their perceived identity, sense of self and resilience. Interviews were conducted with eight women who had experienced domestic abuse and transcripts were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Findings indicated that domestic abuse had a significant impact on the women interviewed. In particular, the ongoing relationship …

Gender Imbalance: The Case Of Women’S Political Participation In Turkey, Aytül Kasapoglu, Necmettin Özerkmen

Journal of International Women's Studies

The primary aim of this paper is to show the links between women’s demographic characteristics and their political participation. Focusing on low female participation in politics, we carried out a survey with 408 women living in Ankara, Turkey. The paper attempts to answer the following questions: What is the level of female political participation? What are the obstacles preventing female political participation? What is the level of female participation in political parties and Non-Governmental Organizations? What kind of links can be made between women’s demographic characteristics and their political attitudes and behaviors? What suggestions could be made to increase female …

Women’S Empowerment In Bahrain, Fakir Al Gharaibeh

Journal of International Women's Studies

In Bahrain, the role of women can be determined by examining their activities in all sectors of society. Traditions and laws primarily hold women back from their full participation in the economy and politics of the nation. Discrimination that has carried forward into the constitution of the land was caused by adherence to historical remnants of a society that does not really exist anymore. This study presents the social, economic, and political reality of Bahraini women in light of applicable legislation, and the barriers women face in achieving equality. The objective is to examine these realities within the context of …

Gulf Cooperation Council (Gcc) Women And Misyar Marriage: Evolution And Progress In The Arabian Gulf, Tofol Jassim Al-Nasr

Journal of International Women's Studies

Women’s status continues to undergo rapid evolution in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). The modernization policies sweeping the energy-rich region has resulted in unintended social and gender imbalances. Partly due to the wealth distribution policies and the vast influx of foreign labor into the GCC, the region’s indigenous people are facing several challenges as they adapt to their surrounding environment. Improvements to women’s education have resulted in an imbalance of highly educated women relative to their male counterparts in the region, tipping the scales of gender roles. While both men and women accept predominantly paternal values, the strides in women’s …

Antecedent And Sequalae Issues Of Nepalese Women Trafficked Into Prostitution, Chandra Kant Jha, Jeanne Madison

Journal of International Women's Studies

Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, this study explored the experiences of Nepalese women trafficked into prostitution in India. The study found that poverty and lack of awareness about being at risk for trafficking are the major precursors for their trafficking experience. Abduction, fake marriages and the seduction of a better job were the major approaches adopted by pimps to traffic the women. The study also showed that after returning from the Indian brothel(s), they were rejected by their family and community. Such rejections occurred as family and community perceived these young women as at high risk for HIV infection. Strategies …

Women War Survivors Of The 1989-2003 Conflict In Liberia: The Impact Of Sexual And Gender-Based Violence, Helen Liebling-Kalifani, Victoria Mwaka, Ruth Ojiambo-Ochieng, Juliet Were-Oguttu, Eugene Kinyanda, Deddeh Kwekwe, Lindora Howard, Cecilia Danuweli

Journal of International Women's Studies

This article presents a summary of the qualitative data from research carried out in post-conflict Liberia by Isis-WICCE, a women’s international non-government organisation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Gender and Development of Liberia and Women in Peace-building Network, WIPNET. Analysis of research findings detail women’s experiences of conflict and the serious effects of sexual violence and torture on their physical and psychological health. The paper also describes the omission of women from justice and rehabilitation processes. In support of women participants’ views, the author’s recommend that funding is urgently required for the provision of holistic and sustainable, gender-sensitive services. …

Present But Absent: Women In Business Leadership In South Africa, Catherine Ndinda, Ufo Okeke-Uzodike

Journal of International Women's Studies

Women constitute forty six (46) percent of the economically active population in South Africa. Although both South African, African men and women are well represented in the economically active population, questions arise when it comes to their presence and effective representation at higher decision-making levels. Indeed, while African men and White women are present, White men dominate in top management. Through a gender analysis of current data on the labour force, this paper examines women’s representation in top decision-making for all employers (government and business) in South Africa. In discussing the trends, the paper highlights gender disparities in the advancement …

A Grounded Theory Investigation Into The Experiences Of African Women Refugees: Effects On Resilience And Identity And Implications For Service Provision, Katie Sherwood, Helen Liebling-Kalifani

Journal of International Women's Studies

The current study aims to explore African women’s experiences of violence during conflict. The research was undertaken in 2009 in part fulfillment for a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. Previous research on women refugees’ experiences has focused on the negative impact on psychological functioning despite indications that they show great strength and resilience. Using qualitative methods the study sought to identify the impact of violence on mental health as well as develop a greater understanding of the roles of resilience, coping and identity. Women from Somalia and Zimbabwe who attended a refugee centre in the UK were interviewed; analysis of …

Women, Occupation, Collective Loss And Support: The Experience Of “From A Bereaved Woman To Another”, Sohail Hassanein

Journal of International Women's Studies

This study derives its force from experiences of Palestinian women, occupation and loss project that aims at describing and understanding the role of holistic intervention based on the mutual support approach “from a bereaved woman to another.” The qualitative method has been utilized, with a view to reaching an integrated description, analysis and explanation of the experience that has been documented in details, through using special documentation forms. The results reveal that changes have taken place to bereaved women and supportive bereaved ones, as a result of participation in support and through training meetings. The findings demonstrate that women have …

“Every Knot Has Someone To Undo It.” Using The Capabilities Approach As A Lens To View The Status Of Women Leading Up To The Arab Spring In Syria, Lorraine Charles, Kate Denman

Journal of International Women's Studies

The status of women in Syria has undergone great change in the last century and particularly in the decade leading up to the Syrian Arab Spring. Despite this advancement, many women are still not permitted the freedom to convert their capabilities into chosen valued activities and achievements. This has resulted in a lack of agency to decide, act and bring change in Syria. Most women do not partake in political and public life and, due to the nature of the regime and the socio-cultural landscape, their freedom to make decisions affecting their status within the public and private sphere is …

“Today I Have Seen Angels In Shape Of Humans:”1 An Emotional History Of The Egyptian Revolution Through The Narratives Of Female Personal Bloggers, Susana Galán

Journal of International Women's Studies

This article examines the intertwinings between emotion and political protest in the 2011 Egyptian revolution through the narratives of Egyptian female personal bloggers. Drawing from scholarship in the emotional turn of social movement theory and using Deborah Gould’s concept of emotional habitus, it aims at describing the dominant social moods at different moments of the revolutionary process, in order to address how these emotions fostered or, on the contrary, inhibited protest for social change. For this purpose, the article considers personal blogs as a modified form of Lauren Berlant’s intimate publics, alternative spaces through which affect circulates and a shared …

Bahraini Women In The 21st Century: Disputed Legacy Of The Unfinished Revolution, Magdalena Karolak

Journal of International Women's Studies

The role of women in the Arab Spring uprisings requires special attention. Indeed, women participated alongside men in recent political movements and were actively involved in shaping the outcomes of these processes. The case of Bahrain is especially interesting. Even though the Bahraini “Day of Rage” movement was ultimately marginalized at large, it had unlikely consequences for Bahraini women. As female empowerment has been a high priority on the government’s agenda, participation of women in the public sphere serves important functions and in the aftermath of Bahraini uprising it got an additional boost. The aim of this paper is to …