https://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/issue/feedInternational Journal on Women Empowerment2023-12-31T17:29:13+00:00Editor in Chiefjournal@aeirc-edu.comOpen Journal Systems<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><strong>International Journal on Women Empowerment </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">(published from Pakistan) is an annual, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access journal. This multidisciplinary journal publishes research and scholarly ideas about Women's health and social issues, with the objective to endorse Women's Empowerment. </span></p>https://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/604They Are Not Just Jokes: Impact of Sexist Humor on Women Empowerment2023-12-31T16:21:09+00:00Huzaifa Sarfrazujala@aeirc-edu.com<p>The article discusses the prevalence and impact of sexist jokes on women, highlighting their occurrence in various forms of media and entertainment. It explores the stereotypes perpetuated by such humor and its contribution to shaping societal perspectives over time. The harmful effects of disparagement humor on women's mental health and the connection between sexist jokes and discriminatory behavior are examined. The text emphasizes the need to discourage and replace such humor to foster a more inclusive and positive environment for women. It calls for a shift in narratives that empower women rather than perpetuating stereotypes that undermine their capabilities and worth.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Authorhttps://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/605Combining Health Calendars and Cash: Building Formal Financial and Health Numeracy Among Poor Women in Northern Pakistan: Baseline Survey Findings.2023-12-31T16:29:44+00:00Salima Meheraliujala@aeirc-edu.comBrett Matthewsujala@aeirc-edu.comKaleem Ullahujala@aeirc-edu.comZahra Ali Padhaniujala@aeirc-edu.comDavid Myhreujala@aeirc-edu.comWaseem Abbasujala@aeirc-edu.comAshiq Farazujala@aeirc-edu.comSadaqat Hussainujala@aeirc-edu.comZohra Lassiujala@aeirc-edu.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> The financial inclusion of women in Pakistan is very low compared to other low- and middle-income countries. Gender inequality is very prevalent in many rural areas of Pakistan such as the district of Kharmang in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral (GBC), one of Pakistan’s five provinces.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of 162 women from community-based savings group (CBSG) residing in Kharmang district of GBC. The study used the financial and health numeracy survey tool to test participants’ financial and health numeracy skills. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, chi-square and Pearson test were conducted to determine the differences between the proportions.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Majority of the women were married and had very little or no business experience. The survey was comprised by women CBSG members with a mean age of 34 years. Numeracy and literacy capabilities broadly overlapped, revealing distinctly different profiles. Majority of women who had some primary education and spent 3-4 years in school feared/avoided written calculation and acquired few numeracy skills as a result. Only 10% of the women reported that they were completely responsible for decisions related to child health, while 49% reported they had a major say in such decisions. The study showed no correlation between educational attainment and decision-making power among women.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Financial and health numeracy skills contribute to women’s empowerment and gender equality. It also contributes to an individual’s attitude and behaviour towards uptake of healthcare services and to improve maternal and child health outcomes.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Authorhttps://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/606Factors Behind Low Political Participation of Females in Pakistan2023-12-31T16:55:02+00:00Azeema Begumujala@aeirc-edu.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> Since women constitute approximately half of the population in Pakistan, it is essential for the country's economic growth and social development for women to be actively involved in the political system. Despite the large percentage of the population, women in Pakistan have historically encountered discrimination in both the economic and political spheres. This research examines the significant factors of low female political participation in Pakistan.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> This study has used a qualitative research method using a desk-based study, which included articles, research papers, and other official websites as secondary sources.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> It has been found that there are several factors, such as political, religious, economic, gender discrimination, ideological, and cultural, that restrict female participation in the political process.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The role of women should be more concentrated via normative practices at the local and societal level, as well as the promotion of education and awareness, to increase female participation in politics.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Authorhttps://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/607Investigation of Empowering women through vocational trainings in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan.2023-12-31T16:59:08+00:00Seema Shahujala@aeirc-edu.comQaisara Parveenujala@aeirc-edu.comMuhammad Arshad Daharujala@aeirc-edu.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> Women’s empowerment is about improving confidence and independence through different programs. It not only contributes to social growth but also to economic development through diverse entrepreneurial activities. The study was conducted to determine the role of vocational training in skill development for women and to identify challenges encountered by women during vocational training in Hunza.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> The study was conducted in Hunza Valley, and a qualitative research design was used. The population of the study consists of KADO handicrafts companies. Purposive sampling technique was used to conduct interviews with participants working at KORGAH Carpet Center. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The findings reveal that financial stability, the desire for independence, personal growth, and learning new skills are primary motivations for women to join vocational training. Challenges faced by women during vocational training include balancing training with household tasks, language barriers, societal judgments, and external disruptions such as the Attabad disaster and COVID-19.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The journey of women during vocational training is evidence of their determination, adaptability, and the transformative power of skill development. These women not only enhance their economic prospects but also view vocational training as a pathway to personal and professional growth. In spite of facing challenges, their commitment to acquiring skills and overcoming obstacles reflects the impact of vocational training on women's lives. Future researchers can explore the long-term effects of vocational training on women's careers and financial empowerment in Hunza.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Authorhttps://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/608Conceptualization of Women Empowerment Through 5S Approach: Complementary for Sustainable Development.2023-12-31T17:01:09+00:00Mariam Abbas Soharwardiujala@aeirc-edu.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> For promoting the gender equality in the modern era, women's empowerment becomes extremely important. Empowerment gives women the ability to participate in decision-making processes that affect their livelihood in a productive and effective way. When women have a say in daily chores, management of their household expenditure, resource allocation, and community development, it leads to more inclusive and sustainable practices. Women's involvement in decision-making also ensures that their needs, priorities, and perspectives are taken into account.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> There are numerous definitions and aspects of women's empowerment in literature; however, in the current study, 5S Approach is used to explored and conceptualize the women's empowerment. These five S's stand for self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-confidence, self-management, and self-decision. If a woman is able to achieve all five of these skills, she will be able to live and move through society as she deems fit. The prerequisites and outcome of empowerment are these 5S. This 5S approach aims to identify and manage women's self-empowerment by their own volition.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Many women in poor and impoverished nations lack self-awareness; therefore, it is necessary to empower all women, make them capable of doing so, and make them aware of their respect for and commitment to their beliefs. By applying these 5S approach we can be able to empower the women from every aspect of their capabilities to make their lives worth full and valuable and covering the gender gap.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> When women take control of their lives through 5S approach, they become more capable of taking on powerful roles and leadership positions within society—ultimately empowering not just individual households but entire communities to rise out of poverty and desperation. So, for every woman who desires a better future for herself or her family, as long as her self-awareness is essential in forging a brighter path for sustainable development.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Authorhttps://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/609Beyond Menopause: An Integrative Women-Centered Health-Care Approach.2023-12-31T17:07:06+00:00Ramsha Alamujala@aeirc-edu.comAmna Mukhtarujala@aeirc-edu.comNeha Amber Sajidujala@aeirc-edu.com<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study explores the impact of an innovative integrative women-centered health-care model on women's experiences during the climacteric stage. As women undergo the transition to menopause, they face diverse physical and psychological changes, necessitating healthcare approaches beyond conventional models.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> The research, involving 200 women aged 40 to 65 in counseling group sessions, assesses the effectiveness of the integrative model.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Quantitative results show a significant increase in post-intervention knowledge scores and improved self-care practices, highlighting the model's success in meeting informational needs and positively impacting well-being. Thematic analysis reveals key narratives, emphasizing heightened awareness of physical changes, empowerment, and a positive shift in perception about the climacteric stage. The discussion underscores the significance of holistic approaches, with empowerment emerging as a central theme, instilling a sense of control and autonomy among participants.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, this study advocates for a paradigm shift in healthcare services during the climacteric stage, emphasizing empowerment and comprehensive care. By informing future healthcare practices that address the unique needs of women in this transition, the research contributes to a more holistic and empowering approach to women's health.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Authorhttps://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/610Holistic Examination of Women's Experiences in Academia2023-12-31T17:10:35+00:00Sadaf Ahmedujala@aeirc-edu.comUjala Sajidujala@aeirc-edu.comShamoon Noushadujala@aeirc-edu.comAima Malikujala@aeirc-edu.com<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study investigates persistent gender disparities and challenges faced by women in academia, focusing on harassment, intersectionality, and the leaky pipeline.</p> <p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Employing mixed methods, it reveals varied prevalence of harassment types and identifies institutional support gaps.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Thematic analysis uncovers emotional tolls, coping mechanisms, and the role of institutional culture, while correlation analysis highlights positive relationships between support and career progression. Recommendations include implementing clear reporting mechanisms and diversity training.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong>The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research to assess the effectiveness of interventions. In conclusion, targeted strategies are crucial for creating an equitable and supportive academic environment.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Authorhttps://aeirc-edu.com/ojs14/index.php/IJWE/article/view/611Higher Education Research & Development Perceptions of Gender Dynamics in Pakistani Dramas Among the Younger Generation.2023-12-31T17:13:30+00:00Syeda Farah Batoolujala@aeirc-edu.comSumera Sarfrazujala@aeirc-edu.comFaizan Mirzaujala@aeirc-edu.com<p><strong>Background:</strong> This study investigates the perceptions of male and female undergraduate and postgraduate students regarding the portrayal of toxic masculinity, misogyny, and abuse in Pakistani television dramas. Pakistani dramas, known for their cultural influence, have faced criticism for reinforcing problematic gender stereotypes. The study, grounded in the recognition of media's impactful role in shaping societal norms, aims to provide insights from the younger generation, both consumers and shapers of cultural narratives.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> A qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions was adopted. Purposive sampling strategy ensures diversity among 70 participants, encompassing various genders, academic disciplines, and educational levels. Thematic analysis is employed to derive patterns and themes from participants' responses.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The thematic analysis reveals significant findings under three main themes including Perceptions of Gender Roles in Pakistani Dramas, Impact of Media Portrayals on Attitudes and Behaviors and Suggestions for Promoting Healthier Depictions of Relationships.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study emphasizes the crucial role of media in shaping cultural narratives and societal attitudes. The recommendations provided offer actionable steps for fostering a more inclusive and equitable media environment. As media continues to wield considerable influence, responsible navigation of narratives is essential for promoting a healthier society.</p>2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 The Author