Journal of Gender and Millennium Development Studies

Health Needs and Health Problems of Childbearing Women in Oyi Local Government area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Nwoye Catherine Ukamaka — 2025-05-13

Background: Maternal health remains a major public health concern in many parts of Nigeria, where access to quality healthcare services is often limited. In rural and semi-urban communities such as Oyi Local Government Area in Anambra State, childbearing women face numerous challenges that affect their health and that of their newborns. Objective: This study examines the health needs and challenges of childbearing women in Oyi, with a specific focus on maternal health as a key aspect of public health. Method: A mixed-method approach was adopted, involving surveys, interviews, and healthcare data analysis to explore the cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare access factors influencing maternal health in the area. Result: Findings reveal critical health needs, including access to prenatal and postnatal care, nutritional support, and mental health services. Pregnancy-related complications and postpartum conditions are common, often worsened by inadequate healthcare access and financial limitations. Conclusion: Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves community participation, supportive health policies, and improved healthcare provider training. Contribution: This study underscores the need to strengthen healthcare systems, expand maternal health education, and implement affordable, community-centered policies for sustainable improvements in maternal health in Oyi.

Single Parent Women's Strategy in Providing Children's Education Needs: A Case Study

Endah Iri Aryani — 2025-05-30

Background: Single-parent women often face complex challenges in meeting the educational needs of their children due to financial, social, and emotional constraints. Understanding how they navigate these challenges is essential for developing supportive policies and interventions. Objective: This study aims to explore the strategies employed by single-parent women in fulfilling their children's educational needs. Method: A descriptive qualitative approach was used, with the research conducted in Pasanggrahan Village, Tangerang Regency. Data were collected through observations and in-depth interviews with selected informants. To ensure data validity, triangulation techniques and informant reviews were employed. Data analysis was carried out in four stages: data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Result: The study found that the strategies adopted by single-parent women vary based on their individual backgrounds and specific circumstances. Most respondents manage their limited financial resources by prioritizing essential household expenses, especially those related to education, and by differentiating between primary, secondary, and tertiary needs. Conclusion: Single-parent women in Pasanggrahan Village demonstrate adaptive and resourceful financial management strategies to ensure their children's educational continuity, despite facing socioeconomic limitations. Contribution: This research provides insights into the economic coping mechanisms of single mothers, offering a foundation for community support programs and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing access to education for children from single-parent households.

Key Issues in Addressing Trafficking in Women and Children in Nigeria

Chioma Okeoma Okoye — 2025-05-09

Background: Human trafficking, particularly involving women and children, remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue in Nigeria. Despite existing laws and interventions, systemic weaknesses continue to hinder effective responses to trafficking. Objective: This study examines the key socio-economic, legal, and institutional challenges that impede efforts to combat human trafficking in Nigeria, with a focus on women and children. Method: A qualitative research approach was adopted, utilizing document analysis. Data were drawn from policy documents, official reports, and academic literature. Sources included government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The data were analyzed using a thematic review framework to ensure depth and integrity. Result: The study found that corruption, official complicity, and poor law enforcement are major obstacles to anti-trafficking initiatives. Other contributing factors include inadequate victim support systems, social stigma, cultural barriers, legal loopholes, and weak border control. Socioeconomic drivers such as poverty and unemployment further increase vulnerability to trafficking. Additionally, the misuse of technology has facilitated more complex trafficking networks, while limited international cooperation and insufficient funding continue to undermine progress. Conclusion: Combating human trafficking in Nigeria requires comprehensive legal reform, stronger institutional accountability, enhanced support for victims, robust public awareness campaigns, and greater international collaboration. A coordinated and sustainable national strategy is essential to address the multifaceted nature of the problem. Contribution: This study offers critical insights into the structural and systemic drivers of human trafficking in Nigeria and provides practical policy recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts at both national and international levels.

Kesetaraan atau Hierarki?: Menafsir Peran Gender dalam Perspektif Keagamaan

Wendi Silitonga — 2025-05-25

Background: Gender inequality remains prevalent despite efforts toward equality, as traditional roles and patriarchal structures still limit women's participation and access. Resolving this requires applying egalitarian principles effectively in policies and programs. Objective: This study aims to analyze gender issues from the perspective of egalitarianism, specifically how women and men are positioned equally in social status and roles. Methods: This research uses a qualitative approach with critical discourse analysis of various gender policies, programs, and discourses in the social context. Results: four main factors reflect the egalitarian principle: (1) policies and programs must reflect the experiences of both men and women, (2) women must have access and control over programs, (3) women need to be actively involved in policy planning and implementation, and (4) it is necessary to evaluate the impact of programs on women. Conclusion: Implementing gender equality requires a legal framework and the active participation of women in all decision-making stages. Contribution: This research enriches the study of gender and public policy and provides practical recommendations for policymakers and future researchers to create a more equitable and inclusive social environment.

Key Drivers of Sustainability Practices in the UK Banking Sector: implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Ekene Ekemezie — 2025-05-15

Background: This study investigates the key drivers influencing sustainability practices in the UK banking sector amid increasing global expectations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objective: To explore stakeholder perceptions regarding banks’ sustainability efforts. Method: A quantitative research design was employed using an online survey administered to 191 randomly selected respondents from a population of 2.5 million stakeholders, including bank executives, employees, customers, investors, regulators, and advocacy groups. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests. Results: The findings indicate that community engagement, corporate social responsibility, credible sustainability reporting, and financial performance significantly influence stakeholder perceptions. Conversely, transparency in reporting was not widely perceived as impactful. T-test results revealed no statistically significant factors, thereby supporting the null hypothesis. Conclusion: While UK banks exhibit alignment with SDGs 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 16, weak governmental influence underscores the need for stronger policy frameworks and intersectoral collaboration. Contribution: The study highlights the importance of enhancing stakeholder education and integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into core banking strategies and operations.

Addressing Gender in Higher Education Exit Exams: A Systematic Literature Review

Samson Worku Teshome — 2025-05-23

Background: Exit exams in higher education are crucial for certifying student competency and ensuring academic quality. However, growing attention has been directed toward gender-related disparities in exam performance, perceptions, and outcomes, raising concerns about fairness and equity in assessment practices. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore how gender influences students’ experiences with exit exams in higher education, focusing on performance, perception, and broader implications for equity and quality assurance. Method: Using the PRISMA framework, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple academic databases. From an initial pool of 587 articles, 32 studies published between 1994 and 2024 were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on study objectives, methodologies, contexts, and gender-specific findings. Result: The findings reveal that while female students often achieve performance levels equal to or higher than their male peers, they report elevated levels of test anxiety and face systemic biases that affect their exam experiences. Sociocultural norms, exam design, and institutional policies significantly contribute to these disparities. Conclusion: Gender differences in exit exam experiences underscore the need for inclusive and equitable assessment systems. Addressing these disparities requires reforms in exam design, support mechanisms, and institutional practices that account for gender-specific challenges. Contribution: This review contributes to the literature by systematically synthesizing evidence on gender and exit exams, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive assessment practices and offering recommendations for policy and educational reform in higher education.