The study aimed to investigate the concept of workplace equality as experienced and perceived by female librarians of Punjab, Pakistan. Through this investigation, the study aimed to contribute to the broader discourse on creating equitable and inclusive workplaces for women in the field of library and information science. A qualitative research method based on semi-structured interviews was employed to meet the objectives of the study. The interview guide was used to collect data from female librarians working in the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) recognized public and private sector universities of the Punjab, Pakistan. According to the results, female librarians shared that they have faced gender-based discrimination in job allocation as male librarians were favored for tasks with additional wages or representation at corporate events. Private sector candidates reported issues related to career development opportunities as managers often restrict participation in seminars, conferences, and higher education pursuits. The study also highlighted that inequalities or discriminations affect employees motivation and enthusiasm. This study highlights issues of inequality from a female perspective in the library and information science field, contributing to a deeper understanding of the key factors to ensure equitable workplaces. This study may be a useful contribution to the body of research literature, as well as the findings may help in sensitizing the management and authorities to control the work environment to facilitate females, and to make female-oriented policies.

This study explores the feminization of poverty and the dynamics of the care economy in rural areas, focusing on the municipality of Génova, Quindío, Colombia. The novelty of this study lies in its analysis of the compounded effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s economic participation and care responsibilities in a rural context, offering insights relevant to Latin America. This study addresses the critical problem of how increased caregiving responsibilities and labor informality during the pandemic have disproportionately impacted economically active women, exacerbating gender inequalities. The objective is to analyze the relationship between the care economy and feminization of poverty, providing policy recommendations for post-pandemic recovery in rural settings. The methodology consisted of a two-stage approach. In the first stage, a probabilistic stratified sampling design was applied using data from the Colombian National Population and Housing Census and the Génova, Quindío, and Colombia Municipal Panel. In the second stage, fieldwork was conducted with a sample of 347 women using the RedCap application for data collection. The results indicate a significant increase in unpaid domestic and caregiving work during the pandemic, particularly for the elderly, disabled, and children. Additionally, labor informality increased, further limiting economic opportunities for women. The key conclusion is that public policies aimed at reducing gender disparities in rural labor markets must prioritize caregiving support and formal employment opportunities for women. These findings suggest that addressing the care economy is crucial for closing gender gaps and fostering equitable economic recovery in rural Latin American areas.

This study examines how circular economy (CE) practices contribute to energy resilience by mitigating the impacts of energy shocks and supporting sustainable development. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) of recent studies, we analyze the ways in which CE strategies—such as resource recovery, renewable energy integration, and closed-loop supply chains—enhance energy security and reduce vulnerability to energy disruptions. Our research draws on academic databases, focusing on publications from 2018 to 2024, to identify key themes and practices that illustrate the transformative potential of the circular economy. Findings reveal that CE practices at macro, mezzo, and micro levels support resilience by fostering efficient resource use, reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable economic growth. Additionally, we highlight the roles of foreign direct investment (FDI), research and development (R&D), and supportive policies in accelerating the adoption of circular systems. The study concludes with recommendations for future research to address identified gaps, suggesting a roadmap for advancing circular economy practices as a means to enhance energy resilience and sustainability aims to reveal how wide array of factors affect transition towards more sustainable or circular economy.

Road construction and maintenance are key interventions that support economic potential in the country. However, the deplorable state of some roads in Nigeria, and in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states draws research concerns. This paper seeks to examine the impact of the Niger Delta Development Commission Intervention on road construction and economic activities in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Nigeria. Using the Sustainable Development Framework, a survey research design was employed, gathering data from 400 respondents across both states. The chi-square statistical technique was used to test the hypothesis that the Niger Delta Development Commission Intervention has no significant impact on road construction in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. The result of the data analysis showed the calculated value X² = 1592 > 16.92. By this result, the null hypothesis was rejected (16.92) at 0.05 level of significance and 9 Degrees of Freedom, and the alternate was accepted. The study concludes that NDDC road projects have positively influenced economic activities and livelihoods in the states. However, it highlights the need for further improvements, particularly on the Calabar-Itu federal highway.

An important element in dealing with HIV/AIDS is to disclose of its status to others. One of the problems faced by HIV/AIDS sufferers in disclosing their status is finding people they can trust, who can keep information about their HIV/AIDS status and not divulge it to other parties without their permission. Not many people can accept them without prejudice and stigma. This article discusses the communication efforts carried out by female AIDS activists in the community as co-owners who receive information from people with HIV/AIDS and subsequently become confidants and assist them in medical and psychological and social aspects. This study used a qualitative method. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 9 Community AIDS activist women from 7 regions. The results of the study reveal the process of housewives transforming into community AIDS activists, how they get personal information about the status of HIV/AIDS and eventually become co-owners of information who eventually become confidants, have responsibilities and help people with HIV/AIDS in health, psychological and social aspects.