Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
122 Downloads
EDUCATION FOR GENDER MAINSTREAMING IN AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD
Moly Kuruvilla
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792387
Abstract
Certificate
This paper discusses the conditions and achievements of India in the fields of education and Information
Communication Technology and examines whether the goal of gender equality is facilitated through ICT facilitated
education. The gender bias in the present education system and the various challenges to gender mainstreaming in the
Indian education system are analysed. The National Education Policy of India 2020 that emphasises the use of ICT as
a means to empower India as a knowledge economy is examined as to how far it promises gender equity through ICT
facilitated education. It is pertinent to examine how far inclusive and equitable are the resources of education and ICT
in the Covid-19 context of India. Whether the digital India education is effective enough in its role as an instrument to
facilitate gender mainstreaming is also analysed in detail. Suggestions on modifying the education system to transform
gender relations are proposed by the author.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
133 Downloads
GENDER MAINSTREAMING IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: THE POSSIBILITIES OF SOCIAL AUDIT AS A SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM
Asha Sankar V.
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792395
Abstract
Certificate
Sexual and reproductive health rights encompasses women’s right to have control over and decide freely and
responsibility on matters related with sexuality, sexual health, marriage, reproduction, fertility control and access to
maternal and child health care. In order to understand the existing inequalities, gender has to be problematized as a
social and relational process. Mainstreaming gender in reproductive health needs focused integration of gender as a
social determinant in ensuring reproductive health policies and programmes across the world. Addressing the existing
inequalities in the system requires independent and accountable measures by ensuring community participation from
the beginning of conceptualization till the evaluation process. The possibilities of social audit as an accountability
mechanism in gender mainstreaming of reproductive health could be explored.
Social audit is a comprehensive and transparent community participation method, in which stakeholders could involve
in the process at different levels. It emphasises the right based framework by making shift from beneficiaries to citizens.
In doing social audit, communities could involve in dialogue and creation of knowledge. It would help to challenge
the existing gender discriminations and structural inequalities which restricts the exercise of sexual and reproductive
health rights of women in its full potential. A systematic social audit could produce and share the local voices and
reliable evidences based on their needs and lived experiences. Thus it could act as a social accountability measure of
mainstreaming gender in reproductive health choices and decisions of women.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
121 Downloads
A CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS TRANSGENDER
Dr. Raju Talreja
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792399
Abstract
Certificate
Transgender community face extreme exclusion in our society due to various misconceptions and reasons. The aim of
the study was to explain attitudes of sample based on educational qualifications and the cisgender. Descriptive survey
method was adopted to study the attitude of 540 respondents from various educational background. The t test results
indicated that there is no significant difference between attitudes of cisgender towards transgender. Further, ANOVA
indicated that there is no significant difference in the attitude towards transgender based on educational qualification
except between groups of respondents with SSC and others (below SSC). The results to a great extent indicates that
education plays an important role in broadening horizons and accepting individuals as they are without any judgement.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 25, 2021
118 Downloads
ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE FOR GENDER EQUALITY THE CASE OF KUDUMBASHREE IN KERALA, INDIA
Dr. Chacko Jose P
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792413
Abstract
Certificate
Empowerment of women has multiple dimensions but focus on the action of raising the status of women, equipping
and countenancing women to make life-defining decisions. But unfortunately, many of the endeavours and
interventions for empowering women-focused much on economic empowerment side tracking social, emotional,
intellectual, psychological and equity dimensions. SHGs are often perceived as a shortcut for empowerment, but the
capability of such attempts to break the social inhibitions and gender roles were inadequate. Besides such models
often concentrated on narrow objectives like economic empowerment through employment neglecting the border
dimensions like sustainability or poverty reduction. The Kudumbashree programme of Kerala is an exception to such
attempts.
Kudumbashree, established in 1998 was perceived not merely as one SHG based women empowerment programme in
the narrow sense, but as a poverty eradication mission of Kerala. Kudumbashree is a multifaceted programme focusing
primarily on microfinance and micro-enterprise development and integrally linked to local self-government
institutions. Kudumbashree enhances civic participation in the development process in a grass root level; particularly,
deepen democracy, strengthen social capital, facilitate efficiency sustained growth, and gender mainstreaming.
Deviating from the traditional model of centrally managed programs and the policy processes, Kudumbashree
visualizes development process as a participatory approach against a beneficiary approach. The Kudumbashree
community network lies on the foundation of a three-tier structure, with Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) at the lowest
level, Area Development Societies (ADS) at the middle level, and Community Development Societies (CDS) at the local
government level. Kudumbashree has basic objectives such as to work towards women empowerment, local economic
development, and poverty eradication through the three-tier community organisation consisting of Kudumbashree
NHG, ADS, and CDS. Kudumbashree engages in Micro Finance, Local Economic Development, Social Development,
Women Empowerment, Special Projects, Centrally Sponsored Programs and Urban Projects. Today there are
2,91,507 NHGs with 43,93,579 members. Kudumbashree model which was judged by UNDP as ‘one among the 15
Best Practices in India’ in 2002 is now an internationally acclaimed model for women empowerment. Kudumbashree
has succeeded to empower women by boosting women’s sense of self-worth; right to have and to determine choices;
right to have access to opportunities and resources; right to have the power to control their own lives, both within and
outside the home; and ability to influence the direction of social change to create a more just, social and economic
order.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
118 Downloads
PHYSICAL VIOLENCE VICTIMIZATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS OF SOUTH MUMBAI
Dr. Priya Pillai & Dr. M. A. Ansari
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792417
Abstract
Certificate
Transgender community face extreme exclusion in our society due to various misconceptions and reasons. The aim of
the study was to explain attitudes of sample based on educational qualifications and the cisgender. Descriptive survey
method was adopted to study the attitude of 540 respondents from various educational background. The t test results
indicated that there is no significant difference between attitude of cisgender towards transgender. Further, ANOVA
indicated that there is no significant difference in the attitude towards transgender based on educational qualification
except between groups of respondents with SSC and others (below SSC). The results to a great extent indicates that
education plays an important role in broadening horizons and accepting individuals as they are without any judgement.
The present research was conducted to identify the physical violence victimization among college students in south
Mumbai. The tool prepared by Goggins, (1998) was used for this study. The survey was conducted among 99 female
students. The study revealed that the students with educational level from HSC, graduate and Postgraduate experience
violence with an average frequency of “sometimes”. The caretakers have been victimizing the students rather than
the strangers and non-romantic acquaintances. The objective was to study the level of Physical Violence Experience
among college students. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of victimization from a stranger is
increasing from HSC to graduate and Graduate to Post graduate. Physical violence experiences have been reported
by postgraduate students from authoritative persons and also from strangers. Respondents of this study have been
victimized mainly by family members and authoritative figures rather than romantic, non-romantic and strangers.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
128 Downloads
GENDER BASED INFLUENCE ON THE ATTITUDE OF IN-SERVICE SCHOOL TEACHERS TOWARDS BLENDED LEARNING DURING THE PREVAILING PANDEMIC
Dr. Pooja Manghirmalani Mishra, Dr. Rabiya Saboowala & Dr. Jyotshna Dongardive
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792421
Abstract
Certificate
The impact of the pandemic has not only been felt in the field of education but has affected all sectors of the global
society. The pandemic is a strong indication of the fact that things will not be the same as they were before even though
this will end. Closures of the educational institutes in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to online
learning have affected not only learning of students but also professional growth of teachers as well. The
incorporation of technological resources effectively and innovative educational pedagogies have transformed the
teaching and learning processes. Post-pandemic things will not be the same because of which many research scholars,
policy makers and educationalists believe that a blended learning approach will become the future reality, the new
normal and sustainable pedagogy. During this time, teachers working in various types of educational institutions are
getting an opportunity of being learners. The current paper emphasizes a proactive strategy where not only students
but teachers are also considered as learners while talking about their professional growth through various seminars,
conferences and refresher courses. The present study was undertaken to find out the readiness of in-service school
teachers in order to adapt blended learning when related to gender and medium of instruction of their educational
institute. Total respondents consisted of 169 in-service school teachers from India belonging to various schools having
English, Hindi, Marathi, Telegu, Kannada, Urdu etc as their medium of instruction. The results indicated that both
male and female in-service school teachers have similar attitudes towards blended learning but their attitudes varied
while considering the six dimensions. Similarly, male and female school teachers belonging to institutes having English
as medium of instruction and other languages as medium of instruction had the same attitude towards blended learning
but varied in dimensions of blended learning.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 29, 2021
122 Downloads
THIRD GENDER: LAST PRIORITY?
Ms. Gretta Maria Castelino
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792423
Abstract
Certificate
“About 92 percent of transgenders are deprived of the right to participate in any form of economic activity in the
country, with even qualified ones refused jobs” (NHRC Report cited in India Today Web Desk, 2020). “Just 6 percent
of transgender people are employed in private/ NGO sector” (John, 2017). “Kochi metro railway has employed 23
transgender persons, but 11 have dropped out…” (Devasia, 2017)- We have read several such statistics on the status
of the livelihood of transgenders.
There has been a steady change in the societal perception towards transgender persons. Alongside, the last decade
has also seen several efforts of legislation in this regard. Even the apex Court of the country has stepped in to interpret
equality and justice for the community through the NALSA judgment. This led to the introduction of legislations in the
Parliament to address historical wrongs and guarantee rights to members belonging to the transgender community.
Elaborating upon the sub-theme ‘Economic independence for gender equality’, this research paper examines the
changing scope and nature of the right to livelihood of persons belonging to the third gender. The aim of this paper is
to study the impact of empowerment of individuals belonging to the transgender community through policy measures.
The researcher has employed the Case Study research design. The paper will engage readers to dwell upon the usual
life experiences, strife, personal victories as well as tragedy faced by a few members belonging to the transgender
community.
In this paper, the researcher will be sharing real life stories of three transgender persons from her interaction with
them and as informed by a close relative. The shedding of regressive ideas by way of education has led to a positive
impact in general acceptance and entitlement of rights to transgenders. They have also been instrumental in
contributing to a healthy social fabric, economy, polity and civil society.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
115 Downloads
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: SUCCESSFUL MODELS FROM UAE
Irene George
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792427
Abstract
Certificate
Women Entrepreneurship is the biggest growing business trend across the globe. UAE is considered as one of the most
developed countries in the world, yet limited studies are available to shed light on the women entrepreneurs in
UAE. Women make up 70% of UAE’s university graduates and 44% of the workforce and are key to the UAE’s
economic future. The UAE represents a region that is witnessing an increasing trend of women's participation in
business and entrepreneurial activities. The present qualitative study has used in-depth interviews with fifteen
successful women entrepreneurs in Dubai followed by an interpretive approach to analyze the motivational factors
that enabled them to start business enterprises and the nature of business usually taken up by them.
The most significant finding is the way women identify their potential area of business and product to be marketed.
Most of them have focused on women and children related products such as eco-friendly baby products, kid’s gym,
vegan restaurants and so on, which according to them were not fully addressed in a proper way in the country. In a
rich country like UAE, quality of the product matters the most and once it is ensured marketing is easily facilitated.
While push factors are mostly documented as the key drivers behind women’s choices to become entrepreneurs, the
present study found more of pull factors like passion to do business and the favourable conditions offered by the
country to be the most important factors that motivated the women to start enterprises. UAE offers a promising business
landscape for women entrepreneurs to explore and flourish. The surge in female entrepreneur support groups and
increased funding for new businesses, have facilitated women entrepreneurship in the country. As elsewhere the
COVID 19 pandemic has a temporary setback on entrepreneurship in general wherein several of the enterprises had
to be shut down as part of the new normal but once the conditions change, a resurgence is expected with regard to
women entrepreneurship also.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 26, 2021
113 Downloads
MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES FOR ENHANCING EQUALITY IN EDUCATION AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA
Karuna Bhardwaj
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792431
Abstract
Certificate
According to a UNESCO Institute of Statistics in 2018, 258 million children and youth are out of school out of which
132 million are girls. According to the Census 2011, the literacy rate in India is 74.04 %, the male literacy rate is
82.14 per cent and 65.46 per cent women’s are literate. Gender inequality has been experienced in the educational
institution from decades. The main areas that are taken into account are gender influence on women’s education and
empowerment, factors influencing women’s education and empowerment, how MOOC can help to reduce gender
inequality by providing access to education and empower women’s by overcoming gender disparity issues. Samples of
120 females were taken using a non-probability sampling method. The data was collected with the help of the
questionnaire and interview. The path of gender equality in India is full of potholes. Education is the key to empower
women’s and gender equality. It can change the attitude of society to accept the equal status of women that only can
clear the path for gender equality. Some reasons which hinder women education and empowerment are women were
not allowed to travel long distances, lack of toilet facilities in school forces them to drop out from school, irregularity
in school and colleges because they have to accomplish their gender roles like household work, taking care of their
siblings etc. MOOC provide great opportunity to access quality content without any biases which ultimately empower
women with knowledge. Women can access to “the bulk of knowledge” which is economical from anywhere, at any
time with the help of MOOC which also provides better job opportunities ultimately leads to women empowerment.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
132 Downloads
GENDER EQUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Victoria Sicilia
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792441
Abstract
Certificate
Equity in property and landed assets is instrumental in attaining economic independence and empowerment for women
in developing countries. The primary objective of this paper is to examine how effective property rights facilitates a
better bargaining position for women within the household and other areas of their lives. A number of studies have
verified that this has also enhanced the investment in human capital of the household in areas of health, nutrition and
education.
Through an extensive literature analysis on the question of gender gap in ownership of property in the global and
Indian contexts, this paper aims to provide an overview of the empowering potential of property rights and how
effective property rights are linked to reducing vulnerabilities and shocks in the lives of families all over the globe and
specifically India.
In the recent years it has come to light that worldwide, women own only 1-2% of land, and the gender gap in land
ownership is glaringly high. This paper indicates that in areas where the population is heavily dependent on
agriculture and allied sectors as the main source of income, direct and secure land and property rights for women can
improve their capabilities and levels of public participation and increase agricultural productivity given the high male
out migration and increase in female headed households. In the case of married women, effective property rights are
shown to improve the bargaining power of women in all matters within marriage.
The policies and laws enhancing property and land rights for women has empowering potential but the laws envisioned
for social empowerment take shape in specific social and cultural contexts controlled by men and is reconstructed and
reinterpreted depending on customary practices of inheritance within different communities, thus alienating women
from owning landed assets and wielding their capabilities and limiting their choices. There is a need to enhance
women’s rights to land and assets and reconsider the possibility and constraints to land access for women and other
vulnerable groups
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
94 Downloads
ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE FOR GENDER EQUALITY
Yamini Virginia John
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792449
Abstract
Certificate
Property is universal and the rights to property is a complex weave of culture and economy that overlaps facets of the
law and the state. Ownership of property would mean a concrete inalienable, economic and social rights. It would
entail exclusivity and usufructuary capacities and thus holds and confers power to the owner thereby enhancing their
bargaining power in societies. Effective rights in property is a critical determinant of women's socio economic and
political empowerment. This is primarily because ownership and effective control over property means command over
productive resources (like land,) and liquefiable assets (like gold and silver), which enables women the ability to
bargain and choose the life they wish to lead while providing them the buffer against poverty and deprivation. However,
this path to autonomy and self-determination is not well paved as there continues to be an unequal and differential
access and control over resources for women and men, especially over productive resources like land.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
93 Downloads
PERCEPTIONS ON TEMPLE PROSTITUTION IN EARLY MEDIEVAL INDIA
Aishwarya Kothare
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792455
Abstract
Certificate
Temple prostitution has been a common phenomenon across varied ancient civilizations across the globe. It flourished
under state patronage. Medieval India has been no exception to this. The origins of this process can be traced back to
the early period through varied textual sources including prescriptive texts. A contemporary understanding of the
devadāsīs or the temple women in service to god is intertwined with that of prostitution, and a perpetual exploitation
of women under the facade of religious traditions and practices. Most of it can be impressions formed by the
perceptions about temple women found in late nineteenth and the twentieth century, from the ethnographic records
and the press and court proceedings (Orr, 2000) and the subsequent abolition or extinction of various forms of
devadāsī systems.
Drawing from works of Leslie Orr, Sukumari Bhattacharji, and others this paper uses varied examples including the
women of the Jagannatha temple of Puri, the joginīs prevalent in Andhra Pradesh and the devaradiyals in the Tamil
society. The work tries to ascertain whether the role of the practice of appointing women into the temple as ritual
service providers, contributed to a form of prostitution. It tries to examine other factors which led to prostitution within
the women appointed or offered to the temple.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
117 Downloads
GENDER AND FILM: REPRESENTATION OF GENDER IN INDIAN REGIONAL SPORTS FILMS
Amaljith N.K.
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792459
Abstract
Certificate
Indian film industry is one of the largest cinema hubs in the world and the Indian film stars are renowned for the
astounding performances in the Indian films and the foreign films. Apart from the dominated Bollywood films there
are many regional language films also across the country such as Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi etc. Tamil film
industry centred at Chennai, Tamil Nadu is India’s second largest film industry in terms of films produced and
distributed.
There are many films in Tamil industry portrayed men as sportspersons and characters, but only a few movies
represented women as sports players. The present study focuses on the in-depth analysis of the representation of
women in Tamil sports films and how the so-called Kollywood industry constructs women sports characters. The study
also explores the representation of gender in films and women empowerment.
The study titled “Gender and Film: Representation of Gender in Indian Regional Sports Films” aims how gender and
women are portrayed in Tamil sports films and how they act and survive the social stigma and stereotypes and succeed
their goal. Both films discuss the plights and problems facing women sports players while succeeding their goal and
pointing fingers towards the representation of women in society. Mixed methodology is used for the study. Qualitative
scene by scene analysis and quantitative content analysis with coding is applied. Structuralist Film Theory and
Feminist Film Theory were used for the theoretical framework.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
158 Downloads
GENDER AND LABOUR DEBATES: WOMEN WORKERS IN THE UNORGANISED SECTOR WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SWEET MEAT STREET IN KOZHIKODE DISTRICT OF KERALA
Arathi Aneesh I. K.
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792463
Abstract
Certificate
The unorganised women workers are working in the environment of below the minimum accepted standards without
adequate facilities and having very lower income that did not meet their daily needs of life. There are a lot of people
working in different sectors in SM Street in Kozhikode, a large majority of them working in an unorganized sector.
The more women workers were employed mainly in the field of textile shops as sales women and comparatively more
opportunities are there. The study focused on the women workers of the unorganised sector in SM Street, Kozhikode
and the data were collected from 50 respondents and also from various books, reports, journals and websites. This is
revealed that the working hours of women workers are not fixed. They get daily wages for their work, which is
comparatively less than the pay prescribed by the government. Gender division of labour is an existing reality in the
unorganised sector. Concepts of labour that developed in different arrangements of societies carried a male dominated
frame work. Placing work as a typical male phenomena and each point developed a male-centered class consciousness.
Labour and its related identities got represented only in this class frame which placed workers under certain
categorical representations. The division of labour in the society has historical linkages in different forms. Lack of
toilet facilities and drinking water facility lead to severe health issues of women workers in the unorganised sector in
SM Street. Both the central and state governments have formulated certain specific schemes to support unorganized
workers but which fail in meeting the real needs and requirements of the unorganized labour force. Trade unions are
insensitive to deal the issues of women workers in the unorganised sector. AMTU is a great initiative to address the
problems of women labourers in SM Street.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 31, 2021
116 Downloads
THE POLITICS OF GENDER IN MARIAMA BÂ’S SO LONG A LETTER
Dr Jayant S. Cherekar
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792469
Abstract
Certificate
The feminist struggle and agitation for equality in society have always been a part of the literary representation of
gender roles. The present research paper aims to analyze the text and determine the novelist’s specific brand of
feminism. The research paper focuses on the novel So Long a Letter and attempts to establish distinctiveness of Bâ’s
feminist stance in it. However, there are existing claims among African feminist critics that Mariama Bâ portrays the
oppression of women by men through the prevalent paradigms of tradition, polygamy, patriarchy, and Islamic religion
in Senegal. This paper argues that while the protagonists' revolt against polygamy, religion, and tradition is real, it
posits that any claim of a collective feminist struggle in So Long a Letter is ambivalent. Their engagement with rivalry
and threats to marital fulfilment, an aspect which existing scholarship on the novel has often ignored, also undermines
the claim of a collective feminist struggle for change and progress. In the end, both women succeed through
universalism, formal education, and Westernization in attaining poise and contentment. The present study adopts an
eclectic framework that leans on the theory of deconstruction by revealing the characterization, themes and study of
the text. This article concludes that Bâ’ treatment of feminism in So Long a Letter is quite different as it is free from
biased portraiture of a character based on gender. This sort of treatment in the text shows Bâ to be more humanist
than feminist.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
108 Downloads
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND INTERVENTIONS BY LAW IN INDIA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL
Dr. Aneesh V. Pillai
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792471
Abstract
Certificate
Violence based on gender identity has been prevalent in the world since time times immemorial. Gender based violence
are the result of existing asymmetrical relationship exists between men and women in the society from ancient times
onwards. Depending upon the relationship and the situations, the gender based violence’s takes many forms including
domestic violence, sexual harassment at workplace, sexual and other violence’s against women, etc. Every form of
these violence’s would amount to violation of fundamental human rights of women and is an obstacle which limits
women’s participation in various spheres in the society. Thus it can be seen that gender based violence is an
impediment to achieve the solemn gaol of empowerment of woman. Considering the need to prevent gender based
violence several human rights instruments guarantees different types of protection to women at international level.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 28, 2021
128 Downloads
THE GENDER QUESTION AND FEMINIST DEBATE IN CONTEMPORARY HINDI CINEMA
Dr. Anita Vaidyanathan
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792477
Abstract
Certificate
Bell Hooks (2000) has rightly pointed out in her book, ‘Feminism is for EVERYBODY: Passionate Politics’ that sexism
is not only perpetuated by men, but also women. Thus, it becomes problematic when women become the torch bearers
of patriarchy and succeed in reinforcing the gendered stereotypical notions while socialising the young.The
assimilation of gender roles and expectations reinforce the gender binaries and act as stumbling blocks in the creation
of a gender neutral society. The purpose of my paper is to examine the portrayal of women characters in womencentric
cinema, who reinforce and perpetuate such stereotypical beliefs and attitudes. I have attempted to cull out a
broad interpretative framework, under which I have analysed four broad construals, which have a significant impact
on the relational roles and identity development of girls and women. These construals have been culled through the
content, narrative and character analysis of three contemporary movies-Thappad (2020), Shakuntala Devi (2020) and
Tribhanga (2021). While these movies deal with issues related to women’s agency, space, assertion of independent
will, sexuality and empowerment, they also propel us to delve into the socialisation norms, practices, relational roles
and identities, all of which go into the construction of womanhood, making of these characters and their psyche. My
paper attempts to emphasize that the idea of gender justice is possible through the establishment of strong bond of
sisterhood, renunciation of sexist mode of thinking which keeps the women constantly at war with each other and
breaking free from the hegemonic narratives of masculinity and femininity.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
136 Downloads
PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS IN FAMILIES WITH INTERPARENTAL VIOLENCE
Dr. Anitha A.
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792483
Abstract
Certificate
The present study attempted to explore the relationships between the parents and their children in the context of
families with interparental violence (violence perpetrated towards mothers). The exploration was grounded on the
family systems and attachment theories. Through qualitative method, the researcher has tried to understand the
subjective experiences of adolescents living in families with violence. Narratives of adolescents traces the various
forms in which they had been exposed to interparental violence. The study was conducted among school going
adolescents in Kasaragod district of Kerala, India. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 adolescents, who
reported of living with interparental violence since their childhood. The study reveals adolescents growing up with
continuous exposure to various forms of physical abuse and its aftermath, involvement of adolescents during violence,
co-occurrence of abuse, has to a large extent affected the quality of relationships with their parents and resulted in
insecure parent-child attachments.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
118 Downloads
EFFECTS OF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND ON ATTITUDE TOWARDS WOMEN
Dr. M. A. Ansari & Dr. Priya Pillai
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7791377
Abstract
Certificate
The present research was conducted to identify if there is an association between education level and total AWS score.
For this a shortened version of Attitude towards women Scale (AWS) developed by Janet T. Spence and Robert
Helmreich in the early 1970s were used. Present paper focuses on the attitude towards women among H.S.C.,
Graduates & Post Graduate students of South Mumbai College. The objectives are to study and compare the attitude
towards women among H.S.C., Graduates & Post Graduate students of South Mumbai College. The findings of the
study revealed that there is no significant difference in the level of attitude towards women among H.S.C. & Graduates
students and Graduates & Post Graduate students. Whereas mean scores of the level of attitude towards women among
H.S.C. & Post Graduate students of South Mumbai College differs significantly.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 30, 2021
155 Downloads
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF NOMADIC TRIBAL WOMEN IN KALYAN-KARNATAKA REGION
Dr. Mallikarjun Nagashetty
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7791375
Abstract
Certificate
The nomadic tribes are wandering from place to place in search of source for their livelihood. As such, they have no
fixed shelter or native place and living usually in temporary tents or settlements at the outskirts of towns and cities.
The British were passed the Criminal Tribes Act and restricted movements of many of these tribes and branded them
as criminals. Though, the Act has been repealed, still these tribes are being treated as criminals, thieves and robbers
in civilised society. The occupations of these tribes include snake charming, monkey-playing, etc, which are restricted
by the Government by passing the Wild Life Protection Act. Few of these tribes were collecting forest products such
as honey and selling and after passing forest laws, movement of these tribes into forest has banned. Occupations of
the tribes which are engaged in entertainment activities such as folk songs, music, etc were decreased their importance
due to television and internet. In this way, these tribes have no occupation for their livelihood. Due to illiteracy and
poverty, orthodox culture is followed by these tribes. The orthodox tribal culture has resulted in gender inequality
faced by nomadic tribal women. Consequently, these women are facing many of the problems such as deprivation in
education, healthcare, nutritious food, shelter, equality, etc. In this way, their human rights are violated. Hence, the
proposed research is planned to address human rights violations of nomadic tribal women.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 31, 2021
122 Downloads
CHALLENGES FACED BY THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY- A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN INDIA AND AUSTRALIA
Dr. Shilpa Sharma & Dr. Deepti Khubalkar
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792496
Abstract
Certificate
The challenges of sexual minorities are often underscored in the world and taken a backseat. But to effectively use
Gender mainstreaming as a base for policy work, we need to change that. This article broadly investigates the
challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in a comparative format. Giving due weightage to the global perspective,
this article tries to analyse the challenges faced by a developing country, India and a developed country, Australia.
The aim of the study, simply speaking, is to derive at what stage we in the liberalization of LGBTQ are compared to a
developed country, what are the historical factors that have influenced the progress, if any. The researcher took up
this topic because as a citizen in this democratic country, it is incredibly concerning to hear about the challenges that
the LGBTQ have to face and a positive change in the country’s mindset is the need of the hour. The researcher has
employed doctrinal methodology in the research paper to arrive at the results. After carefully dissecting the historical
background, the challenges and the subsequent suggestions of the LGBTQ community in India and Australia, the
researcher has arrived at some results. India, currently, is at the initial stages of reforms in the LGBTQ community as
compared to Australia and some of it can be attributed to the different perspectives of a culturally and religiously rich
India. In terms of awareness and acceptance rate, India is quite low. Most of the challenges faced by the community
are due to lack of awareness and knowledge. But to give credit when it’s due, India has come a long way and fought
a hard battle. It isn’t going to be easy in the coming future but what we need is an educated and upstanding youth
community. The reforms will follow accordingly.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 29, 2021
119 Downloads
GENDER SENSITIVITY: A PRERQUISITE FOR TEACHERS IN 21ST CENTURY
Dr. Thasniya K.T.
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792498
Abstract
Certificate
Schools have the potential of playing a transformative role in changing the prevalent patriarchal notions and unequal
gender relations. But very often cclassrooms serve as key social and cultural spaces for the production of a range of
gendered performances and relations. The teacher has the key role to provide a safe and gender friendly space for
boys and girls to express themselves and simultaneously develop notions of gender justice among students. A study
was conducted to anlayse the perceptions of teachers about gender equality. Focus group discussion and interviews
with teachers were used to collect the data. Interviews with 48 teachers- 24 male and 24 female, belonging to 24
schools in Malappuram and Thrissur districts of Kerala, 12 at primary and 12 at secondary levels revealed that
majority of teachers lack gender awareness and the concept of gender and its implications are unknown to several of
them. The findings of the study revealed that the perceptions of teachers are gendered with traditional concepts
regarding gender roles of men and women and subject choices of girls and boys. Teachers though following the
gendered practices do so without realizing that their behaviours are gendered. Gender equality according to a few
teachers is only a utopian idea and some of them even declared ‘men are men and women are only women’. Such
statements highlight the extent to which they have internalized the notions of men as the norm and women as the
inferior other. They accept and uphold the popular gender norms regarding masculinity and femininity and
unknowingly transmit them to the future generations. Based on the findings of the study, the author suggests gender
equality as a prerequisite for teachers to ensure gender sensitized pedagogic practices and classroom behaviours of
teachers.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 25, 2021
128 Downloads
A MANIFESTATION OF DIASPORIC AND FEMINIST STRAINS IN JASMINE: A NOVEL BY BHARATI MUKHERJEE
Roji Bala
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792500
Abstract
Certificate
Bharati Mukherjee was a versatile and well-grounded diasporic writer. Hailing from India, she managed to secure a
really promising and prominent position among the mainstream American writers. The primary concern of her literary
outputs is the delineation of the cultural clashes encountered by the Indian immigrants in foreign lands. She primarily
takes up the protagonists of her literary creations from Indian context who strive hard to settle in the alien lands and
meanwhile undergo unpleasant experiences of exile, alienation, a sense of loss, pangs of separation and dislocation,
identity crisis and many more. The chief aim of the present paper is to present a story of a Punjabi girl Jasmine who
had to undergo such nasty experiences in order to ensure her survival in America. It is also a story of a girl Jasmine,
who undergoes subjugation and submissiveness in phallocentric and patriarchal World both in India and in America.
Moreover, a primary concern of this paper is to bring forth the numerous transformations that she had during her stay
in America. It is all about her journey from Jyoti to Jasmine and then to Jazzy, Jane etc.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
128 Downloads
EFFECT OF LOCKDOWN ON QUALITY LIFE AND LEARNING PROCESS OF INDIAN WOMEN: A MIXED RESEARCH
Shubhashree Dash
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792503
Abstract
Certificate
This study is aimed at exploring the changes in Quality Life of female learners because of lockdown, with impact of
the lockdown on the education. The study also discusses the relationship between the quality of life and educational
process. A mixed research was conducted on female learners studying in different institutions of India, under various
courses; starting from senior secondary to PhD level. For collecting data about their Quality Life and for knowing
details about their educational process structured questionnaire were used. For analysing data of Quality Life of the
learners, and significant difference between rural and urban learners both mean and t-test were used. Thematic
analysis has followed for the explanation of the educational process. A total number of fifty female learners were
selected through convenient sampling. Out of 50 female learners 31 (62%) have a Poor-Quality Life because of
lockdown, and also there is significant difference between Quality Life of rural and urban female learners. Since
lockdown started, whatever alternative educational process is followed was not satisfactory to that extent for them. In
a patriarchal family being the follower of gender roles, their socialisation and mental health were affected badly, and
ultimately affected their learning process. It is concluded that while a large part of the highly educated women was
affected by lockdown, then it will be no wrong to imagine the condition of the educationally and economically weaker
section
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 29, 2021
113 Downloads
A STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AND BURNOUT OF SECONDARY TEACHERS IN MUMBAI
Dr. Neelu Verma
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792507
Abstract
Certificate
In India, over the past few years, many new education systems have become popular and these follow different boards
and different curricula. The schools that are affiliated to and authorized by these bodies showcase different academic
and work environment. There is varied student enrolment and hence the expectation from the teachers also differs on
different parameters as per the board and the philosophy of the institution. The difficulty level of the followed
curriculum is also different. In the wake of this, the teachers have to put in diverse and wide-ranging efforts that put a
lot of pressure on them from all the stakeholders, from employers to students. This affects the psychological wellbeing
of teachers which in turn affects the wellbeing of students, their social and emotional behaviour and their overall
performance. Hence, the researcher thought it was significant to assess psychological wellbeing of teachers and their
level of burnout as these factors are important to protect their mental health and provide them with a positive work
environment that helps them grow personally and professionally.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 31, 2021
128 Downloads
GENDERED DEMOCRACY OF THE OPPRESSED FEMINEITY: A REFLECTION OF THE AFRICAN REVERIE OF BELEAGUERED WOMANHOOD
Dr. Prafull D. Kulkarni
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792509
Abstract
Certificate
It is an established fact that folklore originates in the psyche of the masses. Therefore, its thematic infusion into the
plays may be seen as a conceptualization of these peoples’ voices, their ideas, their anxieties, their wants and their
social predicament. The long-suppressed desire of freedom and gender equality in the reverie of womenfolk does
sometimes reflect in the dramatic lore of this kind. The present paper attempts to bring to light this urge of the
womenfolk which is dramatized in an African one-act play – A Village Dream by Mesgun Zerai. In the cultural context
of the globe, this East-African folktale is quite significant since the dramatist here examines the reality of the postmodern
women’s life in their traditional patriarchal garb of female subjugation that represents Africa. The longdebated
issue of this gender inequality and repressed femineity undergoes a critical scanner of the playwright from
the East-African country of Eritrea. The practical solution of the male subjugation the dramatist offers here through
this play seems quite relevant even to the post-modern democratic societies of the globe today. The present paper
explores this solution that is visualized by the internationally acclaimed Eritrean playwright, Mesgun Zarai, through
his folkloric play – A Village Dream.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 29, 2021
113 Downloads
PAPER FOR THE GENDER CONFERENCE 2-3 FEBRUARY 2021 ROLE OF EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR GENDER EMPOWERMENT
Mrs. Pooja V. Kadam
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792511
Abstract
Certificate
Gender empowerment is to make the people of all genders socially, psychologically, physically, politically, financially
and spiritually sound; without any discrimination. Conventionally and traditionally the term ‘empowerment’ is usually
co-related to the women, though it has an impact on other marginalized genders in a distinct social or political context.
To overcome obstacles such as poverty, gender-discrimination, racial-discrimination, etc. there is a need to find an
appropriate solution to tackle them.
Education has always played a vital role in overcoming various problems in all spheres of life. It has helped to ventout
one’s thoughts and emotions by means of healthy criticism and productive interaction. Both, at national and
international front, it is seen that education has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the vulnerable and
non-vulnerable groups.
Just as education, technology has also helped to change the outlook of individuals with respect to gender
discrimination. With the advent of new ICTs, the internet and mobile phones in particular, have transformed the timespace
discrimination. It has not only been effective in economic, social and political spheres of various societies, but
also helped the marginalized groups to become more democratic and inclusive in the mainstream. Hence, it has
provided a new identity and voice to the individuals irrespective of their social or economic status.
Gender Sensitization can be incorporated in classrooms by the teachers while interacting with the students. It would
promote equality amongst the students and broaden their vision too.
To conclude, empowerment has many synonyms and meanings. Human empowerment dwells in identifying one’s
potentials, striving towards one’s goals effortlessly and achieving the set goals.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 27, 2021
123 Downloads
MENTAL HEALTH OF WOMEN: SOCIO CULTURAL REASONS NEED MORE EMPHASIS
Jijila. MK
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792514
Abstract
Certificate
Mental health and related issues are discussed and researched more widely in recent days. It may be a sign that the
stigma around mental health is slowly disappearing. The past two decades has seen a dramatic change in attitudes
towards mental health and mental illness. Public figures and celebrities now freely open up their own struggles with
depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, phobias and other mental health problems. According to WHO
mental health is a state of wellbeing in which people realise their potentials and work productively as well as fruitfully
and are able to make contributions to their communities. It is a positive concept related to the individual’s social,
emotional, and psychological wellbeing.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 28, 2021
122 Downloads
AN ONLINE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ATTITUDES TOWARDS FEMINIST ISSUES
Ms. Yashvi Navin Gada & Dr. Rajeev I. Jha
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792516
Abstract
Certificate
Feminism according to the researchers means working towards achieving global gender equality. As we know that
everyone is born equal, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality. However, there are so many aspects of life in which
people are not treated equally like politically, economically, legally, and socially. And to a clear idea feminism is about
working against the systems built to keep certain groups of people oppressed, and striving towards equality for
everyone. It means having civil conversations with people. Feminism actually means having a common sense of
equality. It’s the idea that everyone is equal and deserves to be given this equity. However, in our world, this isn’t
always the case, and that’s where feminism comes in.
Original Research Articles
|
Oct. 29, 2021
122 Downloads
CHALLENGES OF SEXUAL MINORITIES AND SPECIAL GROUPS ISSUES
V.Sruthi
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792521
Abstract
Certificate
In the present scenario, we have awareness about gender equality. But the bitter truth is that we are really not ready
to encourage the concept of gender equality. We are reluctant to accept even the opinions of sexual minorities and
special groups in the home. In such a prevailing situation, accepting the sexual minorities and special groups as they
are, is really a big challenge to the society as it degrades the living condition of these people. Even their livelihood is
affected to a great extent. Sexual minorities refer to the gender minorities considered in a group. Special groups refer
to the groups which are discriminated from the other groups and whose rights are refused. There are so many
psychological factors like stress, anger, frustration which arises due to this discrimination. Challenges faced by them
are domestic violence, poor physical health, poor mental health and lack of social well-being. Let us see in detail about
the challenges faced by the sexual minorities and special groups.
Original Research Articles
|
Oct. 29, 2021
165 Downloads
NAVIGATING MENTAL TRAUMA, SEXUAL ABUSE AND HEALTH CARE IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS DURING COVID-19
Yasmin Chaudhuri
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792523
Abstract
Certificate
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a host of issues in society. It changed our lives as we knew it and compelled us
to adjust to the ‘new normal’ of mask donning, hand sanitizing, growing isolation, and social distancing. Adolescent
girls (aged 12-18) are at heightened risks during pandemics/epidemics in the past. The novel coronavirus outbreak
proved to be no different and the vulnerable adolescent female population fell victim to increased incidences of GBV
(Gender-Based Violence) all around the world. The site of home became the location of sexual abuse and violence
owing to proximity with abusers in the lockdown phase, where girls found themselves trapped in domestic spaces with
the male perpetrators. Post-COVID 19 era saw a spate of early marriages of adolescent girls due to loss of income in
several households, resulting in early pregnancies in young girls which proved to be disastrous to both their physical
and mental health. The adolescent phase is a sensitive and vulnerable phase where young girls undergo radical
biological changes that produce a direct impact on their minds and moods. This is a stage where girls require greater
care and attention to be paid to their diets, physical exercise, and mental health. The global lockdowns greatly stunted
the all-round development needs of young girls. The key area of development in adolescence is education which took
a backseat due to the unprecedented changes that coronavirus inflicted upon human society. Education saw a vast
digitalization phase and the shifting of traditional modes of learning to blended learning. Young girls from distressed
and downtrodden families failed to gain access to online platforms of learning which significantly harmed their
education. My paper seeks to analyze the various underlying causes and sites of negotiations between pandemics and
GBV in young girls. My paper will further try to discuss intervention tools that can be adopted by existing state
apparatuses and machineries to deal with this grave issue in India.
Original Research Articles
|
Oct. 24, 2021
175 Downloads
INVESTIGATING ARJUNA’S IDENTITY AS A EUNUCH IN THE MAHĀBHĀRATA
Tulika Singh
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7791288
Abstract
Certificate
This paper investigates Arjuna’s identity as a eunuch during the Pāṇḍava’s period of disguise in the thirteenth year of
their exile in the text Mahābhārata (MBh), one of the two major epics of ancient India. It seeks to draw attention on
the behaviour of the society towards his new identity vis-à-vis his original identity as a warrior hero. Employing the
methodology of critical analysis of the text to explore certain crucial questions such as why does Arjuna as a eunuch
remain confined to women’s companionship in the court, whether this new identity brings him valour or contempt,
and the reason behind it will aid in this endeavour. The second part of the paper aims to probe into Arjuna’s sexuality
as a eunuch. This section deals with the issue of its censorship on account of ulterior motives of the text. Therefore,
through reading the text from a gendered perspective, the attempt is to analyse and question its viewpoint for a gender
that is beyond ‘normal’ for the authorship and the intended audience. It is to be noted, however, that the current analysis
is based on the section of the source, the Virāṭa Parvan of the MBh, which is limited in the sense that it is situated in
the spatial setting of the court culture. Among the characters represented in the source, most of them come from the
royal section of society. We somehow lack aspects or voices from other sections.
Original Research Articles
|
Oct. 27, 2021
203 Downloads
GENDER MAINSTREAMING: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES GENDER EQUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Prof. Vanita Agarwal
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792537
Abstract
Certificate
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a host of issues in society. It changed our lives as we knew it and compelled us
to adjust to the ‘new normal’ of mask donning, hand sanitizing, growing isolation, and social distancing. Adolescent
girls (aged 12-18) are at heightened risks during pandemics/epidemics in the past. The novel coronavirus outbreak
proved to be no different and the vulnerable adolescent female population fell victim to increased incidences of GBV
(Gender-Based Violence) all around the world. The site of home became the location of sexual abuse and violence
owing to proximity with abusers in the lockdown phase, where girls found themselves trapped in domestic spaces with
the male perpetrators. Post-COVID 19 era saw a spate of early marriages of adolescent girls due to loss of income in
several households, resulting in early pregnancies in young girls which proved to be disastrous to both their physical
and mental health. The adolescent phase is a sensitive and vulnerable phase where young girls undergo radical
biological changes that produce a direct impact on their minds and moods. This is a stage where girls require greater
care and attention to be paid to their diets, physical exercise, and mental health. The global lockdowns greatly stunted
the all-round development needs of young girls. The key area of development in adolescence is education which took
a backseat due to the unprecedented changes that coronavirus inflicted upon human society. Education saw a vast
digitalization phase and the shifting of traditional modes of learning to blended learning. Young girls from distressed
and downtrodden families failed to gain access to online platforms of learning which significantly harmed their
education. My paper seeks to analyze the various underlying causes and sites of negotiations between pandemics and
GBV in young girls. My paper will further try to discuss intervention tools that can be adopted by existing state
apparatuses and machineries to deal with this grave issue in India.
Original Research Articles
|
Oct. 31, 2021
176 Downloads
SELF ESTEEM OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: A GENDER PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Lubna J. Mansuri
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792543
Abstract
Certificate
Self- esteem is a feeling of self-appreciation and is an indispensable emotion for people to adapt to the society and live
their lives. For adolescents in particular environment in which they are raised contributes profoundly to the
development of their self-esteem. The paper aims to compare the self- esteem of secondary school students of SSC and
CBSE board. The total sample consisted of 400 students (192 girls and 208 boys) respectively. The statistical technique
used for the study was t- test. The methodology of the study was of descriptive method of comparative type. The
sampling technique used was simple random sampling.
It is imperative to keep a tab on the self -esteem of adolescents in schools as that forms the basis to their mental health,
character and personality as mature adults. The researcher attempts to acquire a clearer picture of the sense of self
appreciation and self-esteem the youngsters of this generation across various boards possess. The findings of the
study were that there is a gender wise significant difference between the self- esteem of boys and girls of SSC and
CBSE board. The girls of SSC board possess a higher level of self- esteem as compared to girls of CBSE board and
The self- esteem of SSC boys is high as compared to boys of CBSE board. Self-esteem is important because higher selfesteem
is associated with high efficiency, academic achievements, high and accurate decision-making skills, greater
ability to work in groups, while self- esteem is one of the major repairing force behind any damage caused.
Original Research Articles
|
Oct. 29, 2021
159 Downloads
BUILDING GLOBAL BRIDGES AND CROSSING EGALITARIAN MACROCOSMS-THE ENGENDERING SINE QUA NON
Dr. Saurabh Mishra & Angana Bose
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792549
Abstract
Certificate
Gender equality and sustainable development are interspersed tropes of cultural praxis since time immemorial (since
the time Lady Macbeth’s name has not been probed into or Nation being equated with mother). The dichotomy of
naturalizing women and feminizing nature with identical yet silenced forces of control, reproduction and nurture puts
to the multifaceted question of whether the male’s control really masquerades as protection for the female (a territory
to be conquered, dominated or shielded against inequalities) and the country (against anthropocentrism, globalization
and biomedical apocalypse). On one hand, it cements the metonymic male and the metaphorical female and on the
other hand, poses whether technology, as a social context, mired in contemporary social relations and ambits, can
come to the rescue. Through a diagnostic and qualitative approach of content analysis, it explores the productive role
of gender in the building of sustainable cultures, reboots the fundamental interconnectedness of gender equality and
sustainable development. Additionally, it interrogates the workable spaces of the dehumanizing gender discrimination
as rightly perceived by United Nations unpacking the irony of gender inequality. This is also critical in elucidating the
causality through the stances of capitalism and Structural-functionalism.
Original Research Articles
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Oct. 28, 2021
173 Downloads
THE WEAPONIZATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE KASHMIR CONFLICT
Soumyadeep Neogi
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792553
Abstract
Certificate
Sexual violence on women has been a regular feature of warfare throughout human history. In both civil and
international armed conflicts, sexual violence has been perpetrated on women in the form of rapes, sexual slavery,
molestations and forced pregnancies. While the perpetrators are men from groups like state forces, political and
insurgent groups, the victims are women from the largely non-combatant civil society. Such offences cause immense
psychological, physical and emotional trauma in the victims, their families and their societies. Yet despite the increased
awareness of these negative impacts and its widespread global condemnations, sexual violence has still largely
remained prevalent in modern conflicts and has been regarded as an unavoidable consequence of any conflict. Recent
studies, interrogating the causes behind these offences, have been mostly limited to feminist socio-cultural perspectives
that stress on the influence of patriarchal gender identities. However, the systematic patterns of sexual crimes in recent
conflicts also point to other vital factors and some scholars have highlighted how sexual violence is willingly committed
in conflicts by the combatants to achieve specific political and strategic objectives and influence the outcome of the
conflict in their favor. Additional research is crucial to identify how and why sexual violence is strategically used and
weaponized in conflicts. This paper seeks to contribute in this regard by analysing the significance of sexual violence
in the Kashmir conflict. By using data from oral and literary narratives, this paper explores the impact of sexual
offences in Kashmir and makes the argument that sexual violence, particularly rape, was used as a deliberate,
intentional strategic weapon of war in the Kashmir conflict for securing political objectives.
Original Research Articles
|
Oct. 28, 2021
166 Downloads
GENDER SENSITIZING PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS: A PEDAGOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Sunil Rajpurkar
DOI : 10.5281/ERJ.7792567
Abstract
Certificate
The plurality of causes and consequences of gender-based discrimination in human societies is a much known fact.
The reason it is still prevalent in modern democracies for it has social sanction and acceptance either through religious
scriptures, cultural practices, or traditional social institutions that are at times perceived unquestionable and to be
rigidly adhered to. Transforming societies that are deeply rooted in traditional gender-discriminatory norms require
education that will empower a person to question social conditions in the broader purview of scientific knowledge,
rational mindset and humanitarian values. Teachers of modern age can instil this argumentative and deliberative or
discursive democratic mindset among the learners of today that will be instrumental in creating more just and
egalitarian society free from gender biases and discrimination. This necessitates the relevant pedagogical inputs
through teacher preparation so as to equip prospective teachers for making it a part of their day to day teaching
practices. The present paper is based on author’s classroom experiment of pedagogical endeavours with studentteachers
of B. Ed. degree program in India. The major aim of this study was to gender sensitize prospective teachers
through argumentative and reflective pedagogical strategies and to document their perspectives and learning while
dealing with the Inter-disciplinary Course – Gender, School and Society from the present B. Ed. curriculum of
University of Mumbai. Observation and diary documentation method was used in the study and the outcomes of the
experiment were analysed qualitatively. The study discovered unique benefit of argumentative and reflective
pedagogical strategies in guiding students’ moral judgements and sensitizing them for more balanced, rational and
well informed scientific thought process on the issues of gender equality. The study revealed a growing positive
scenario among the prospective teachers of the present age, irrespective of their gender, towards breaking the ageold
gender-discriminatory social norms and gender stereotypes.