Search Results (182)

This study examines how AI development and the labor force’s gender structure jointly influence female employment and female’s economic contributions from a dual-sector firm–household perspective. Using panel data from 58 countries spanning 2000–2022, we construct a theoretical model and conduct empirical tests. Results indicate that the labor force’s gender imbalance significantly suppresses the scale of female employment and female economic contributions; at the current stage, AI generally exerts a negative impact on female employment and economic contributions, but exhibits a significant interaction with the labor force gender structure. In scenarios of severe gender imbalance, AI’s skill-restructuring effect partially mitigates these adverse impacts; AI also generates a limited “time-release effect” by reducing women’s time spent on household labor, indirectly promoting female employment. The gendered effects of AI exhibit pronounced institutional variations across different developmental stages and gender structure conditions. This study emphasizes that AI is not a gender-neutral technology; its fairness depends on institutional and structural environments. Accordingly, it proposes policy recommendations, including improving multi-tiered systems for female talent development, guiding gender-inclusive AI applications, and strengthening global gender–governance cooperation. Full article

This study examines the social determinants of the digital divide in pre-service teacher education through the design and validation of the Digital Hospitality Scale (DSBD-HD-FID). The instrument was developed to diagnose social inequalities across six key dimensions: socioeconomic status, geographic location, gender, age, disability status, and interculturality. These dimensions are understood as structural factors shaping access to, use of, and participation in digital environments within teacher education. The research followed a non-experimental, quantitative, and cross-sectional design, including content validation through expert judgment and statistical analysis based on a pilot sample of education students from Chile and Portugal. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The results confirm strong content and construct validity, as well as high reliability (α = 0.93). Empirical findings indicate that socioeconomic status and geographic location significantly condition access to connectivity and digital literacy, while gender differences emerge mainly in recreational uses and frequency of digital training. Beyond these results, the study highlights the relevance of addressing digital inequalities in teacher education through inclusive and equity-oriented training policies. The findings support the integration of digital hospitality, human rights education, and the Sustainable Development Goals into initial teacher training curricula as measurable and evaluable dimensions, providing an evidence-based framework to inform future teacher education policies aimed at reducing digital divides and promoting social cohesion. Full article

Against the backdrop of rising global carbon emissions, promoting active transportation modes such as walking and cycling has become a key strategy for countries worldwide to meet carbon reduction targets and advance the goals of sustainable development. In China, the concept of low-carbon mobility has gained rapid traction, leading to a significant increase in public demand for non-motorized travel options like walking and cycling. From the perspective of inclusive urban development, gender imbalances in sample representation during design and evaluation processes have contributed to homogenization and a lack of diversity in urban slow-traffic environments. To address this issue, this study adopts a problem-oriented approach. First, we collect street scene images of slow-traffic environments through self-conducted field surveys. Concurrently, we gather satisfaction survey responses from 511 urban residents regarding existing slow-traffic streets, identifying three key environmental evaluation indicators: safety, liveliness, and beauty. Second, an experimental analysis is conducted to compare machine-generated assessments based on self-collected street view data with manual evaluations performed by 27 female participants. The findings reveal significant perceptual differences between genders in the assessment of slow-moving environments, particularly regarding attention to environmental elements, challenges in utilizing non-motorized lanes, and overall environmental satisfaction. Moreover, notable discrepancies are observed between machine scores and manual assessments performed by women. Based on these findings, this study investigates the underlying causes of such perceptual disparities and the mechanisms influencing them. Finally, it proposes female-inclusive strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of slow-traffic environments, thereby addressing the current absence of gender considerations in their design. This research seeks to provide a robust female perspective and empirical evidence to support improvements in the quality of slow-moving environments and to inform strategic advancements in their design. The findings of this study can provide a theoretical and empirical basis for the optimization of gender-inclusive non-motorized transportation environment design, policy formulation, and subsequent interdisciplinary research. Full article

This study investigates how gender-inclusive leadership and trade integration shape environmental sustainability in China, addressing a key gap in the literature where most prior work has focused on aggregate governance, finance, or growth without considering how gender representation in leadership and trade openness jointly relate to environmental outcomes. China provides a particularly relevant setting because it is both a leading global emitter and one of the world’s most trade-integrated and rapidly growing economies, so changes in leadership structures, financial deepening, and external openness can have sizable environmental consequences. Given the nonlinear and non-normal nature of the variables, the analysis relies on nonlinear econometric tools, specifically quantile-on-quantile ARDL and Quantile Granger Causality, applied to quarterly data from 1998Q1 to 2024Q4. The results show that the impact of gender-inclusive leadership on environmental sustainability is state-dependent, with improvements at lower environmental pressure but a predominantly negative long-run association at mid to upper quantiles, while financial development tends to support sustainability, and economic growth and trade openness are generally linked to lower sustainability across much of the quantile range. By narrowing the research gap on gender-inclusive leadership and explicitly motivating China as a critical case, this study offers context-specific evidence that can guide policies aimed at fostering inclusive leadership and greener finance while carefully managing the environmental consequences of rapid growth and deeper trade integration. Full article

Background. Extensive research confirms that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle significantly influence female athletic performance, with profound implications for public health, including promoting equitable access to sports and enhancing women’s overall physical and mental well-being. Numerous scientifically validated methods are available to monitor hormonal status and menstrual cycle phases. However, our prior investigations revealed that these insights are rarely applied in practice due to the complexity and invasiveness of existing methods. This study examines the effects of hormonal fluctuations on elite female basketball players. It assesses practical, non-invasive, cost-effective, and field-applicable methods for hormonal monitoring, with a focus on cervical mucus analysis for estrogen crystallization. The goal is to optimize training, promote equity in women’s sports, and support public health strategies for female empowerment through sustained physical activity, addressing the limitations of male-centric training models. Materials and Methods. This exploratory field study employed a multifaceted approach, beginning with a comprehensive meta-analysis via literature searches on PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar to evaluate hormonal impacts on physical performance, supplemented by an expert survey of 20 sports scientists and coaches using Kendall’s concordance coefficient for reliability and an experimental phase involving 25 elite female Ukrainian basketball players assessed over three months through daily performance tests (e.g., sprints, jumps, agility drills, and shooting) integrated into six weekly training sessions, with cycle phases tracked via questionnaires, basal body temperature, and the fern leaf method for estrogen levels. Results. Performance peaked during the postmenstrual and post-ovulatory phases (e.g., a 7.5% increase in sprint time and a 5.1% improvement in running jump). It declined in the premenstrual phase (e.g., a 2.3% decrease in acceleration). The estrogen crystallization test using cervical mucus provided preliminary insights into hormonal status but was less precise than laboratory-based methods, such as LC-MS/MS, which remain impractical for routine use due to cost and complexity. The fern test and basal body temperature showed limited precision due to external factors. Conclusions. There is a critical need to develop simple, non-invasive, field-applicable devices for accurate, real-time hormonal monitoring. This will bridge the gap between research and practice, enhancing training personalization, equity in women’s fitness and sports, and public health outcomes by increasing female participation in physical activities, reducing gender-based health disparities, and fostering inclusive wellness programs. Full article

In developing economies, women entrepreneurs play a vital role in advancing inclusive growth, yet their financial and digital capabilities often remain constrained by gendered barriers. This study investigates how financial literacy evolves into a gender-sensitive capability that drives digital marketing adoption and entrepreneurial sustainability among women-led SMEs in Indonesia. Guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Technology Acceptance Model, the Knowledge-Based View, and Feminist Entrepreneurship Theory, this study employs a qualitative design involving 75 participants—45 women entrepreneurs and 30 supporting stakeholders. Using an iterative, spiral-oriented analytical approach, thematic insights were integrated with theoretical interpretation to uncover patterns of financial–digital capability development. Findings reveal that women’s financial literacy operates as both a cognitive and behavioral capability, fostering digital trust, informed decision-making, and business resilience. The study introduces the Gendered Financial Literacy Capability Model (G-FLCM), a novel inductively constructed framework that explicates how financial cognition is transformed into digital engagement and sustainable entrepreneurship. By articulating this gendered capability mechanism—absent from prior financial capability or feminist digital entrepreneurship models—the G-FLCM advances theoretical integration across behavioral, technological, and feminist perspectives while offering practical pathways for strengthening inclusive financial–digital ecosystems in emerging economies. Full article

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect the world’s most marginalised populations, yet programmes aiming to control and eliminate NTDs often fail to fully address the structural, social, and political dimensions of exclusion. This narrative review examines the concept of inclusion within NTD programming, with a particular focus on intersecting forms of marginalisation, including poverty, gender, disability, and displacement. Drawing on studies from 2010 to 2025, from various databases such as google scholar, PubMed and PLOS, this review synthesises evidence on barriers to equitable healthcare access, the role of community-driven approaches, and the integration of inclusive strategies within NTD programming and broader health systems. Key themes include the impact of structural inequalities such as racism and poverty, the need for gender-responsive services, the marginalisation of displaced communities, and the critical role of community empowerment through mechanisms like peer support and community drug distribution of NTD medicines. The review proposes a working definition of inclusion in NTDs as the intentional integration of underserved groups into all levels of programming, policy, and service delivery. It highlights the urgency of reframing NTDs not just as biomedical challenges but as deeply embedded social justice issues. By embedding inclusion into programme design, implementation, and evaluation, stakeholders can better align NTD responses with global equity goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Our world is rapidly urbanizing, while 2.5 billion people are projected to shift from rural to urban areas by 2050, with close to 90% occurring in Asia and Africa. In Southeast Asia, particularly, the Phnom Penh capital city of Cambodia is experiencing this rapid urbanization, facing significant challenges in improving the quality of urban life and achieving social sustainability. Hence, this research aims to assess this capital on social sustainability dimensions to find out the strong and weak points of its 14 districts in order to reveal the improvement potential. The research developed and applied an urban social sustainability index based on national development priorities, SDG11, the New Urban Agenda, and other SDGs that related to human wellbeing and social inclusiveness. The AHP was used to prioritize indicators to develop a priority index, while the standard score was used to apply the index to assess the 14 districts of Phnom Penh. The data for this index application were sourced from Phnom Penh’s commune database. The results showed that the highest-scoring district for urban social sustainability was Chamkarmon, followed by Boeng Keng Kang and Doun Penh. The findings revealed that Prek Pnov was weak in income generation and welfare, while Kamboul was weak in gender inclusion compared to other districts. Prampir Makara was strong, and Sen Sok was weak in resilience to vulnerability. Boeng Keng Kang was strong in welfare and sanitation, while Kamboul was weak in sanitation. Doun Penh was strong, and Mean Chey was weak in water supply. Full article

This review explores the intersection of gender, geography, and sustainability by examining the role of women in the blue economy across Europe’s Outermost Regions (ORs). Despite growing recognition of the blue economy’s role in sustainable development, there is limited understanding of how women participate in these sectors at the geographic periphery of the European Union. Using publicly available data from Eurostat, INSEE, ISTAC, and other national portals, we analyze employment patterns through a gender lens, supported by qualitative insights from case studies in regions such as the Azores, Réunion, and Guadeloupe. Due to the scarcity of disaggregated blue economy data, general labor force participation is used as a proxy, highlighting both opportunities and visibility gaps. Theoretically grounded in feminist political ecology and intersectionality, the review identifies key barriers, including data invisibility, occupational segregation, and structural inequalities, as well as resilience enablers such as women-led enterprises and policy interventions. We conclude with targeted recommendations for research, policy, and practice to support inclusive blue economies in ORs, emphasizing the need for better data systems and gender-sensitive coastal development strategies. Full article

This study examines the determinants of tolerance among higher education students in Montenegro and their implications for educational and societal sustainability. Guided by the framework of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), it investigates how socio-demographic factors, economic insecurity, political orientations, and digital media use shape attitudes toward ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 469 students in 2021 and analysed using binary logistic regression. Results show that education is the strongest predictor of tolerant attitudes (p < 0.01), highlighting the transformative role of higher education in fostering inclusive and sustainability-relevant competencies. Economic insecurity, particularly unemployment, was associated with more exclusionary views, linking social equity to sustainability outcomes. Gender (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.07), and engagement with human-rights content online (p < 0.01) also emerged as significant predictors. Religiosity showed a modest negative association with tolerance (p = 0.01). The final model explained 37% of the variance in tolerant attitudes (Nagelkerke R² = 0.37). Digital media played an ambivalent role: while it increased exposure to diverse perspectives, it also contributed to polarization, underscoring the need for critical digital literacy within ESD-aligned curricula. Overall, the findings demonstrate that inclusive education, digital competence, and participatory learning environments are central to building tolerant, cohesive, and sustainability-oriented societies. The study contributes to ESD scholarship by linking social inclusion, sustainability competencies, and the role of higher education in post-transition contexts. Full article

Achieving sustainable development (SD) and enhancing urban quality of life are undermined by the systemic exclusion of marginalized groups. Despite the global expansion of welfare systems, a welfare paradox persists, wherein universal policies often reinforce exclusion. This study investigates this paradox through a mixed-methods analysis of welfare inequity among homeless individuals in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Combining a quantitative survey (n = 202) with in-depth interviews of homeless persons and state officials, we model the structural nature of this exclusion. Results reveal systemic disparities by gender, age, and displacement causes. Critically, a predictive model identifies housing and education access as foundational determinants, collectively explaining 89.9% of the variance in economic inclusion (R² = 0.899, p < 0.001). Qualitative data elucidate the mechanisms behind these statistics, highlighting how the lack of official documentation and institutional stigma sever access to the broader welfare system. We conceptualize these interdependencies as a foundational capability cascade, where deficits in core domains trigger compounding exclusion. By integrating statistical modeling with narrative evidence, this research provides a robust framework for social exclusion and offers an evidence-based roadmap for designing equity-focused policy reforms that are essential for inclusive urban sustainability. Full article

The present systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence and practices regarding sustainable career transitions in elite sport. Following PRISMA guidelines, an extensive literature search was conducted in SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, resulting in 117 manuscripts, published from January 2015 to May 2025, and meeting the defined inclusion criteria. The review focused on mental health, dual-career pathways, transition readiness, and identity-related issues among elite athletes, Olympians, and Paralympians. Methodologies included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs, with multisport and mixed-gender samples prevailing. The most commonly used instruments were semi-structured interviews and surveys. The main findings highlighted the centrality of mental health support, the role of dual-career planning, and the importance of proactive identity negotiation. Despite growing research interest, significant gaps persist in access to psychological support, structured transition planning, and dual-career strategies, with notable inconsistencies across countries and sports. The review emphasizes the necessity for integrated, multidimensional guidance, culturally sensitive psychological services, and flexible educational pathways to promote athlete well-being and sustainable post-sport careers. These insights are intended to inform the implementation of the ERASMUS+ funded PORTAL project, supporting evidence-based interventions and the development of resources such as an online platform and Real-Life Transition Officers to enhance the transition experiences of elite athletes. Full article

Despite the increasing integration of digital tools, female lecturers exhibit a lack of confidence in their digital competencies, which adversely affects their engagement with LMS platforms. Understanding the cause of this disparity is the gap this study intends to fill. A simple random sample of 121 participants from the Faculty of Science was selected, employing a mixed-methods approach with a convergent parallel design. Data were gathered through an online LMS survey and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis with Atlas.ti. The results indicated that 48.7% of female lecturers showed a stronger inclination towards adaptation, whereas male lecturers were more evenly divided between adaptation and appreciation. Most lecturers reported positive experiences with LMS tools. This study advocates for targeted professional development programs to enhance digital competencies and promote collaboration. Universities should adopt and integrate feminist pedagogy principles into their digital teaching practices to create more inclusive and equitable online learning environments. By addressing gender disparities, the research aims to contribute to achieving United Nations’ fifth Sustainable Development Goal on gender equity in higher education, ultimately improving student engagement and learning outcomes. Full article

Women’s entrepreneurship drives inclusive economic development and creates positive ripple effects throughout society. This study investigates the effects of entrepreneurship education in sustainability on female students, with particular emphasis on determining whether changes in entrepreneurial intentions were driven by the changes of the factors of the Theory of Planned Behavior. We employ a comparative framework with male students to contextualize our findings. The survey employed a pre-test/post-test group design (before and after a semester-long entrepreneurship course). The sample consisted of 271 business students from a Greek university (157 female students, 114 male students). After the course, women indicated positive changes in attitude, perceived behavioral control and entrepreneurial intention. The MEMORE macro revealed that both the positive changes in attitude and perceived behavioral control affected the positive change in entrepreneurial intention. Conversely, men indicated only a positive effect in perceived behavioral control. Notably, the levels of attitude, perceived behavioral control and entrepreneurial intention in women before the course were much lower than men. These findings underscore the importance of entrepreneurship education in sustainability, as a tool with a transformative force in the positive impacts on women’s entrepreneurship and gender equity that leads to sustainable growth. Full article

Urban sustainability has increasingly emphasized accessibility and inclusivity, reflecting the growing recognition that urban planning must address the diverse needs of different social groups. In recent decades, several developed countries have pioneered inclusive urban planning, resulting in projects such as Vienna’s gender mainstreaming community and Barcelona’s Superblocks, which respond to differentiated needs in housing, transportation, and public space. However, these initiatives demonstrate how sustainable urban planning can enhance social equity and livability. Similar efforts in developing countries remain limited, fragmented, or nonexistent. This study examines representative cases from developed nations to discern fundamental principles and strategies that underpin effective inclusive urban planning. The study utilizes a case study and comparative analytic approach to clarify aspects such as transportation accessibility, safety, multifunctional community, and public space. The results suggest that incorporating inclusion into sustainable planning frameworks can enhance accessibility, promote social justice, and improve environmental resilience. The paper concludes by offering realistic, grounded suggestions for developing countries based on established best practices from around the world. The suggestions focus on strategies that can be tailored to each country’s social, cultural, and economic conditions. Full article