scholarly journals Participation in Communities of Women Scientists in Central America: Implications From the Science Diplomacy Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kleinsy Bonilla ◽  
Johana Cabrera ◽  
Camila Calles-Minero ◽  
Ivonne Torres-Atencio ◽  
Karina Aquino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central America ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Building ◽  
Women Scientists ◽  
Women In Science ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Science Diplomacy ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
And Mathematics

The experience of building and participating in women scientists’ communities in Central America is a multi-layered topic worthy of study. Understanding the dynamics of these women’s groups, associations, and other forms of collective participation, could assist in shedding light on why women are typically under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) research in countries within this region. The objectives of this study are (i) to explore the experiences of participation in communities of women scientists in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama, and (ii) to systematize the challenges and opportunities derived from such activities. Additionally, this work elaborates on some best practices from the Science Diplomacy (SD) perspective, which could provide a helpful framework to encourage these types of collective participatory communities. The qualitative research methodology was based on the collection of primary data from semi-structured interviews and responses to an online survey sent out to Central American women scientists. The findings of this study revealed few cases of community building experiences among women scientists within the studied countries. Evidence also showed the emergence of shared patterns in terms of barriers and disincentives to participating in such communities. Meanwhile, data collected from the few existing community groups is used to identify successful incentives and motivations. The analysis of the collected data offered relevant implications for Science Diplomacy. Most respondents referred to the Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) as one of the main organizations that can impact and further Science Diplomacy. This organization promotes international engagement and networking among women scientists from developing countries across regions and this article shows how this has been used to foster women science community building in Central America. Exploring similar practices in-depth may offer opportunities to overcome traditional barriers and build further gender equality in science in Central America.

scholarly journals Destination Assessment and Certification: Challenges and Opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 3691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Grapentin ◽  
Maureen Ayikoru
Keyword(s):  
Future Development ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Surveys ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Tourism Destinations ◽  
The Way

This study examines recent developments in destination assessment and certification as a basis for identifying challenges and benefits they engender, from tourist and tourism organizations’ perspectives. It uses online surveys and semi-structured interviews to collect primary data from prospective tourists and key informants on destination assessment and certification. The findings highlight the strengths and weaknesses of schemes currently in use, including various factors that might influence their future development. Specifically, the study finds that destination assessment and certification are affected by four key issues, namely, practicability, reliability, visibility, and (un)availability of incentives. It concludes that the manifestation of these issues and their ensuing complexity affect the way in which tourists and tourism destinations engage with destination assessment and certification. This, therefore, delimits the inherent opportunities and constraints within such schemes.

Networking: a male dominated game

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Socratous
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Chartered Accountants ◽  
Big Four ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Using primary data from an online survey in addition to 29 semi-structured interviews among chartered accountants and academics in Cyprus, originally collected for the purposes of a PhD research, this paper aims to investigate the importance of networking with regards to women’s progression in the workplace, as well as the barriers women are faced with in their attempt to “play” the networking game in according to the male rules. Design/methodology/approach The use of an inductive approach was considered appropriate since there is little existing research on gender issues in Cypriot organisations. For the purposes of the study, a two-step qualitative approach was taken. Step 1 was an online survey with both closed and open-ended questions delivered to employed Cypriot men and women. Step 2 of the study comprised semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted with specific, preselected employees, both men and women, comprising chartered accountants from the BIG Four companies in Cyprus and academics working at the University of Cyprus. Findings The research reported in this paper suggests that while there is the perception that men and women share the same opportunities within the workplace and women do not progress by choice, there appear to be various structural and cultural influences at play. It is clear that women are restricted from networking opportunities either intentionally or due to cultural and societal norms and this results in minimising their chances of breaking the glass ceiling and progressing to the top of the organisational ladder. Originality/value The research focuses on the impediments women in Cyprus are faced with in their attempt to network. There is no previous research on this subject in Cyprus.

Future strategic considerations and development priorities for national museum libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1204-1225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert Nicholas Williams
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
National Museum ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Qualitative Phase

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the main strategic considerations facing the libraries of national museums over the next decade, and to examine anticipated future service and resource development priorities. Design/methodology/approach An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was undertaken, consisting of a quantitative research phase followed by a qualitative phase. An online survey was sent to the head librarians of two hundred national museum libraries for the quantitative phase. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the head librarians at seven national museum libraries for the qualitative phase. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the interview data were analysed through use of recursive abstraction. Mixing of the data occurred following the qualitative phase. Findings National museum libraries are facing a complex array of future challenges and opportunities as a result of a rapidly changing socio-technical landscape, evolving organisational needs and priorities and ongoing operational constraints. The main strategic considerations for many national museum libraries relate to their preparedness for these issues, and their ability to deliver services and resources that are relevant, required, and responsive to the future research needs of internal and external users. It seems likely that development priorities will focus on consolidating high impact services and resources, whilst also expanding provision into new areas that have the greatest potential for growth. Originality/value This study identifies issues of strategic importance for national museum libraries and examines the main priority areas being considered by museum librarians as they prepare to develop their libraries into the third decade of the twenty-first century.

scholarly journals Socio-cultural developments of women in science

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Mamlok-Naaman
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Women Scientists ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Women In Science ◽  
Educational Organizations ◽  
Unconscious Bias ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
The World ◽  
Family Demands ◽  
And Mathematics

Abstract Women have not been represented enough in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines in most countries around the world, despite their advancements in these areas. Unfortunately, they continue to represent only a small proportion of faculty members in science and technology fields, especially at more prestigious research institutions. Women still need to cope with discrimination, with an unconscious bias, as well as with family demands. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, fewer than 30 % researchers from all over the world are women. Analysis of “A Global Approach to the Gender Gap in Mathematical, Computing, and Natural Sciences, How to measure it? How to reduce it?” survey advanced our understanding of this phenomenon and identified various factors that cause it. The recommendations address a variety of groups: instructors and parents of girls in primary, secondary, and higher education, educational organizations, scientific unions. and other worldwide organizations. This paper will describe the situation of women scientists in Israel, with examples of chemistry women in the academia.

scholarly journals The Role of Facebook in the Development of Civic Engagement in Morocco

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-24
Author(s):  
Meriem Harrizi ◽  
Amine Salim
Keyword(s):  
Civic Engagement ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Social Activists

The study investigates the factors that inspire Moroccans to engage in both online and offline civic efforts. The inquiry targeted demographics, frequency of Facebook use, the influence of online engagement on participation in real life and the main motivations behind Moroccan civic engagement online. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were adopted to collect and analyze both primary and secondary data. An online survey was administered to (n=277) participants through Facebook targeting the general public of Moroccan Facebook users to collect primary data. Secondary data was collected via semi-structured interviews with (n=3) social activists to provide a comprehensive view of both normal citizens and people who can be considered specialists in the field. The findings revealed the extent to which Moroccans’ usage of Facebook influences their engagement both online and offline, indicating that social media use for civic purposes is significantly related to offline participation. Despite that, higher levels of the so-called “slacktivism” behaviors dominate Moroccans’ civic activities performed on Facebook. Findings in general support the fact that Facebook plays a significant role in the development of civic engagement in Morocco.

Fiji's participation in the global coconut value chain: opportunities and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessie Lin
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Institutional Quality ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Government

PurposeThis paper explores the institutional challenges and opportunities in Fiji's integration into the global value chain. Fiji is naturally endowed with coconut palms across its many islands. However, the coconut sector remains rudimentary with little value-addition. Coconut products of high-value are now being produced and exported throughout the world. While many coconut producing countries have benefitted from this coconut demand surge, Fiji has been unable to benefit from the international market.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to analyze the challenges and opportunities. First, an analysis is done on a macro-level at the link between institutional quality and Fiji's export of coconut products. Then, primary data is collected with semi-structured interviews with key stakeholder groups in regions of Fiji. The goal is to gain an understanding of the perceived challenges and opportunities from each actor.FindingsThe empirical results show that institutional quality matters for Fiji's coconut exports. Increased scores in the government effectiveness and voice and accountability indicators enhance coconut exports from Fiji, suggesting that domestic institutions play an important role. Interviews with key actors reveal that communications among each stakeholder group are fragmented. The main institutional actors and the producers have different perceptions of the industry's challenges, thus resulting in different ideas on how to address the issues.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited by the data availability of coconut production and trade volume of more specific products. Furthermore, due to the transportation and weather constraints during our visit to Fiji, certain parts of the island were not accessible.Originality/valueThis paper uses a mixed-methods approach to assess a specific case study.

Challenges and Prospects of the Criminal Justice System in Handling Child Victims and Alleged Offenders in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2094466
Author(s):  
Nahom Eyasu ◽  
Sisay Haile ◽  
Yosef Tesfaye
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
North West ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Child Friendly

The current study aims to explore the challenges and prospects of the criminal justice system in handling child victims and alleged offenders in Bahir Dar metropolitan city, North West Ethiopia. A qualitative research design was adopted to achieve this goal. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with victimized children ( n = 25) and in-depth interviews conducted with key informants ( n = 15). Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The general emergent theme— encumbrance and motivation reflected the challenges and opportunities of the criminal justice system in handling child victims and alleged offenders, respectively. The results from the study revealed that the absence of child-friendly police stations, limited overall assessments and psychosocial supports for child victims, slow, tardy and insensitive justice process, and legal system gaps were critical issues at the initial police contact, investigation, and trial stages of the criminal justice system. It appears from this study that the wellbeing and support needs of victims and witnesses are not yet being adequately addressed. In this study, a major challenge identified was the deficit of law enforcement in the criminal justice system as to the detection and investigation of a crime involving child victims. On the other hand, the initiatives to introduce child protection units and child-friendly police stations, provision of support and assistance, and awareness-raising about child-friendly practices among the criminal justice system are the major prospects that have been taken place within the criminal justice system.

What can women’s networks do to close the gender gap in STEM?

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Sun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gender Gap ◽  
Women Scientists ◽  
Women In Science ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Low Rank ◽  
Women In Stem ◽  
Participation Of Women ◽  
Scientists And Engineers ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Women's Networks

Abstract Despite the efforts of the Korean government to implement gender mainstreaming in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the gender gap remains intact. The low rank of Gender Gap Indices (GGI) of Korea is mainly due to the low economic participation of women, especially in STEM. However, Korea has been steadily advancing in terms of government policies for women in STEM. The enactment of the law on fostering and supporting women in science and technology in 2002 is attributed to the collective efforts of women scientists and engineers through a women in STEM organization. The next task for women’s networks would be to identify the barriers of gender disparities by gathering the voices of women in STEM.

BUILDING A NETWORK TO SUPPORT GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline D. Spears ◽  
Ruth A. Dyer ◽  
Suzanne E. Franks ◽  
Beth A. Montelone
Keyword(s):  
Women In Science ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
And Mathematics

Women in science: from images to data

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Jami
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Women Scientists ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Women In Science ◽  
Standing Committee ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
The Social ◽  
History Of

Abstract In recent decades research in the social sciences, including in the history of science, has shown that women scientists continue to be depicted as exceptions to the rule that a normal scientist is a man. The underlying message is that being an outstanding scientist is incompatible with being an ordinary woman. From women scientists’ reported experiences, we learn that family responsibilities as well as sexism in their working environment are two major hindrances to their careers. This experience is now backed by statistical analysis, so that what used to be regarded as an individual problem for each woman of science can now be identified as a multi-layered social phenomenon, to be analysed and remedied as such. Over the last five years, international scientific unions have come together to address these issues, first through the Gender Gap in Science Project, and recently through the setting up of a Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES) whose task is to foster measures to reduce the barriers that women scientists have to surmount in their working lives.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document