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Gender Empowerment in Transoceanic Feminine Folklore and Shrines: A Kin Study of Siddi Women’s Participation in Mai Misra Worship in Gujarat, India
Get PDFThe term Siddi refers to the African diaspora communities in India, who initially arrived in the 13th century with the Islamic invaders in Gujarat (then Sindh) as slaves, palace guards, traders, and musicians from the eastern parts of Africa, including Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Sudan, and Tanzania. In the 15th century, another group of Africans from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique were brought to India by the Portuguese colonizers as slaves. The majority of the histories of the Siddi community are androcentric in nature, focusing on the contributions of African men and male spiritual figures towards the development of the Siddi community in India. However, this paper offers a more diverse and deeper analysis that uncovers the role of women spiritual figures like Mai Misra, Makhaan Devi, and goddess Luxmi, and the role of Siddi women in the cultural and spiritual evolution of Siddi practices. This article analyzes how women spiritual figures and spiritual practices contribute to Siddi culture in Gujarat and offer Siddi women empowerment and agency. The thematic and theoretical arguments in this article are supported by a kin study on the patterns and intentions of Mai Misra worship in Gujarat
Film Review: Beyond Men and Masculinity–Exploring the Detrimental Effects of Masculinity and Envisioning a New Paradigm
Get PDFThe documentary Beyond Men and Masculinity explores the negative impact of traditional masculinity on men’s mental and emotional health, as well as its broader societal implications. It advocates for a redefined version of masculinity based on vulnerability, compassion, and equality. The experts in the documentary emphasize the need for men to express their emotions, challenge traditional gender norms, and create a more just and equitable society. By redefining masculinity, the documentary envisions a future where men can thrive beyond rigid expectations and embrace their authentic selves, leading to improved mental health, reduced violence, and stronger communities
Navigating the Digital Frontier: The Intersection of Cybersecurity Challenges and Young Adult Life
Get PDFPapers from this issue advocate for empowering young adults with knowledge and tools to navigate cyberspace safely, emphasizing the necessity of heightened cybersecurity measures and proactive education. As we advance into the digital abyss, this call becomes imperative, ensuring that the young adults\u27 experience remains a journey of growth and enlightenment, unaffected by the shadows of unseen online threats
The Need for a Cybersecurity Education Program for Internet Users with Limited English Proficiency: Results from a Pilot Study
Get PDFAccording to security experts, cybersecurity education and awareness at the user level are key in combating cybercrime. Hence, in the U.S., cybersecurity and Internet safety workshops, classes, and resources targeting children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens abound. However, most cybercrime prevention programs are only available in English, thus, ignoring a substantial proportion of Internet users and potential cybercrime victims—Internet users with limited English proficiency (LEP). Yet, successfully combating cybercrime requires that all computer and Internet users, regardless of their language abilities and skills, have access to pertinent cybersecurity information and resources to protect themselves online. This paper presents the results of a pilot study designed to explore participants’ experiences with cybercrime and changes in cyber safety behavior, after being exposed to cybersecurity information and Internet safety resources, among a sample of Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking computer users. Findings from three focus groups (two Spanish and one Vietnamese) reveal the piloted study yields promising results. Recommendations are presented to develop an educational curriculum on cybersecurity and Internet safety for the LEP population
Do Resources Create Empowerment?: A Study of Tribal Women Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, India
Get PDFAs of late, there has been debate about the importance of recognizing women in agriculture as farmers. The demand to be recognized is backed by women’s significant contribution to the household economy. Scholars have attempted to establish a correlation between land ownership and women’s empowerment in agriculture. This is an oversimplification of the situation of women farmers and their empowerment, especially in the context of tribal society where women have better access to and control over community and forest resources. We undertook this study to examine if having land and other resources is a prerequisite for the empowerment of tribal women farmers. The study is based on a primary survey conducted by a network of civil society organizations (CSOs) that enhance the livelihoods of tribal women in Madhya Pradesh, India. The analysis is informed by the researchers’ decade-long experience of working with tribal women farmers, our visits to the villages during the study period, and the available literature. The survey’s findings indicate that having resources is necessary but not sufficient on its own for the empowerment of tribal women. Additionally, the survey points out that having better access to and control over resources has a very weak to weak correlation with decision-making, leadership, and wellbeing outcomes. Many ethnographic studies and our direct work with tribal communities in Central India show that agency is also exercised through the work tribal women put in and the knowledge they have. Moreover, understanding the agency of tribal women requires a nuanced and close observation of women’s assertions and negotiations in their everyday lives. We believe it is crucial to examine how tribal women perceive their immediate environment, as well as their relationships with people, nature, work, and kinship affiliations. Therefore, this paper calls for future ethnographic studies to understand tribal women’s agency and an in-depth exploration of sociocultural contexts in which tribal women live
the bridge, Volume 21, 2024
Get PDFDesigners:
Mollie Rose Burk
Liz Cowden
Zachary Lucius
Colm McDonough
Arlene Perez
Editor-in-Chief
Ashley LaVergne
Editors:
Jaina Hicks
Emma Voelker
Faculty Advisor:
Jessica Melendy
Design Advisor:
Professor Alain Blunthttps://vc.bridgew.edu/the_bridge/1596/thumbnail.jp
Marginalization and Environmental Risk: Women’s Roles in Making Plastic Woven Bags in Indonesia
Get PDFThe plastic woven bag has become a symbolic representation of Indonesian women’s identity since the trend increased in 2021. The plastic woven bag represents femininity and the image of women as a result of socio-cultural construction. The activity of weaving paradoxically puts women in both a central and a marginal role. The weaving industry is characterized by an increasing number of platforms for women to generate income and improve their economic welfare. Nevertheless, women are still faced with patriarchal domination, because the demands of their domestic role limit their ability to move freely in public space. Therefore, their status as homeworkers has subordinated women to the status of marginal breadwinners in the economic system. This research aims to reveal the marginalization of women in plastic woven bag SMEs (small and medium enterprises). This research also aims to analyze the environmental risks that are faced by women, families, and society due to the use of synthetic chemicals in the production of woven plastic bags. This research used the perspective of eco-feminism, Bourdieu’s (1977) concept of habitus, and Ulrich Beck’s concept of a risk society (2012) as analytical tools. This research used qualitative research methods, and it was conducted at SMEs (small and medium enterprises) that produce plastic woven bags in Sambirejo Village, Madiun Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The subjects in this research were women who run SMEs. This research found that the marginalization experienced by plastic woven bag craftswomen was divided into two domains— the public (Woven House) and the domestic (household). Women still perceive the practice of marginalization as normal because of their pessimistic attitude and the Javanese philosophy of “nerimo ing pandum” (accepting one’s lot in life as a gift of God). This study also concludes that environmental risks include the absence of waste management and the emergence of respiratory diseases suffered by some craftswomen. Therefore, it is necessary to have government policies and environmentalists’ input to overcome the health problems experienced by craftswomen of these plastic woven bags
The Involvement of Terengganu Malay Women in the Copra Industry, 1900-1941
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to investigate the position of women in Terengganu’s copra industry between 1900 and 1941. Coconut is one of the major crops traditionally farmed in Terengganu, and during this time period, excess coconuts were dried, smoked, and grated to become copra. In Terengganu, the copra sector was intimately linked to women, who were innovators creating a variety of coconut-based food and non-food products, including soap, cooking oil, traditional desserts, and more. Nevertheless, prior studies have mostly disregarded the creative role that women played in Terengganu’s copra sector during this time. Studies on women from Terengganu have instead concentrated on handicrafts, rice farming, commerce, and fishing. This historical study highlights women’s creative innovation and also examines the importance of copra as a crucial export commodity of the state. In addition to secondary sources, primary sources for this project included archival files from the State Secretary of Terengganu, CO 840/1 (Terengganu Administrative Reports, 1910-1930), CO. 840/2 (Terengganu Administrative Reports, 1931-1940), the National Archives of Malaysia, and the National Archives of Kew Garden in London. The results show that in the early 20th century, Malay women made noteworthy contributions to Terengganu’s copra sector. As a result, the Terengganu government acknowledged the production of copra as a vital export during this period
Case Study of Gun Control Policies of Four Northeastern States
Get PDFThis case study contains mentions of suicide, gun violence, and related topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. Over the past few years, it has appeared that instances of gun violence have been more prevalent. There have been numerous accounts of mass shooting events, many of which have targeted schools and major events like concerts. This has provoked a feeling of unease and fear in many individuals, as these occurrences are almost routinely subjected on news networks. To confront this topic, this study explores the relevant firearm policies that govern the access to firearms and the practices of firearm safety requirements