Masyarakat, Kebudayaan dan Politik

Gender policy implementation process in higher education institutions in Ghana

Sophia Agyeibea Abnory — 2024-12-20

To achieve gender equality, domestic and international organisations have developed gender policies to integrate gender equality considerations into development processes. However, gender inequality persists in most spheres of society. Some higher education institutions have developed and implemented gender policies to address the gender gap. The scholarly literature available pays scant attention to how gender policies are implemented in higher learning institutions. This study, therefore, aims to understand how gender policies in higher education institutions are implemented to bridge the gender gap in female participation and representation in leadership positions. Using the qualitative approach of in-depth interviews, the analysed data reveal that universities use various strategies such as mentoring female staff, gender awareness and sensitisation, creation of gender centres and institutional support, and continuous gender education as means of implementing gender policies. These strategies lead to resilient and gender-inclusive systems and promote full participation of women in the various sectors and subject areas of higher education in Ghana. It is concluded that effective implementation of gender policies in higher education institutions, through well-articulated strategies, is crucial for promoting female participation, challenging ingrained gender norms, and achieving gender equality and inclusivity.

Historical and cultural similarities to sister city collaboration efforts between Tanjungpinang (Indonesia) and Johor Bahru (Malaysia)

Anastasia Wiwik Swastiwi — 2024-12-20

Sister city cooperation based on common historical and cultural ties between Tanjungpinang, Indonesia and Johor Bahru, Malaysia provides a strategic opportunity to enhance socio-cultural interaction and encourage tourism. This research aims to find opportunities for sister city collaboration and the types of activities that are included in the scope of cooperation between the two cities. The method used in this research is descriptive with a qualitative approach by collecting various data, including official government documents, local demographic statistics, socio cultural characteristics, economic situation, development plans, and public and government views regarding social and development activities. To analyze the phenomena that occur, the theory of liberalism is used which states that a country can achieve political and economic goals through cooperation and promoting individual freedom and social justice. The results of this study indicate that the collaboration can be an effective platform for the exchange of knowledge, practices and resources between the two cities, and can also expand the network of partners involved in inclusive education. The study concluded that there are still several challenges such as limited resources, lack of public awareness and understanding, and structural barriers that can affect the effectiveness of implementing this collaborative effort. Thus, an active and collaborative role is needed from state and non-state actors to achieve sustainable economic and tourism goals.

Namibian-German Diplomacy in colonial reparations (2011 – 2021)

Narashangsa Bimasatria — 2024-12-20

Namibia’s history as a German Empire “mandate” from the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference builds a diplomatic relation characterized by the push for reparations. This research aims to study the Namibian-German diplomacy in colonial reparations as a best practice basis in navigating the complex relationship between an ex-colony and its ex-colonizer to achieve reconciliation, particularly between 2011 – 2021 where reparations between the two countries showed concrete progress. Using qualitative methods, this research is guided by the Van Boven Bassiouni principles, the Abuja Proclamation, and Paulose & Rogo’s idea to dissect colonial reparations and McDonald’s multitrack diplomacy as a conceptual framework. This research found that aspirations and legal pushes from the Herero People’s Reparation Corporation triggered the diplomatic processes. Concrete progress started occurring in 2011 with the repatriation of Herero remains to Namibia, followed by recognition of German colonial practices, compensations, and rehabilitative efforts involving various actors. This showcases diplomacy as a relevant approach to resolving colonial reparations, where in the Namibian-German context, the government track emerges as the main track providing the most comprehensive result. This research also highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing colonial reparations and its potential to offer a model for achieving reconciliation through restoring human values.