scholarly journals The problematics of gender and power in Lumban traditional hand embroidery

Plaridel ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-201
Author(s):  
Kristine Kalaw-Adalla

Embroidery provides meaningful discoveries through interactions and relations connected in the lived experiences of women hand embroiderers. A woman’s performance of her embroidery skills indicates the intimate connection of her womanhood, her daily life, and the kind of labor and effort she places upon it. Interviews, focus group discussions, and creative workshop reveal that social conditions from the past to the present, allow her to continuously construct her identity and negotiate her role in society. Embroidery has offered the women in this study an opportunity to create not only their identity as individuals but also as a community, and has helped them develop their capacities beyond realizing their womanhood. The presence of the problematics of gender and power is evident through the obvious contradictions of the empowered under disempowering conditions thus rendering their power and empowerment, symbolic.

2021 ◽  
pp. 097152152110305
Author(s):  
Saroj Rani

This study explores the experiences of women as voters and political representatives at the local level. It includes women’s stories which capture the challenges they faced, their resistance and aspiration for change. The study also looks at men’s perception of women’s political participation. The study uses a feminist perspective with qualitative methods. Tools such as in-depth interview, focus group discussions and observations were used to gather data and information.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina I. Tobias ◽  
Sourav Mukhopadhyay

This article explores the experiences of social exclusion of individuals with visual impairment (IWVI) as they negotiate their daily lives in their homes and societal settings in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions of Namibia. Employing qualitative research approach, this research tried to better understand the lived experiences of IWVI. Nine IWVI with ages ranging from 30 to 90 years were initially engaged in focus group discussions, followed by semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. The findings of this research indicated that IWVI experience exclusion from education, employment and social and community participation as well as relationships. Based on these findings, we suggest more inclusive policies to address social exclusion of IWVI. At the same time, this group of individuals should be empowered to participate in community activities to promote interaction with people without visual impairments.


2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Hockey ◽  
Victoria Robinson ◽  
Angela Meah

Based upon a series of focus group discussions carried out in East Yorkshire, this article contributes to debates on both the nature and theorising of heterosexual relationships that have recently been investigated from diverse perspectives. These group discussions represent the launch of the first major empirical study of heterosexuality and ageing that has been undertaken in the UK. In drawing upon preliminary data from these focus groups, our findings reinforce and add to the challenging of a representation of heterosexuality which is both monolithic and inflexible, by exploring accounts of peoples’ actual lived experiences. Through this research we begin to generate a theoretical approach which highlights the complexity of these lived realities. We particularly explore the intersections of gender, age, class and family location. In doing so, we pinpoint differences, contradictions, but also continuities, in the ways in which people discuss and comment on their own and other people's perceptions and experiences of heterosexuality.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salmah Lao Manalocon- Basher

Female circumcision refers to the procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female external genital organs. The reasons for doing this vary but it is commonly observed in places where Muslims predominate. The study is intended to determine: 1) the rate of females who had undergone female circumcision in Madrasah School compared to those who went to English schools, 2) the prevalence rate of female circumcision among Meranaos, and 3) the practices and experiences of women who have undergone FC. The study utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods using a designed questionnaire, interview and focus group discussions with the respondents. The results showed that more girls who were studying in Madrasah have undergone this practice compared to the number of girls who are in Western or English schools. It also showed that the prevalence rate of this practice is indeed high in the rural areas, which is 86%. The practice of FC is performed either during Fridays, Holidays or Mondays and Thursdays. Each mentioned day has meanings and there are certain procedures and instructions being followed in doing the practice. In conclusion, religious justification remains the strong reason why FC is still rampantly performed in the different rural areas of Lanao del Sur, Philippines.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashir Ssuna ◽  
Anne Katahoire ◽  
Mari Armstrong-Hough ◽  
Dennis Kalibbala ◽  
Joan N Kalyango ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in key populations at elevated risk for exposure to HIV. If used effectively, PrEP can reduce annual HIV incidence to below 0.05%. However, PrEP is not acceptable among all communities that might benefit from it. There is, therefore, a need to understand perceptions of PrEP and factors associated with willingness to use PrEP among key populations at risk of HIV, such as members of communities with exceptionally high HIV prevalence. Objective: To examine the perceptions and factors associated with willingness to use oral PrEP among members of fishing communities in Uganda, a key population at risk of HIV. Methods: We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study at Ggaba fishing community from February to June 2019. Survey data were collected from a systematic random sample of 283 community members. We carried out bivariate tests of association of willingness to use PrEP with demographic characteristics, HIV risk perception, HIV testing history. We estimated prevalence ratios for willingness to use PrEP. We used backward elimination to build a multivariable modified Poisson regression model to describe factors associated with willingness to use PrEP. We purposively selected 16 participants for focus group discussions to contextualize survey findings, analysing data inductively and identifying emergent themes related to perceptions of PrEP. Key results: We enrolled 283 participants with a mean age of 31±8 years. Most (80.9%) were male. The majority of participants had tested for HIV in their lifetime, but 64% had not tested in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV prevalence was 6.4%. Most (80.6%, 95%CI 75.5-85.0) were willing in principle to use PrEP. Willingness to use PrEP was associated with perceiving oneself to be at high risk of HIV (aPR 1.99, 95%CI 1.31-3.02, P= 0.001), having tested for HIV in the past 6-months (aPR 1.13, 95%CI 1.03-1.24, P=0.007), and completion of tertiary education (aPR 1.97, 95%CI 1.39-2.81, P<0.001). In focus group discussions, participants described pill burden, side-effects, drug safety, and accessibility as potential barriers to PrEP use. Conclusions and recommendations: Oral PrEP was widely acceptable among members of fishing communities in peri-urban Kampala. Programs for scaling-up PrEP for fisherfolk should merge HIV testing services with sensitization about PrEP and also address issues of access to drugs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-140
Author(s):  
Dana Burdnell Wilson ◽  
Linda Darrell ◽  
Dasha J. Rhodes

The Autumn Divas study objective was to examine the lived experiences of women of color who achieved doctoral degrees after the age of 50. This study used qualitative methods to reflect the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the participants; the strengths they had in common, the support of family and friends, and the personal, professional, and financial challenges they faced in their respective journeys. This phenomenological study described the meaning of the experience for the participants, as they matriculated through their doctoral programs, explored in three focus group sessions, with nine participants. Results showed that they experienced similar journeys, which led to the advancement of their personal growth, and sought to motivate other women of color. Most participant's pursuit of a doctorate at this time in their lives was a means of self-fulfillment and empowerment. In conclusion, the participants had deferred this goal, but were receptive to new challenges and perspectives, and validated each other's stories in the focus group discussions. Most had a message for the sisters coming behind them: pursue your dreams; make the investment in yourself; be a source of support and wisdom for each other; and contribute to uplifting your community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy K. Lee

In the recent decades, ‘Kong girls’ has become a vogue term in the media as well as in daily conversations among youths in Hong Kong. The term, which is more of a negative slang form than a neutral short term of ‘Hong Kong girls’, egregiously refers to young women who supposedly embody Hong Kong values that are dominated by materialism. Thus, it would be interesting from a gendered perspective to tease out the ideological implications of the term: why does it refer universally to young females (all girls in Hong Kong) rather than those with/under specific conditions (such as those with princess syndrome or materialist mindsets)? This article examines the features of ‘Kong girls’ in a mass-media context and compares them with the findings of focus group discussions with local young informants. Although the media helped shape the images of Kong girls and form the stereotypes of the terminology in the society, the content analysis results show inconsistency and tensions with focus group findings. The Kong girl discourse in the media and daily life manifests anxieties and perplexity of young men in Hong Kong, who are facing the crisis of masculinity catalysed by the emerging status of women.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e037471
Author(s):  
Hagere Yilma ◽  
Erica Sedlander ◽  
Rajiv N Rimal ◽  
Soumik Pattnaik

ObjectivesThis study aims to understand if fatigue, the main symptom of anaemia, is a health concern that cues women and their referent groups to obtain iron folic acid supplements.DesignThis is a mixed methods study that consisted of a cross-sectional perceptual mapping and card sorting activity along with 16 focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, mothers-in-law and men. Participants of the perceptual mapping and card sorting activity were asked to compare images of anaemia-related items and concepts. Participants in the focus group discussions were asked about their daily life, aspirations and concerns among women and perceptions of anaemia and iron supplementation in the community. The quantitative data were analysed through multidimensional scaling and analyses of variance in SPSS. The qualitative data were analysed through applied thematic analysis using NVivo.SettingBhubaneswar, Odisha, India.ParticipantsWomen of reproductive age (n=30), mothers-in-law (n=30) and married men (n=30) were randomly selected to participate in the perceptual mapping and card sorting exercise. A separate sample of each group was randomly selected for the focus group discussions (n=148).Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe collected perceptions of dissimilarity between anaemia-related items, including fatigue and medical items; the extent to which these items were perceived as important to health or likable; and qualitative information about gender norms.ResultsCognitive maps and card sorting revealed that fatigue was conceptualised distinctly from items related to medical treatment and that perceptions around fatigue’s importance to health were low. Women from the focus groups reported that fatigue is a regular part of their daily life.ConclusionOur results indicate that fatigue is currently not an adequate cue to seek treatment, perhaps due to the normalisation of fatigue as a part of women’s daily life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Kristin Larry Sait ◽  
Neilson Ilan Mersat ◽  
Wong Swee Kiong

This study investigates the possible gaps in current indigenous knowledge in the use of natural resources, specifically in traditional handicraft making. The Iban women are known for their traditional weaving skills. However, due to various reasons, this knowledge is declining. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the knowledge on the types and availability of resources in the respective areas, as well as the gap of knowledge in resource use and management between the older and younger generations and its cause were identified. Through observation, while traditional baskets and mats are still used by the Iban today, most of the traditional handicrafts made using natural materials seen in the longhouses are relics from the past, made by previous generations. The scarcity of raw materials such as rattan and wood has resulted in the decline of the production of such handicrafts. Though the skills of making these baskets especially among younger generation are eroding, the cultural significance of this basket among Iban community should not be forgotten.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210
Author(s):  
Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽  
Illy Yanti

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).


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