Please check that this examination paper consists THREE pages of printed material before you begin the examination. Answer FOUR questions. Answer TWO questions from Section A and TWO questions from Section B.

Please check that this examination paper consists of THREE pages of printed material before you begin the examination. Answer FOUR questions. Answer TWO questions from Section A and TWO questions from Section B.

Please check that this examination paper consists of THREE pages of printed material before you begin the examination. Answer THREE questions. Answer ONE question from Section A, ONE from Section B and ONE more from either Section A or B.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA Second Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session June 2016.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA Second Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session June 2016.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA First Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session December 2015/January 2016.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA First Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session December 2015/January 2016.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA First Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session December 2015/January 2016.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA First Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session December 2015/January 2016.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA Second Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session June 2016.

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA Second Semester Examination 2015/2016 Academic Session June 2016.

First Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session February/March 2022.

Second Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session July/August 2022.

First Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session February/March 2022.

Second Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session July/August 2022.

Second Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session July/August 2022.

Second Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session July/August 2022 Please check that this examination paper consists of THREE (3) pages of printed material before you begin the examination. Answer THREE (3) questions. Answer ONE (1) from Section A, ONE (1) from Section B and ONE (1) from EITHER Section A OR Section B.

Second Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session July/August 2022 Please check that this examination paper consists of THREE (3) pages of printed material before you begin the examination. There are SIX (6) questions in TWO (2) sections. Answer THREE (3) questions altogether. Answer ONE (1) question from Section A, ONE (1) question from Section 8 and ONE (1) question from EITHER Section A OR Section B.

First Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session Please check that this examination paper consists of TWO (2) pages of printed material before you begin the examination. There are SIX (6) questions. Answer any THREE (3) questions. All questions carry equal marks.

First Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session February/March 2022 Please check that this examination paper consists of THREE (3) pages of printed material before you begin the examination. There are FIVE (5) questions altogether. Answer THREE (3) questions. Question 1 is COMPULSORY.

First Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session February/March 2022 Please check that this examination paper consists of FOUR (2) pages of printed material before you begin the examination. Instructions: Answer any THREE (3) questions.

First Semester Examination 2021/2022 Academic Session February/March 2022 Please check that this examination paper consists of FIVE (5) pages of printed material before you begin the examination. Answer THREE (3) questions. Answer ONE (1) question from Section A, ONE (1) question from Section B, and ONE (1) question from EITHER Section A OR Section B.

Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) was introduced in the late 19th century as a type of irrigation reform for dealing with poor irrigation system performance in many agricultural areas of the world, including Sri Lanka. However, the emergence of head-tail disparity along the canal network has frequently resulted in inefficiency in irrigation management, causing this issue to become a subject of heated debate among scholars. Although some scholars have pointed out that an appropriate level of farmers’ participation is difficult to bring (...) about at the tail-end of many irrigation schemes in Sri Lanka, no one has pinpointed the factors influencing the tailend farmers’ participation in PIM. Therefore, the objectives of the study are to assess the non-spatial, spatial, and overall factors that significantly affect tail-end farmers’ participation in PIM. The study was conducted at the tail-end of the Uda Walawe irrigation scheme, which remains as one of the perpetually water deficit schemes in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 482 irrigated plots of cultivators by conducting a questionnaire survey, field observations and informal discussion. Apart from that, key informant interviews and focus group discussion were held with Irrigation Agency officers and farmer organization leaders to collect supplementary data and information related to the study. QGIS 3.16.6 and SPSS ver. 20.0 were used for digitizing, calculating, and analysing the collected data. The study revealed that 59% of the total number of farmers at the tail-end of the scheme actively engaged in collective action while 41% were inactive in PIM. (shrink)

Trengganu, though under Siamese Influence before the Aglo-Siamese Traty of March 10th 1909, remained very much an independent Malay state due to the stubborn resistance of her ruler and her geographical isolation. Acknowledgement of the Siamese suzerainty was limited to a triennial tribute of the Bunga Mas.

The trend of protean career is increasingly becoming prominent in turbulent business environment. Individuals are proactively embarking on designing their own career pathways rather than rely on organizational career development activities to cope with the dramatically changing landscape of competitive workplace. This study aims to examine PCO among Gen Yers and how it influences their work behaviors. PCO is a vocational approach in which individuals take charge of their career based on self-directedness and personal values instead of organizational values. Research (...) evidence shows that PCO characteristics resemble much of the working behaviors of Generation Y. Reduction in lifetime employment has triggered Gen Yers to be more alert of the need for continuous skill learning and development; hence they are more likely to proactively plan their own career path. In Malaysia, Gen Yers switch jobs faster than previous generations in the workforce in Malaysia. It is utmost important to seek greater understanding of the factors that determine PCO development and the impact of PCO development on the work behaviors among Gen Yers in Malaysia so as to help inform the best means by which to recruit, engage, and retain them. As compared to men, researchers have found that women are increasingly embracing more self-directed careers while rejecting the traditional long-term employment model. Furthermore, women have been found to engage more often in short‐term career planning using incremental career strategies, a typical characteristic of PCO, while men have more long‐term career goals, which is more typical of traditional career orientation. Most men and women set off with analogous career preferences; yet these preferences deviate over time due to different life situations. Typically, marriage and pregnancy move women off their original career path early in the tenure of their first job. They need to reset their career goals and adopt short‐term strategies that best fit their changing circumstances. Hence, women are more likely to switch jobs for personal or family-related reasons. The research will employ a large-scale questionnaire survey, involving a total number of 400 early career individuals from Generation Y in Malaysia, who have one to three years of work experience. (shrink)

In the following chanters, the Baba Creole Malay Language of the Babas of Melaka will be studied under three areas. The first is its nature and origin as a creole language, that is its historical background and its general characteristics.

Yoji Akashi telah menarik perhatian kita kepada satu kekosongan dalam prasejarah Malaysia mengenai zaman penduduk Jepun: The study of this period of Malaysian history has not received the scholarly attention that it deserve… Not only has no general history of the Japanese occupation been written, but also no study of the Japanese military administration at the state level has been undertaken. This leaves a wide lacuna in the historiography of modern Malaysia.

For centuries parents, scholars and teachers have been fascinated and amazed fay the phenomenon of language acquisition in children. How are we to account for the fact that "virtually every child, without undergoing special training, exposed to surface structure of language in many interactional contexts, builds for himself in a short period of time and at an early stage in his cognitive a deep leve1, abstract, and highly complex system of linguistic structure and use. " Hence a number of theories (...) have been formulated on the acquisition of language. (shrink)

The complete history of English education has yet to be written. The main topic of my study is to see how far the educational policy of the British Government was applied to local institutions with special reference to the St. Xavier’s Institution, Penang.

Metaphysical poetry generally refers to the works of a relatively small group of seventeenth century English poets. They are uniquely different in comparison to other types of poetry as they were written in a specific style, peculiar to the nature of metaphysics. Although there are different kinds of characteristics defining the essence of metaphysical poetry, this study focuses on four prominent ones namely; intellectuality, imageries and conceits, expression of ideas and feelings, and the development of logical arguments. This study explores (...) the selected characteristics in terms of how they are connected with each other in two metaphysical poems, John Donne’s The Good-Morrow and Andrew Marvell’s The Definition of Love. From the discussion, it is evident that all four characteristics under study are served throughout the two poems. The analysis shows that the poets use their intellectual abilities to construct elaborated metaphysical imageries and conceits, which they then use as a platform to convey their ideas and feelings. The ideas and feeling are reasoned through logical arguments, which requires high degree of intellectual abilities not only to construct but also to comprehend them. Such connection between the characteristics serve to support the essence and uniqueness of what is known as metaphysical poetry. (shrink)

The translatability of pun has been solved in previous studies. The translation strategies of puns can be further explored. The objectives of this study are to examine the translatability of puns, translation strategies of puns. The sources texte of these puns are taken from Ingram & redapth’s edition of Shakespeare sonnets. The target texts of these puns are taken from the nine corresponding Chinese versions.

Salahuddin al-Ayyuby was an Islamic leading warrior of the Muslim world. He successfully liberated Jerusalem and became the founder of government in Egypt and Syria. The Great Victory was achieved by the defeat of the Crusaders in the Battle of Hittin. He also unified the ranks of Muslim in Egypt, Syria, Yaman, Sudan and Asia Minor. In addition, he successfully unified the Islamic people in Egypt, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Asia Minor during 6-12 century AD. Moreover, he could achieve and (...) build human well-being irrespective of race and religion in particular to defend the honor of Islam. This study used qualitative methods through the library as well as three main sources that is al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh composed by Ibn al-Athir, al-Barq al-Syami and al- Fath al-Qusi fi al-Fath al- Qudsi, both composed by al-Isfahani and other manuscripts used as a reinforcement to study the concept of Jihad performed by Salahuddin al-Ayyuby. Furthermore, the comparative method was also used to compare similar perspectives in five aspects, namely jihad against the Crusaders, unification of the ranks of Muslims, the liberation of Jerusalem military administration and peace. However, there are different perspectives in term of the management of society and politics. The different perspectives and views are mainly due to the fact that they are working in different situation. These similarities and differences show that the concept of Salahuddin’s jihad was not only focused on the aspect of the war alone. Yet, it covers the whole aspect of life. (shrink)

With the rapid development of internationalization and globalization, this world is becoming smaller and smaller, and the necessity to comuunicate with people from other cultures successfully is becoming increasingly urgent. This research is designed to investigate Chinese english major's intercultural communication competence, and this target is split into following two sets of research questions.

New media has significantly lowered the cost of publication, transcending geographical boundaries making spatial and temporal impediments redundant. Due to technological advancements, new media has also become more pervasive in society and it has started to compete with traditional media. This thesis explores the relationship between the use of new media by the Lifeworld and its accompanying Web 2.0 technologies, and the System in Malaysia, with a long history of regulating the press and free speech, using the Argumentative Discourse Analysis (...) framework. The study adopted the ‘Web Crawling’ and snowball blog-seeding method of gathering an initial list of bloggers and online activists for online and offline semi-structured interviews added with the content analysis and secondary method for the purpose of this study. Results show that with the rise of a ‘New’ middle class, collective action through new media activists have given birth to New Social Movements such as Bersih and online activism in Malaysia. Most importantly, through new media the opposition with the assistance of coalitional capital of CSOs and CSAs in their agenda setting have employed discursive formations that have led to resistance or contentious politics in the context of Malaysia. These strategies and tactics of resistance politics through collective actions such as NSMs and hactavism have resulted in different policy implications by the Malaysian government. (shrink)

This dissertation focuses on three contemporary self-representational novels by the Latin American author, Isabel Allende. From a dual, postcolonial and transcultural perspective, this work analyzes the thematic structures and mode of writing used by the author to create or re-create a zone for silenced and marginalized groups to speak out. The stories are rooted in the South American continent‟s real socio-historical events, and the complexities and contradictions of the contemporary Latin American cultural context. Elaborating on certain postcolonial concepts, particularly the (...) theories proposed by Homi Bhabha and Frantz Ortiz, the present dissertation identifies the process by which Allende makes opposing voices and methods of representation commingle to form an ideal hybridized model, both in characterization and in writing mode. In other words, the emergence of mestizo and magical realism are equally the results of a cultural syncretism. As transcultural phenomena, they share the feature of a negation of negotiability, since their negotiability is attained only after an introductory phase of negation. The present dissertation analyzes Allende‟s three novels, The House of the Spirits, Daughter of Fortune, and Zorro, and explores the mechanism by which the author disarms the dominant colonial discourse, through re-writing history from the viewpoint of the colonized and marginalized groups, and re-creating a new image of the self via her unique art of characterization. (shrink)

Public international law mandates States to promote protect and fulfil human rights. State obligation at the international level is determined by international law which is comprised in the various treaties a State ratifies as well as customary international law. When a State assumes international obligations, it is obliged to comply with its international obligations premised on the due diligence principle. The research critically analyses the evolution, development and application of the due diligence principle in international law and presents a discourse (...) on its utility in clarifying State obligation to eliminate violence against women. It then investigates Indonesia’s international obligation to end violence against women and what this obligation entails in the island of Java by focusing on specific forms of violence against women and by analyzing how far these efforts are in response to treaty obligations. Finally, the research investigates the perspectives of civil society in the assessment of Indonesia’s efforts, achievements and challenges in fulfilling the obligations and finally identifies and makes recommendations in areas where due diligence may be particularly useful and /or further used in eliminating violence against women. (shrink)

Women in managerial positions continually narrate experiences of discrimination, stereotyping and several forms of career blocks limiting their advancement. Consequently underrepresentation of women and female talent drain remains a key issue as a result of these negative experiences. To sustainably address these issues to attract and retain female talent, it is essential to understand the specific experiences and unique challenges of women relative to their context. Although a number of studies have examined the differences between men and women routes to (...) success, most studies fail to take into account the cultural differences that play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s subjective perceptions and overall experiences. Understanding the influence of the interactions between culture, religion and context on an individual’s identity will shed light to unique experiences of Muslim women managers in Malaysia. The research conducts in-depth interviews with top level Malay managers, probing their experience of upward career mobility and inequities in the workplace. The study uncovers what it essentially means to be a Muslim woman manager in Malaysia, the unique challenges these women face, and how Muslim women managers in Malaysia experience and manage their roles in the family, workplace and society in their attempt for career success. (shrink)

Objective: The aim of this article is to trace how the gender of an artist influences the images that he/she creates in a particular cultural context, and how those images become gendered. Does the cultural constraint or social norms effect a creation depicting the same subjects, when made by man or woman of the same culture and time? Methodology: The work of two contemporary Pakistani male and female artists is used for the analysis, both of these artists have created the (...) images depicting women behind the veil. The analysis is carried out with the help of feminist theory and it goes into the questions like gender, authorship, gaze, artist’s social, political, economic and cultural background of the artists. Analysis: The images of veil are a very popular subject in contemporary Pakistani art, however, veil is a very controversial subject in context with its representation in Islam as well as in the contemporary political scenario of the world. The artists using this sort of cultural and political imagery are promoted by the Western institutions which is another reflection of the politics behind the artistic creation. Many contemporary Pakistani artists including men and women were fascinated to draw ‘women behind the veil’ to represent the oppressed women in Pakistani society in their art. This article traces the politics of gender through the represented images of veil made by Pakistani male and female artists. Therefore, the images by Aisha Khalid and Rashid Rana are chosen for the analysis, both created the iconic images of veiled women. Khalid uses geometric pattern and only reflects the draperies in her work, on the other hand, Rana uses pornographic imagery to build the bigger picture of the veil which is the point of departure for this paper. Conclusion: Images of veil reflect the gender of their maker and therefore they can also be seen as gendered. (shrink)

This article deals with the need of father friendly SRHR services to ensure maternal health in rural community. Using qualitative research methods this research tries to evaluate whether consultation service on SRHR by the Health Service providers increases men’s involvement in maternal health care in northern Bangladesh. The first part deals with the background and contexts of the paper shedding light on the traditional practices of fatherhood in relation to maternal health care in rural Bangladesh. It shows that fathers traditionally (...) denies to take part in maternal care issues even though there is a huge network of Maternal Care established by the government of Bangladesh. The second part of this paper describes the process of sensitizing the health service providers designed by CMMS and Promundu US so that they set up father friendly SRHR consultation services to encourage and engage fathers in maternal care. The third part deals with the specific cases of fathers who were motivated by the health service providers and took part in maternal health care. Based on these cases in the conclusion the paper argues that father friendly consultation services can increase their involvement in maternal health services that ultimate results in improved maternal health. (shrink)

This study aims to examine PCO among Gen Yers and how it influences their work behaviors. Reduction in lifetime employment has triggered Gen Yers to be more alert of the need for continuous skill learning and development; hence they are more likely to proactively plan their own career path. In Malaysia, Gen Yers switch jobs faster than previous generations in the workforce in Malaysia. It is utmost important to seek greater understanding of the factors that determine PCO development and the (...) impact of PCO development on the work behaviors among Gen Yers in Malaysia so as to help inform the best means by which to recruit, engage, and retain them. The research will employ a large-scale questionnaire survey, involving a total number of 400 early career individuals from Generation Y in Malaysia, who have one to three years of work experience. (shrink)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model in GuanXi and marketing performance linkage from the gender perspective. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: GuanXi is a concept of social networking that links personal to business relations to achieving personal or business gains. The paper proposes the conceptual framework based on an extensive review of literature on GuanXi and marketing performance from gender perspective. The discussion is on the construct and relational types of GuanXi as a cultural element, which (...) are pertinent to Asian institutional settings. Since most of the previous research offers no explanation for GuanXi’s distinct contribution to marketing outcome, this paper proposes the use of marketing performance metrics in order to capture precisely the GuanXi outcome. Findings: Previous research on GuanXi or relational based studies to performance outcome often focuses on the firm’s overall performance evaluation. However, the findings are inconsistent and this could be due to the subjective characteristics of social capital being ignored. This paper conceptualizes the possible linkage of GuanXi construct and relational outcomes to marketing performance, subsequently contributing to the overall firm’s performance through the gender lens. Practical Implications: Based on the model that has been developed, the linkage between GuanXi-marketing performance relations would be able to assist the industry manager in identifying their marketing efforts in relation to the marketing performance outcomes. In addition, the managers can take the gender variance into consideration when formulating the marketing strategies for effective relationship marketing to their business counterparts. Originality/ Value: This paper is original in its attempts in proposing the linkage between GuanXi to marketing performance outcome from the gender perspective. (shrink)

One would tend to think that an international banking group that has had years of previous experience in carrying out flexible working arrangements in its 1,200+ branches worldwide would have it easy in implementing what seems like a tried-and-true system in its wholly-owned subsidiary in Malaysia. The answer might surprise you: apparently, FWA does not go by the one-size-fits-all model. EastAsia Bank*, is a wholly owned subsidiary of an international bank that has a presence in more than 70 countries. True (...) to its claim of upholding diversity and inclusion and promoting practices that improve work-life balance, EastAsia Bank been implementing two forms of FWA since 2011 and 2012, respectively, with the first form being flexible hours – an arrangement where employees have flexible starting and ending times at work – and the second form being a “Work From Home” programme that allows its employees, as a standard, to work from home at least one day each week. EastAsia Bank’s parent company has been successfully implementing these two forms of FWA – with the addition of part-time work – in its other offices in various parts of the world since 2007. It has developed, invested in, and refined, over the years, a solid system and infrastructure for its FWA programmes, which includes the appropriate hardware and software that allows its employees to work from home within the security of the company’s virtual private network. A case study method has been conducted to examine how EastAsia Bank could successfully implement in Malaysia the exact same model that has previously met success in its other offices around the world. Surprisingly, such is not the case. (shrink)

Flexible working arrangements has become an important aspect in Human Resource Management policy for organization to attract and retain talented employees in the organization. The low female participation in labour workforce has motivated this study to be conducted. It aimed to provide insight to the employers on female employees special needs and their readiness to embrace flexible working arrangements if the resources were made available to them. “Readiness” to embrace flexible working arrangement was not previously studied in the flexible working (...) arrangements field, hence a considerable amount of attention has been paid to construct the theoretical framework. An instrument is developed based on a critical review of Person-Environment fit theory that is able to explain the readiness of female employees depending on the situation surroundings them. Thus, this study postulates into three microsystems that are family, work, and community in PE fit theory that creates demands and resources. The integrated approach has explained how the independent variables family responsibility, perceived benefits, career advancement, company policy impact on the readiness on flexible working arrangements and the mediating role of supportive workplace. The results shown that hypothesised relationships were partially supported, i.e family responsibility and perceived benefits was positively related to readiness to embrace flexible working arrangements. Besides, supportive workplace mediated the relationship between perceived benefits and company policy in relation to readiness to embrace flexible working arrangements. These findings have also demonstrated that women with different experience have different demands in flexible working arrangements. Findings have shown that 60 percent of the respondents were ready to embrace flexible working arrangements except for part time work options. Besides, this study has found that respondents with no children favored in compressed work schedule as the statistical result recorded at p<0.05. The output of this study would be able to benefit policy makers, organizations and practitioners to establish flexible working arrangements in Malaysia. Consequently, corporate companies would be able to attract more female employees in the business, resulting in higher productivity. (shrink)

Both the internationalized and globalized processes of the country and the traditional norms and conservative religious concepts regarding gender roles, work and family influence the lives of women in Malaysia. The latter can hinder them to tap their full potential: Despite outnumbering male students in secondary school and university, only 53 percent of women between the age of 15 and 64 are employed in Malaysia. Against this background, the question arises how educationally successful Muslim female students develop individual educational processes (...) to lay the foundation to pursue successful careers afterwards. The study refers to fifteen narrative in-depth interviews with Muslim female students about chances and challenges within their education. The interviews were analysed through the hermeneutic cultural analysis methodology “scenic understanding” according to Lorenzer. It is outlined that leadership programs in school can help the female students to develop skills to pursue a successful education and career. Consequently, leadership programs contribute to the sustainable development of gender’s equality and women’s empowerment. (shrink)

Linguistic differences between men and women have been a widely popular topic for the last 30 years. This paper is concerned with these differences and how they are represented in todays’ current textbooks. The current study is an attempt to investigate if there is an occurrence of linguistic sexism in the English literature textbooks used in a secondary school in the northern region of Malaysia. The study used two literature textbooks that were currently used by form 4 students in the (...) school. The two books, namely, ‘The Poison Tree’ and ‘A Collection of Short Stories, Poems and Drama’ were examine if linguistic sexism occurred by a critical content analysis by Fairclough. This study uses the method of content analysis that was presented by Xu. It is based on the following items: 1. External appearance of female/male characters and 2. Personality of male/female characters.The primary focus of this paper is to see whether linguistic sexism occur in the literature textbooks used in the secondary schools in Malaysia. A qualitative analysis based on the preceding criteria found that the males rule over the females in almost every category linguistically. (shrink)

This paper aims to focus on the conditions of religious factors in embedded domestic violence in Aceh. The discussion intends to explore the concept of Qawwamūn to describe how traditions of matrifocality and Islam contemporarily inform women’s subjectivities, and also analyse the ways Feminist Anthropology scholars. The conclusion of this study is the key condition factor of Women's Lives and Financial Security to the woman in Acehnese context combines with the traditions of matrifocality and the concept of Qawwamun, as the (...) way to negotiating subjectivity of wife to husband in Aceh. However, the concept of Qawwamun is operated through the interaction with the culture of each area, and interpreted within the framework of religion. In the case of Aceh, the author found that basic religious knowledge of Acehnese women is good. Though it is not applied to all the women in Aceh, with a policy of teaching religion is quite good. (shrink)

In mid of the twentieth century, feminist movement commenced the discipline of women’s studies to encounter the Ideological critique; a theoretical framework lacking laborious struggle. This study is based on curriculum development and concepts, which were discussed in the process of curriculum making of Gender and Women’s studies in the Punjab. This study aimed to explore the process of curriculum development at graduation and post-graduation level with details of its updating, reading trends in students, teaching methodologies, and inclination of students (...) towards research areas. A qualitative method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. The data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews from 15 participants. The interviewee included the head of Gender Studies Departments and faculty members of 6 universities and 1 college of the Punjab province of Pakistan. The data analysis indicated that each academic institution has similar process of curriculum development involving faculty, the Board of Studies and Academic Council. Curriculum is being revised on ongoing basis. In most of the departments, participatory and interactive teaching methods are being used. Reading habits are not greatly instilled among students. This research intended to trace out the locale of formative phase of main themes and fibers of courses in relation with indigenous gender tendencies. The study has suggested that acute involvement of development sector should be promised which will stage the local gender issues and will also open up a maiden window to academic side in the formulation of a more congenial and endemic syllabus. (shrink)

We are living in a complex, interconnected and a fast changing world. We have seen vast improvements in our lives. Generally people are living longer and are better educated. In many countries people have access to clean water, health care services, decent homes and food. We are connected by the internet in ways never imagined before. Yet inequity and inequality runs deep between and within countries. According to the United Nations, in certain countries, income inequality has increased by 11 percent (...) between 1990 and 2010. Unequal distribution of income is becoming a feature in many societies affecting more than 75 percent of the population. This situation is worse than in the 1990s. Certain countries and segments of the population are still beset by serious economic, political and social crises such as poverty, limited accessibility to essential medical/health care, high maternal mortality ratio, violence against women and child marriage which are all compounded by the impact of climate change, natural disasters, civil conflicts and wars. Pregnant women in the rural areas are more likely to die at birth compared to those in the urban areas. (shrink)

“Nakorn Chum Retro Market” is a type of walking street market and held at the beginning of every month. To construct nostalgic sentiment, the retro market is held in the area of “Nakorn Chum” ancient city where was ever the center of commerce in the past century. The nostalgic sentiment of the retro market are composed of cultural components such as dressing in the traditional Thai costumes, Thai dancing shows and local handicrafts etc. but the highlight of market is “Traditional (...) Foods”. Cooking “Traditional foods” is required skill and knowledge from the aging persons who can claim the “original recipe” especially women. So, can be seen that the most of food sellers in the retro market are aging women who use their cooking skill which always seen as “Reproductive Work” in Domestic Sphere to do in the Public and in the space of retro market, economic and cultural value were added into reproductive work, such cooking “Traditional Food”. In this paper, “Nakorn Chum Retro Market” is considered as social space of aging women. The paper aims to explore the roles of aging women in“Nakorn Chum Retro Market” and argues that in the structure of power, women are not merely passive victims but they are active agents. They try to negotiate their position as much as they can under the limitations. They use feminine attributes and skills from reproductive work in domestic sphere which they are familiar to be advantage for themselves in public space such the retro market that why author titled “Shifting Reproductive Work to the Public:“Nakorn Chum Retro Market” as Space of Aging Women in Kamphaeng Phet Province, Thailand”. (shrink)

Life for tribal women has become a daily struggle due to inflation and the high cost of living in ‘touristic’ Goa as well as government policy regarding their traditional source of livelihood – namely kumeri or shifting cultivation. This has been a common practice among the tribal communities in several parts of India. It has been called by different names, for example jhum cultivation in North India, slash and burn, swidden agriculture etc. In Goa, shifting cultivation is locally known as (...) kumeri cultivation or kaamat in Konkani. This paper is an attempt to document the daily struggles of the women in my own community the Velip community, which is considered as one of the Tribal communities of Goa. Tribal communities seem to be closer to nature because of geographical settlement and therefore they are highly dependent on nature as a means of livelihood. But now days because of government policy, forest laws, etc., the community has been denied access to land and other natural resources making survival by this traditional source of livelihood difficult. The present paper deals with the necessity of the tribal people especially poor Velip women who are more dependent on natural resources as means of livelihood and whose search for alternates is the highlight of this paper. Being from the Velip community, this paper has a personal connection with me as I have lived through the challenges of women from different generations within this tribal community. (shrink)

The article aims at exploring the trust establishment among patients with depression during their journey to psychiatric patient-hood. This study was undertaken in government hospital involving 29 psychiatric outpatient users in Kedah and Pulau Pinang respectively. Phenomenology study and gender lens employed to scrutinize on the patients’ lived experiences in mental health care, at the same time magnifying the gender differences in perceiving the service. Semi-structured in-depth interview and non-participant observation were the tools used in data collection. The data then (...) explicated with the aid of a qualitative data analysis tool, Atlas.ti., version 7.5. Through the findings, the study identified “Trust” appears critical in the accounts of the patients in shaping the doctor-patient relationship; with at least five interlocking sub-themes describing the health professional’s characteristic while giving the service. The sub-themes include doctor’s integrity, concern, competencies, empathy, and autonomy enabler. There are no gender differences detected in most of the sub-themes, except for doctor’s competency, and integrity. Barriers in language and communicating with patients cultural believe potentially moving away from the patients’ interest elsewhere for help seeking or diminishing the client’s compliance. The findings are consistent with previous studies whereby language and lacking in a cultural competence garner gender stereotype in treatment giving. Thus, trust in this context becomes the enabling or disabling factor for the patient to stay on in the treatment. (shrink)

Background: Female drug users dependent on amphetamine-type-stimulants are predisposed to risky HIV behaviours and psychological problems. Objectives: This study aims to determine HIV risk behaviours and prevalence of depression among FDUs in Malaysia. Method: A total of 202 FDUs currently undergoing rehabilitation at an institutional rehabilitation centre in Bachok, Kelantan were surveyed. Respondents self-administered the behavioural survey questionnaire, and the Malay version Beck Depression Scale. Results: Most of the FDUs were Malays, with a mean age of 29.47 years-old. Sixty-two percent (...) were above 26 years-old, two-third married, more than half have nine years of education, while 62% held employments prior to their detention. Majority self-reported to have used amphetamine-type-stimulants, while 46% reported opiate + ATS use. Two-third reported living with a drug using male partner prior to their detention, 58% were involved in illegal drug distribution activities, and only 10% work as sex-workers. Seventy-seven percent of the FDUs have no knowledge about female condom use. Results showed those who used only ATS and those who used opiate and ATS, were more likely to have irregular sex partners ; to have never used condom with irregular sex partners ; and used drugs during sex. Opiate + ATS users were more likely to inject ; lend their injecting equipment ; ask help during injection ; and experience drug overdose, compared to those using only ATS. Notably, 75% of the FDUs were found to be depress. Conclusion: Female drug users in Malaysia are vulnerable to HIV infections. Our findings suggest that proper harm reduction interventions targeting FDUs are needed. (shrink)

In this paper, I discuss feminist discourse in relation to the cultural context of sex-trafficking crimes in Jordan. I reveal evidence in the paper that the patriarchal code of honour in Jordan intimidates sex trafficked females, preventing them from exiting their underground sex-work and returning to their families. The diverse cultural groups in Jordan, which include indigenous Jordanians, Bedouins, Gypsies, Syrian refugees, Iraqi refugees and other minority groups, have created layers of vulnerability for women and girls that contribute to them (...) becoming victims of sexual exploitation. To describe females’ vulnerability to several norms and complexities, I draw on my ethnographic study, which was conducted in Amman, Jordan in 2015-16. I interviewed seven service providers who work for organisations providing services for rescued female victims of sex trafficking. They provide refuge for domestic and nondomestic victims of sex trafficking. In addition, I observed aspects of Jordanian culture, enabling me to describe the changing social and cultural situation affecting trafficked women. This paper argues for adopting an approach that accounts for the categories of vulnerability for understanding women’s inequalities, and informing legal reforms for improving the situation for sex trafficked victims. (shrink)

“It only remained for me to give it voice, to shared it for use, that the pain not be wasted.” As a Women’s NGO worker and recently a student in the MA program of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, I’d like to share the story of Oy, a girl who had been raped by a ‘holy’ monk for many years. The process of finding her own language, standing up and speaking out was not an easy process as there were many (...) layers of unequal power between the girl and the man, an ordinary person and monk. In particular, for the latter, he had performed and was perceived as a ‘holy body’ who not only gave fortune to the villagers but also saved them from bad luck and illness through many different techniques. The girl started her story by writing petitions to the Religion Administrative Unit at both the district and provincial levels. Instead, the monk was protected by his institution. Finally, she brought her case to court along with her archive. My study of her writings and archiving process will be shared and discussed within the framework of feminist writing elaborated by Lorde and Trinh Minh Ha, respectively. (shrink)

In the early 1990s, Thailand initiated a broad package of reforms in various sectors, including politics, education and health. The health reform brought about direct engagement of government agencies with NGOs and people’s organisations in terms of policy formulation and programme implementation. One of the ‘people’s organisations’ that has gained prominence in offering an alternative health model is the Buddhist Medicine Foundation Thailand. Based on a bigger study of BMFT, this paper presents a preliminary analysis of the organisation,using both secondary (...) and primary data; the former were gathered from relevant documents and literature review in a desk-review, while the latter were generated from in-depth interviews of the leader, volunteers and participants.The findings showed the importance of historical reform movements of civil societies, the pluralistic health care system as well as the people-centred ideology of the Tri-Power Model converging to form the socio-historical context of BMFT. Thematic data analysis of the in-depth interviews revealed deep spiritual belief that drives strong voluntarism, with about 80 percent of women involved. BMFT has also shown the capacity to be visible through holistic health activities nationwide, and the capability of being sustainable with its activities contributed mainly by women. BMFT as a people’s organisation has shown to be an important stakeholder in the politics of health reform in Thailand. (shrink)

“Archive is the complex and incomplete site of women’s knowledge”. Joining the MA program in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies in mid-2015 and having taken courses related to the issues of women, history and archives haves brought me to a forgotten chapter of my life; that is, the digitalized diary of my teenage years. In this study the 103 entries of my online diary published on “yenta4.com” will be retrieved and elaborated upon through the framework and practice of “autoethnography” as (...) discussed by Ellis, Dent and others. It will reflect the passage of a rural teenager in various ways such as struggling to adjust her life in a very large and complex capital city, dealing with the hardship of study at the high school level and above all learning about one's sexuality through relationships with loving friends of the opposite gender. As the issues of “Girl Studies” by the girl’s voice from a feminist perspective is rarely touched upon in the academic circles of Women’s Studies in Thailand, this research aims to open up, contribute and strengthen the body of knowledge in this area. (shrink)

Micro entrepreneurs play an important role in Malaysia’s vision by achieving high income economy by 2020. Micro business assists local economies and contributes to a thriving economic growth. Government provides several types of aids and assistance such as microcredit facilities, short-term loan, tools and equipment to facilitate microbusinesses. As a result, by 2010, there were 77% micro entrepreneurs. However, according to the report by the Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation Malaysia, at least 75% of the business failed during their first (...) year of operation. This figure is worrying and has to be studied in order to understand the real problems faced by Malaysian micro entrepreneurs. A qualitative study was conducted on a sample of 18 women micro entrepreneurs from Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Selangor and Penang using in-depth interviews. A set of guideline questions was constructed guided by the gender analytical framework and an adaptation of the Sustainable Livelihood framework, focusing on three aspects; financial capital, human capital and social capital as well as the livelihood strategies taken by the women. A thematic analysis done showed that the women entrepreneurs adopted several livelihood strategies such as doing innovation in business and producing various products to increase sales”. In terms of livelihood assets, the women entrepreneurs had to grapple with gender issues of child care, lack of family support and negative perceptions from the community, insufficient raw materials and capital to expand their businesses. Based on the research, sustainable livelihood has not been achieved by women entrepreneurs as a result of the problems mentioned. A multi-sectoral intervention are needed to support women entrepreneurs such as providing quality child care centers, provision of capital facilities and ensuring sufficient flow of raw materials. (shrink)

The Velara Warriors is a project recently launched by two young Malaysian women to create a line of female action figures that challenges gender stereotypes in children’s entertainment. While mainstream films feature a growing number of strong female characters, toy franchises are less likely to manufacture and sell corresponding female fighting figures. The two women turned to Kickstarter, one of leading crowdfunding platforms, to raise capital from a wide network of supporters. While funding barriers faced by women have been widely (...) addressed in literature, women entrepreneurs are more likely be funded on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, demonstrating a potential to promote gender equality. Adopting a case study approach, this paper uses a gender framework suggested by Naila Kabeer as its starting point to discuss the crowdfunding phenomenon in relation to women’s empowerment. Findings suggest a positive connection between crowdfunding, women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. The article concludes with suggestions for future research avenues. (shrink)

Gender roles and business type are two important elements that determine the success of an entrepreneurship activity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of those two elements on the success of entrepreneurship activities of AIM microcredit borrowers. Data was collected based on a survey with a total of 133 AIM borrowers in Selangor, Malaysia. It consists of 71 men borrowers and 62 women borrowers. The research findings show a significance difference in the impact of gender roles (...) and business type on the success of men and women borrowers. The findings of the survey suggest that impact of gender roles are more significant on the success of women borrowers compared to the men borrowers while the type of business conducted which varies from public transportation business to food and beverage business determines the success of men borrowers as well as the women borrowers. It is argued that gender roles have greater influence on the success of female borrowers compare to men borrowers whereas the choice of type of business differ between male and female borrowers. Female borrowers concentrated more on food and beverages and tailoring business while most male borrowers involved in public transportation business as taxi drivers. This study is expected to highlight the difference in entrepreneurship success determinants between men and women borrowers of AIM. (shrink)

Are you male or female? To most persons the answer to this question is given without any difficulty and with certainty. To transsexuals however the answer is unclear and the resulting uncertainties lead to social exclusion and marginalisation.Gender identity plays a pivotal role in a person’s daily life and affects a wide spectrum of sociolegal and conventional interactions ranging from the very mundane such as which public lavatory to use, to some of the most critical aspects of life such asemployment, (...) education, marriage, healthcare and public persona.In Malaysia the absence of legalgender recognition for transsexuals post reassignment treatment has created a social environment which is unsustainable as it has resulted in social exclusion, inequality and prosecution. Objectives: To chart the way forward towards a more inclusive and socially just society there is a need to rethink thelegal framework pertaining to the gender recognition of transsexuals in Malaysia and deconstruct the perceived socioreligious and other limitations which are widely used to justify the present state of non - recognition. Methodology: Doctrinal legal research/qualitative. Analysis: Analysis of Article 3 & 8 of Federal Constitution of Malaysia, National Registration Act 1959,s. 66 of the Syariah Criminal (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 1992, Gender Recognition Act 2004(UK) and relevant case laws. Conclusion: Proposals for comprehensive legislative reforms to set out guidelines for gender recognition of transsexuals in Malaysia. (shrink)

The status of “wife” confers on a woman a legal standing in relation to her husband which accords on her certain legal rights. In the context of Malaysian civil law this includes the right to initiate a claim in tort for any injuries or loss suffered by her deceased husband arising from the negligence of another. Such a right is conferred under s.7of the Civil Law Act 1956. The Court of Appeal in a recent unanimous decision in Tan Siew Sen (...) & Others v Nick Abu Dusuki Bin Hj Abu Hassan [Civil Appeal No.B-04-249-09/2014] has ruled, that in the context of Non- Muslim marriages, only registration will confer the status of “wife” for the purpose all civil actions and thereby has narrowed the legal definition of the term “wife” in Malaysian civil law. The ruling of the court has the effect extending the application and scope of the Law Reform Act 1976 beyond the parameters. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to assess the social justice ramifications of narrowing the legal definition of “wife” for civil actions in Malaysia, with particular reference to the interpretation of s.7 of the Civil Law Act 1956 which is a statutory provision applicable to both Muslims and Non –Muslims alike. Methodology: Doctrinal legal research/qualitative. Conclusion: The narrow interpretation is contrary to legislative intent and will result is social injustice of its preamble and thereby judicially transforming the definition of the term “wife” in Malaysia. (shrink)

Goa, is a small State situated on the western coast of India. The geography of Goa, with its indented coastline, beautiful beaches fringed with palm trees make it an attractive holiday destination. Further the history of Goa as a Portuguese colony right up till 1961, has left traces of a cultural heritage different from the rest of India. The food, music, dress and the physical presence of numerous churches and crosses around Goa which seem to a visitor as being western, (...) has for the people of Goa been an imposition during the Portuguese regime. Since the 1990’s there has been a growing colonization of a different kind. Tourism was declared by the Government of Goa as an ‘Industry’ and that resulted in its booming growth. Goa which measures only a 100 kms from North to South has become a popular tourist destination attracting 5,41,480 foreign tourists, 47,56,422 domestic tourists in the last year totalling to 52,97,902 people in one year. The resident population in the State is 14,58,545. The tourist population is 3 times more than that of the resident population. The impacts on the local population, local resources of food, water and space, as well as the environment degradation with large scale construction, sewage overload and garbage generated are only the tip of the iceberg. This paper discusses some of the concerns for sustainable development based on the impacts of tourism on local society and looks particularly at the impacts for young women from the voices of young women residing in Goa. Tourism is seen as a new colonizer. The paper will highlight some concerns namely drugs, alcohol consumption, growing casinos, non-availability of desired jobs, prostitution, paedophilia, rising incidence of violence against women.The authors of this paper are students of the M. A Programme in Women’s Studies at Goa University, Goa. This paper is an outcome of a study done amongst women students in Goa, India. (shrink)