Sexuality and Gender Studies Journal

Migration, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Implications for ‘Japa’ Syndrome in Selected Post-Colonial Texts

Sunday Olaoluwagbamila Dawodu — 2024-11-26

Migration has become a prevalent strategy for vulnerable women and girls seeking better opportunities. This study examines the intricate relationship between migration, human trafficking, and modern slavery through a qualitative approach, utilising Dressel & MacDonald (2018) and George & Bennett's (2005) comparative textual analysis. By analysing Nawal El Sadaawi’s Woman at Point Zero (2015) and Patricia McCormick’s Sold (2006), the study highlights the vulnerabilities faced by characters Firdaus and Lakshmi, paralleling the experiences of Nigerian women pursuing 'Japa' (emigration). Crenshaw's (2013) Intersectionality theory provides the framework for understanding these complexities. The study indicates a significant risk of exploitation during migration, emphasising the struggles for agency amidst economic migration. The study calls for increased awareness, education, and policy interventions to address the risks of 'Japa,' human trafficking, and modern slavery, advocating for systemic changes to protect and empower women.

Exploring the Question of Bias in AI through a Gender Performative Approach

Gabriele Nino — 2024-11-26

The objective of this paper is to examine how artificial intelligence systems (AI) can reproduce phenomena of social discrimination and to develop an ethical strategy for preventing such occurrences. A substantial body of scholarship has demonstrated how AI has the potential to erode the rights of women and LGBT+ individuals, as it is capable of amplifying forms of discrimination that are already pervasive in society. This paper examines the principal approaches that have been put forth to contrast the emergence of biases in AI systems, namely causal, counterfactual reasoning, and constructivist methodology. This analysis demonstrates the necessity of considering the sociopolitical context in which AI systems are developed when evaluating their ethical implications. To investigate this conjunction, we apply the theory of gender performativity as theorized by Judith Butler and Karen Barad. This illustrates how AI functions within the social fabric, manifesting patriarchal configurations of gender through an analysis of the notorious case of the COMPAS system for predictive justice. In conclusion, we demonstrate how reframing of gender performativity theory, when applied to AI ethics, permits us to consider the social context within which these technologies will operate. This approach enables an expansion of the interpretation of the concept of fairness, thereby reflecting the complex dynamics of gender production. In the context of AI ethics, the concept of "fairness" pertains to the capacity of an algorithm to generate results dealing with sensitive categories, such as gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, in a manner that does not engender forms of discrimination and prejudice. The gender dimension needs to be reconsidered not as an individual feature but as a performative process. Moreover, it enables the identification of pivotal issues that must be addressed during the development, testing, and evaluation phases of AI systems.

The Role of Modern Education in Historical Move Towards Gender Equality Issue in Ethiopia

Baru Aboma Totoba — 2024-11-26

The aim of this study was to understand the role of modern education in the historical development of gender equality in Ethiopia over time and political-ideological change. To achieve this objective, a qualitative research method was used to analyse various relevant literature on the development of gender equality in Ethiopia. The documents were selected based on their authenticity and consistency with the objective of this study. The findings of this study show that gender inequality in Ethiopia has experienced both change and continuity. The introduction and development of modern education has brought about significant political and social changes that have led to progress in gender equality over the years. One of the persistent problems is that traditional gender norms have influenced societal attitudes and expectations in Ethiopia, hindering efforts to achieve gender equality in the country. It is therefore necessary to challenge and change societal attitudes through gender-responsive education and the development and implementation of policies that promote equal opportunities and rights for all genders.

Achieving a Balanced Professional and Personal Life Still Remain a Challenge for Women Journalists

Madhuri Gaur — 2024-11-26

Today women are seen making their presence felt in all the professions, but presently each profession is competitive and demands more time at work. Journalism is one of them which comes with deadline, pressure, and competition which makes it much more challenging for women journalists to balance out their professional and personal life. The study explores the challenges faced by women journalists in balancing work and life. Based on survey the study is conducted with 30 women journalists working in print and electronic media in Himachal Pradesh. The findings of the study reveal that women journalist somewhere face challenges while simultaneously performing their responsibilities at home and work. It affects their family life and also their career opportunities and performance at one point which result into changing or leaving the profession. Research concludes that along with family and partner support, organisational support plays significant role in the life of working women. Balancing is a holistic approach it demands and requires professional and personal support, responsibility sharing, and is associated with psychological, physiological wellbeing of a person.