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Gender parity at scale: Examining correlations of country-level female participation in education and work with measures of men's and women's survival.

ABSTRACT: Background:Past research has demonstrated the relationship between women's educational levels and other measures of social development with maternal and child health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between gender parity in education and work, achieved through greater female participation in both spheres, with survival in both women and men. Methods:Utilizing cross-sectional indicators from United Nations agencies, we constructed global indices of gender parity in education and work for international comparison. Multivariable regression was performed to assess relationships between gender parity index scores and national mortality rates or life expectancy indicators. Findings:Gender parity in both arenas was significantly associated with improved health outcomes after controlling for country health expenditures and other characteristics. A 10% higher country educational parity index score was associated with 59·5 fewer maternal deaths per 100 000 live births, a 2·1-year increase in female life expectancy, and almost a 1-year increase in male life expectancy at birth. Similarly, a 10% higher work parity index score was significantly associated with 14·6 fewer maternal deaths per 100 000 live births and a 0·9-year increase in female life expectancy at birth, with no deleterious relationship to male life expectancy. Interpretation:This study extends past research by examining actionable areas of gender equality and their impact on both male and female survival. While longitudinal research is needed to examine both causality and mechanisms, our findings suggest longevity gains for both women and men, and for all children through reduced maternal mortality, where greater parity in school and work is exhibited. Funding:No funding source directly supported the work in this manuscript. We are deeply indebted to the Conrad N Hilton Foundation for its support of Adva Gadoth as a Hilton Scholar.

SUBMITTER: Gadoth A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7152805 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Gender parity at scale: Examining correlations of country-level female participation in education and work with measures of men's and women's survival.

Gadoth Adva A Heymann Jody J

EClinicalMedicine 20200305

<h4>Background</h4>Past research has demonstrated the relationship between women's educational levels and other measures of social development with maternal and child health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between gender parity in education and work, achieved through greater female participation in both spheres, with survival in both women and men.<h4>Methods</h4>Utilizing cross-sectional indicators from United Nations agencies, we constructed global indices of gender parity in ed ...[more]

PMID: 32300745

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Project description:Social psychologists have not fully investigated the role of leadership in mobilizing widespread support for social change, particularly gender equality. The burden of achieving gender equality is typically placed on women (particularly female leaders) - the main targets of such inequality. Traditional approaches frame workplace gender equality as either a women's issue, which limits men's (non-target's) involvement in the movement, or a meritocratic non-issue that exists due to women's (target's) tendency to pursue less intensive careers. In contrast to such work focusing on women's experiences as targets of discrimination or men's role in preserving inequality, we propose a solidarity-based approach that positions men and women as agents of change. This approach relies on two processes: leadership processes - particularly leadership as a form of influence based on shared identities among leaders and followers (e.g., their gender group); and political solidarity as a way to mobilize the silent majority (men) to work as allies beside a minority (women) and embrace equality as a common cause for both groups. In two experiments (Ns = 338, 336) we studied how leader gender and message framing affect men's and women's support for equality by contrasting a solidarity-based framing of gender equality as a common cause for men and women, with a women's issue frame (Experiment 1) or a meritocratic frame (Experiment 2). The statement was attributed to a male or female leader (Experiments 1-2) or, additionally, to a government agency (Experiment 1). Women reported higher sense of common cause (Experiment 2) and collective action intentions than men (Experiments 1-2), and higher intentions under common cause compared to meritocracy frames (Experiment 2). Interestingly, male leaders invoked higher sense of common cause and collective action intentions for both men and women regardless of framing (Experiment 2). Irrespective of leader gender however, as predicted common cause framing boosted perceived leader prototypicality, legitimacy, and influence across the board (Experiments 1-2). Yet this was qualified by women (compared to men) rating leaders as more legitimate and influential under common cause compared to meritocracy framing (Experiment 2). Women's reactions to equality messages, and the intersection of leadership and solidarity toward equality are discussed.

Project description:BackgroundMost women living in rural provinces of Tajikistan, specifically Khatlon, experience little to no opportunities for education and economic growth, making them vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV). Unfortunately due to social norms that are bolstered by a patriarchal society, GBV has become tolerated and even normalized in rural areas. This study looks to investigate the differences in perceptions of violence as it relates to empowerment among men and women in rural Tajikistan.MethodsData collection was done through participatory workshops and semi-structured interviews (SSI) that were led by Extension Home Economists, which lectured on gender, violence, and empowerment. Community Empowerment Drawings is a novel tool that has been used to further gather sensitive information that was not previously discussed. During this process, participant groups were asked to draw their perception of empowered versus disempowered women, later explaining the different characteristics and traits of both. Random participants across both genders were later contacted for a SSI to triangulate the data from the participatory workshops. This qualitative study implemented qualitative content analysis to explore the data inductively. Analysis of the drawings and transcripts from the workshops and SSIs included two researchers coding through an iterative process. Themes were stratified by men's and women's perceptions and codebooks were compared to ensure consensus.ResultsMen and women from 12 villages participated in the Community Empowerment Drawings within each workshop, with 234 participants total. Results were stratified into two categories which were later broken down into notable themes: education, employment, decision-making, marital status, relationship wellness and respect, violence, mental health, and substance abuse. Major findings illustrated how disempowered women were perceived to have more exposure to men who experience alcohol abuse. This study found that differences in perceptions of empowerment between men and women remain-with men still holding onto the traditional power structure within a household and women challenging gender roles and mobility.ConclusionFuture studies may find engaging communities through drawings will yield more information regarding sensitive topics rather than traditional instruments. More support and advocacy are needed in areas of mental, neurological, and substance abuse disorders throughout rural Tajikistan.

Dataset Information

Gender parity at scale: Examining correlations of country-level female participation in education and work with measures of men's and women's survival.

Publications

Gender parity at scale: Examining correlations of country-level female participation in education and work with measures of men's and women's survival.

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