Addressing Gender Inequalities and Strengthening Women to Create Sustainable Resources

Authors

Dr. Kanta Choudhary

Abstract

This study examines the impact of addressing gender inequalities on strengthening women's capacity to create sustainable resources, focusing on 480 women participants. A structured questionnaire was administered via Google Form from February to April. 2024 Quantitative techniques, specifically Smart-PLS, were employed for data analysis. The convenient sample was chosen to ensure diversity in demographic representation. Data filtering techniques were implemented to enhance the reliability and validity of the findings. Dependent variables include indicators of gender empowerment and resource sustainability, while independent variables encompass various factors contributing to gender disparities. The results reveal significant positive relationships between addressing gender inequalities and empowering women to generate sustainable resources. Policy implications are discussed, particularly for energy professionals, emphasizing the importance of gender-inclusive strategies in achieving sustainable development goals.

Keywords: Gender inequalities, Sustainable resources, Energy professionals.

1. Introduction
Gender inequality remains a pervasive global issue, constraining social progress and economic development (Serwajja & Mukwaya, 2020). Despite considerable advancements in gender equality initiatives, disparities persist, particularly in resource allocation and access to opportunities. Recognizing the imperative to address these inequities, this study investigated the nexus between addressing gender inequalities and empowering women to create sustainable resources. By examining the interplay between gender dynamics and resource sustainability, this research endeavoured to illuminate pathways for fostering inclusive development and enhancing women's agency in resource management (Javed et al., 2022).
One of the most critical areas affected by gender inequality is economic empowerment. Women frequently encounter obstacles in the workforce, including wage gaps, limited career advancement opportunities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. This economic disparity limits their ability to fully contribute to and benefit from economic growth. Enhancing women's access to economic resources and opportunities can lead to more robust and equitable economic systems. When economically empowered women invest more in their families and communities, leading to healthier, better-educated populations and more resilient economies (K. M. et al., 2022). Education is another pivotal factor in addressing gender inequalities and fostering sustainable development. Globally, millions of girls are denied access to quality education due to cultural, economic, and structural barriers. Educating girls and women leads to numerous positive outcomes, including reduced poverty rates, improved health, and increased economic productivity. Education equips women with the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in economic, political, and social spheres, thereby driving progress towards gender equality and sustainability (Nanda et al., 2022).
Environmental sustainability is also intricately linked with gender equality. Women, especially in developing regions, are often responsible for managing natural resources such as water, food, and fuel. Their intimate knowledge of and interaction with the environment positions them as crucial agents of sustainable resource management. Empowering women with the tools, education, and opportunities to engage in environmental decision-making processes can lead to more effective and sustainable management of resources. This, in turn, supports broader environmental goals, such as climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation (Saleemi & Kofol, 2022).
Women's empowerment is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for sustainable development, with implications across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and education. Women's participation and leadership in resource management enhance community resilience and contribute to achieving broader sustainability goals. However, systemic barriers such as discriminatory norms, limited access to education and financial resources, and unequal representation in decision-making processes continue to impede women's empowerment and hinder progress towards gender equality (Gupta et al., 2019).
Strengthening women and promoting gender equality are ethical imperatives and practical strategies for achieving sustainable development. We can create more resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities by dismantling the barriers that limit women's potential and ensuring their full participation in all areas of society. Gender equality is a cornerstone of sustainable development, and efforts to empower women must be at the forefront of policies and initiatives to create a better future for all (Rinehart et al., 2021). The significance of this research extends beyond academic inquiry, with implications for policy and practice, particularly within the energy sector. Energy professionals are pivotal in shaping policies and strategies that influence resource allocation and utilization, making them key stakeholders in advancing gender-responsive approaches to sustainable development. By elucidating the linkages between gender empowerment and resource sustainability, this study aimed to inform evidence-based interventions and policy frameworks that promote gender equality and inclusive growth.
2. Review of Literature
The literature on gender inequalities and women's empowerment in India encompasses diverse studies that collectively underscore the intricate interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and political factors shaping women's access to resources and opportunities. Jayachandran (2021) comprehensively analyzed the economic benefits of closing gender gaps in the labor market. The study explores how women's increased participation in the workforce leads to significant economic benefits, including GDP growth and poverty reduction. Jayachandran emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, such as vocational training, microfinance, and access to credit, which have significantly enhanced women's economic empowerment. By improving women's economic status, these interventions also contribute to broader economic resilience, demonstrating the interconnected nature of gender equality and economic stability.
Evans, Akmal, and Jakiela (2021) offered an in-depth examination of global trends in gender gaps in education, drawing on extensive data to highlight both progress and persistent challenges. Their research underscores the importance of increasing access to education for girls and ensuring the quality of educational outcomes. The authors highlight the critical role of STEM education in providing girls with the skills needed for modern economies, suggesting that targeted efforts in these areas can help bridge existing gaps. They call for policies that address socio-cultural barriers and economic constraints that prevent girls from completing their education, ultimately leading to more equitable and productive societies.
Dutta, Bhattacharjee, and Das (2022) investigated the impact of women’s participation in community-based natural resource management in India. Their findings reveal that involving women in environmental governance and decision-making leads to better conservation outcomes and more sustainable resource use. The study highlights the unique contributions of women, particularly their traditional ecological knowledge and roles in managing natural resources like water, fuel, and food. By empowering women and integrating their perspectives into environmental policies, communities can achieve more effective and sustainable management of natural resources.
Brolan et al. (2021) explored the impact of gender inequality on health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. The study highlights the specific barriers women face in accessing healthcare, such as socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, and limited availability of gender-sensitive health services. The authors argue for the implementation of gender-sensitive health interventions that are designed to address these unique challenges. By integrating gender perspectives into health policies and programs, it is possible to improve health equity and contribute to the overall sustainability of health systems.
Ferrant and Kolev (2020) analyzed the effectiveness of gender-responsive budgeting in promoting gender equality and sustainable development. Their research demonstrates that when governments allocate resources with a gender perspective, it leads to improved education, health, and economic participation outcomes for women. The study emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in policy implementation to ensure effective gender-responsive budgets. By ensuring that financial resources are allocated to address gender disparities, governments can create more equitable and sustainable societies.
3. Research Methodology:
This study employed a quantitative research approach to investigate the relationship between addressing gender inequalities and empowering women to create sustainable resources. Quantitative methods allowed for the systematic collection and analysis of numerical data, enabling statistical inference and hypothesis testing. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from the participants. The questionnaire included both closed-ended and Likert-scale questions to gather quantitative responses related to gender inequalities, women's empowerment, and sustainable resource management
The study utilized a convenient sampling technique to select participants. A total of 480 respondents were recruited from diverse backgrounds to ensure adequate representation across various demographic variables such as age, education, occupation, and socio-economic status from five tribal district of Rajasthan. The structured questionnaire was administered electronically using Google Forms. This online platform allows for efficient data collection and management, enabling participants to respond to the survey at their convenience. Google Forms also facilitated easy distribution of the questionnaire to a large and geographically dispersed sample.
The data collection period for this study extended from February to April 2024. Data filtering techniques was employed to ensure the quality and reliability of the collected data. This included the identification and removal of incomplete or inconsistent responses, as well as the detection and handling of outliers or irrelevant data points that may skew the analysis results. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (Smart-PLS) was utilized as the statistical analysis technique. Smart-PLS is a robust method for analyzing complex structural relationships among variables, particularly in small- to medium-sized sample studies. It allowed for the examination of both the direct effects of independent variables on dependent variables.
Dependent and Independent Variables:

Keywords

Gender inequalities, Sustainable resources, Energy professionals.

Addressing Gender Inequalities and Strengthening Women to Create Sustainable Resources. Dr. Kanta Choudhary. 2024. IJIRCT, Volume 10, Issue 3. Pages 45-53. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2406063