African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 267–280

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001364

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Gender, Ageing, and Social Protection: Pension Inequities Among Elderly Women in Africa

Names of Author: Sibongile Dube¹, Mei-Hua Chen², & Katarzyna Kowalczyk³

Author's Affiliation: ¹Department of Social Development, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; ²Department of Social Welfare, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan; ³Institute of Social Policy, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Abstract:
Because women spend their working lives disproportionately concentrated in unpaid family care, subsistence agriculture, and informal trading, they accumulate significantly lower contributory pension savings than men over the life course. Consequently, elderly women face heightened risks of chronic old-age poverty, housing insecurity, and dependence on overstretched extended family networks—even as grandmothers frequently assume primary caregiving responsibility for orphaned or migrant parents’ children. This paper examines the gendered adequacy of contributory and non-contributory social pension schemes in South Africa, Ghana, and Taiwan. Anchored in feminist gerontology and comparative welfare state theory, the research analyzes pension coverage data alongside life-history interviews with 55 older women. We demonstrate that universal, inflation-indexed non-contributory social pensions and formal care credits are essential for securing women’s dignity and economic autonomy in later life.

Keywords: Feminist gerontology, social protection, pension inequities, elderly women, old-age poverty, care credits, South Africa, Ghana

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 08, 2026; Revised: November 06, 2026; Accepted: November 10, 2026; Published: November 16, 2026.

Citation: Dube, S., Chen, M.-H., & Kowalczyk, K. (2026). Gender, Ageing, and Social Protection: Pension Inequities Among Elderly Women in Africa. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 267–280. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001364

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 253–266

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001363

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Ecofeminism, Urban Agriculture, and Women’s Food Sovereignty in Post-Industrial Cities

Names of Author: Makena Mwangi¹, Sofia Morales-Cruz², & Claire Laurent³

Author's Affiliation: ¹Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; ²Department of Agroecology, National Agrarian University La Molina, Lima, Peru; ³Department of Geography, University of Lille, Lille, France.

Abstract:
Rapid urbanization, rising food prices, and supply chain disruptions have intensified food insecurity among low-income households in sprawling metropolitan areas across the Global South. In response, urban women’s collectives have transformed vacant municipal plots, rooftops, and peri-urban corridors into productive agroecological gardens that supply fresh vegetables for household consumption and local markets. However, insecure urban land tenure, municipal zoning bans on urban farming, and soil contamination threaten the sustainability of women-led urban agriculture. This paper examines how women urban farmers negotiate municipal land access and build community food resilience in Nairobi, Kenya, and Lima, Peru. Grounded in urban ecofeminism and food sovereignty theory, the study combines spatial garden audits with 50 interviews involving female urban growers. We advocate for municipal recognition of urban agriculture as vital green infrastructure and secure communal land leases for women’s farming groups.

Keywords: Urban agriculture, ecofeminism, food sovereignty, women’s collectives, urban land tenure, agroecology, Kenya, Peru

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 07, 2026; Revised: November 05, 2026; Accepted: November 09, 2026; Published: November 16, 2026.

Citation: Mwangi, M., Morales-Cruz, S., & Laurent, C. (2026). Ecofeminism, Urban Agriculture, and Women’s Food Sovereignty in Post-Industrial Cities. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 253–266. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001363

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 239–252

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001362

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Gender, Financial Literacy, and Digital Cryptocurrency Adoption Among Young African Women

Names of Author: Efua Mensah-Bonsu¹ & Daniel O’Sullivan²

Author's Affiliation: ¹Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Accra, Ghana; ²School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.

Abstract:
Peer-to-peer cryptocurrency networks and stablecoin payment applications have gained rapid traction across urban African markets as young people seek alternatives to currency depreciation, high remittance fees, and restrictive traditional banking systems. While fintech marketers portray decentralized finance as inherently democratizing, speculative volatility, predatory online investment schemes, and male-dominated crypto trading communities create distinct financial vulnerabilities for young women. Simultaneously, female crypto educators and women-only blockchain collectives are emerging to promote cautious financial literacy and cross-border business payments. This paper explores how young professional and entrepreneurial women navigate cryptocurrency adoption in Accra, Lagos, and London. Utilizing feminist political economy and behavioral sociology, the study draws on 42 interviews with female crypto users and educators. We argue for consumer protection regulations alongside peer-led digital financial education.

Keywords: Cryptocurrency, financial literacy, digital finance, feminist political economy, young women, blockchain, Ghana, Nigeria

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 06, 2026; Revised: November 04, 2026; Accepted: November 08, 2026; Published: November 16, 2026.

Citation: Mensah-Bonsu, E., & O’Sullivan, D. (2026). Gender, Financial Literacy, and Digital Cryptocurrency Adoption Among Young African Women. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 239–252. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001362

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 225–238

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001361

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Reproductive Health, Cervical Cancer Screening, and Gendered Healthcare Access in Rural Communities

Names of Author: Bosede Adeyemi¹, Rajeshwari Nair², & Hannah McKenzie³

Author's Affiliation: ¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; ²Department of Community Health, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; ³School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Abstract:
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of preventable cancer mortality among women in low- and middle-income countries, reflecting stark global inequities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and early screening coverage. Beyond shortages of rural diagnostic clinics and trained nurses, patriarchal household decision-making, fear of spousal abandonment following positive diagnoses, and stigma surrounding pelvic examinations deter rural women from accessing preventive care. This paper investigates the socio-cultural and structural barriers to cervical cancer screening in rural southwestern Nigeria and Tamil Nadu, India. Grounded in reproductive justice and feminist health equity frameworks, the research combines clinic utilization data with 65 interviews involving rural women and community health workers. We demonstrate that HPV self-sampling kits delivered through trusted female community health networks substantially increase screening uptake.

Keywords: Cervical cancer screening, reproductive health, healthcare access, feminist health equity, rural women, HPV self-sampling, Nigeria, India

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 05, 2026; Revised: November 03, 2026; Accepted: November 07, 2026; Published: November 16, 2026.

Citation: Adeyemi, B., Nair, R., & McKenzie, H. (2026). Reproductive Health, Cervical Cancer Screening, and Gendered Healthcare Access in Rural Communities. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 225–238. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001361

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 1–8

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001023

Review

Title: Can Mechanical Loading of the Spinal Dura Influence Cerebrospinal Fluid Movement?

Names of Authors: John Sharkey¹*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Irish College of Osteopathic Medicine, National Training Centre, Dublin, Ireland. E-mail: [email protected] | ORCID: 0000-0001-6947-3170.

Abstract:
During a fresh human cadaver dissection around 2002, the spinal dura was opened along its length. Light hand pressure over the sacrum produced a visible wave that travelled cranially through fluid in the exposed canal. No pressure, displacement or flow was measured. Opening the dura also changed the conditions that govern fluid movement in life. The observation therefore raises a question; it cannot answer it. At the upper end of the canal, anatomical studies have traced connective tissue from the suboccipital muscles to the cervical dura. Fibres from the nuchal ligament also reach the dura at C1–C2. Their continuity offers a plausible route by which movement could alter the dural boundary, but the size of any effect during life remains unknown. This hypothesis-led mini-review examines that anatomy alongside measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) movement and proposes experiments with the dural sac intact, including simultaneous recording of respiration, pulse and pressure. In the anatomical study considered here, Zheng and colleagues examined 30 human head and neck specimens: 20 by dissection and ten as P45 plastinated sections. They identified a dense band within the nuchal ligament, which they called the “to be named ligament.” That study did not measure cerebrospinal fluid flow.

Keywords: Myodural bridge, rectus capitis posterior minor, rectus capitis posterior major, vertebrodural ligament, cerebrospinal fluid, craniosacral therapy, fascia.

Abbreviations: CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; OCI, obliquus capitis inferior; RCPma, rectus capitis posterior major; RCPmi, rectus capitis posterior minor; TBNL, to be named ligament; VDL, vertebrodural ligament.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 06, 2026; Revised: October 26, 2026; Accepted: November 01, 2026; Published: November 12, 2026.

Citation: Sharkey J. Can Mechanical Loading of the Spinal Dura Influence Cerebrospinal Fluid Movement? International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 1–8. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001023

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 211–224

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001360

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Women in Renewable Energy Engineering: Gendered Barriers and Mentorship Ecosystems

Names of Author: Ngozi Okafor-Nwosu¹, Min-Seo Park², & Laura Lindqvist³

Author's Affiliation: ¹Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; ²Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea; ³Department of Sustainable Development, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

Abstract:
The global transition toward clean energy infrastructure promises millions of new technical and engineering jobs over the coming decades, yet women remain severely underrepresented in grid engineering, wind turbine installation, and energy systems design. Masculine workplace cultures, lack of female field mentors, inadequate personal protective equipment tailored to female bodies, and unsafe remote field site conditions deter female engineering graduates from remaining in the sector. This paper examines the structural and cultural factors shaping female engineers’ retention in renewable energy firms across Nigeria, South Korea, and Sweden. Grounded in gendered organization theory and feminist science studies, the study draws on career-trajectory interviews with 48 female energy engineers. We argue that achieving a just energy transition requires gender-audited field safety standards, structured technical sponsorship, and equitable leadership pipelines.

Keywords: Renewable energy engineering, women in engineering, gendered organization theory, just energy transition, workplace culture, mentorship, Nigeria, South Korea

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 04, 2026; Revised: November 02, 2026; Accepted: November 06, 2026; Published: November 16, 2026.

Citation: Okafor-Nwosu, N., Park, M.-S., & Lindqvist, L. (2026). Women in Renewable Energy Engineering: Gendered Barriers and Mentorship Ecosystems. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 211–224. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001360

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 1–5

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001032

Full Length Research Paper

Title: The Impact of Varied Sitting Postures on Pulmonary Function Volumes and Capacities in Academic Students

Names of Authors: Baghery Hojat¹, Esmaeilzadeh Mahdi¹*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Basic Sciences, Shirvan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shirvan, Iran.

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate changes that occur in pulmonary function when postural changes in the sagittal plane are made in a seated position in students. This cross-sectional analytical study was done randomly on 20 boys from Iran, and the results of a forced expiratory maneuver in these young healthy subjects were compared according to body posture. Twenty able-bodied student boys (age 13.5 ± 1.09 yr, height 158.25 ± 5.65 cm, and weight 50.45 ± 7.02 kg) participated in this study. Standard spirometric measurements including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were taken for each subject in each of 3 sitting postures (normal, slumped, and kyphotic) and a standing posture. A repeated-measures ANOVA and a paired t-test indicated that FVC and FEV1 values in the standing posture were significantly higher than in the sitting postures. In slumped sitting, FVC, FEV1, and PEF significantly decreased compared to the other sitting postures. However, there was no significant difference for FVC, PEF, and FEV1 between the normal and kyphotic sitting postures. The results showed that FVC, FEV1, and PEF, as important indices in the health of pulmonary system function, were affected by sitting posture, particularly the slumped sitting posture. Consequently, students should prevent slumped sitting postures.

Keywords: Pulmonary function, sitting, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 12, 2026; Revised: May 20, 2026; Accepted: June 08, 2026; Published: November 01, 2026.

Citation: Hojat B, Mahdi E. The Impact of Varied Sitting Postures on Pulmonary Function Volumes and Capacities in Academic Students. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 1–5. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001032

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 197–210

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001359

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Gender, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and Survivor-Led Transitional Justice Mechanisms

Names of Author: Espérance Uwimana¹ & Henrikke Solberg²

Author's Affiliation: ¹Centre for Conflict Management, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; ²Peace Research Institute Oslo, Oslo, Norway.

Abstract:
Post-conflict truth commissions, hybrid tribunals, and state reparations programs frequently frame survivors of conflict-related sexual violence primarily as passive witnesses to atrocity rather than active agents of post-war reconstruction. Procedural delays, public stigma surrounding sexual trauma, and narrowly defined legal evidentiary standards often exclude thousands of women from formal recognition and material compensation. Consequently, survivors have formed autonomous peer-led advocacy associations to demand holistic reparations, community memorialization, and intergenerational trauma support. This paper investigates survivor-led transitional justice initiatives in Rwanda and northern Uganda. Utilizing postcolonial feminist legal theory and trauma studies, the research synthesizes oral history interviews with 36 survivor association leaders and legal practitioners. We conclude that meaningful transitional justice requires shifting from top-down legalistic procedures to survivor-governed reparations and community-centered healing frameworks.

Keywords: Transitional justice, conflict-related sexual violence, survivor-led advocacy, reparations, feminist legal theory, post-conflict healing, Rwanda, Uganda

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 03, 2026; Revised: November 01, 2026; Accepted: November 05, 2026; Published: November 16, 2026.

Citation: Uwimana, E., & Solberg, H. (2026). Gender, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and Survivor-Led Transitional Justice Mechanisms. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 197–210. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001359

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 1–4

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001031

Full Length Research Paper

Title: Reforming Respiratory Physiology Education in Tanzania: Aligning Medical Curricula with Primary Care Needs

Names of Authors: Yohana Mashalla¹, Amos Massele¹, Marina Njelekela², Simon Mamuya²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ School of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
² Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Abstract:
Effective management of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by General Practitioners is likely to be compromised by respiratory physiology training that has a main focus on acute respiratory diseases with high mortality and little focus on empowering medical and nursing students and practitioners on respiratory care. Results of this study indicate that lack of responsiveness of respiratory physiology courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, a lack of structured in-service training programmes on respiratory care, and inadequate training facilities for lung function assessment are key challenges to the medical schools. It is concluded that a concerted effort is required through global partnerships to enhance training and re-training of general practitioners and nurses on primary respiratory care and to make accessible relevant resources needed for building competencies in lung function assessment and the interpretation of results.

Keywords: Respiratory care, respiratory care practitioners, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 10, 2026; Revised: August 22, 2026; Accepted: September 15, 2026; Published: November 01, 2026.

Citation: Mashalla Y, Massele A, Njelekela M, Mamuya S. Reforming Respiratory Physiology Education in Tanzania: Aligning Medical Curricula with Primary Care Needs. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 1–4. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001031

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 183–196

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001358

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Domestic Workers’ Digital Organizing and Labor Rights Advocacy in Urban Households

Names of Author: Lerato Khumalo¹, Fernanda Almeida², & Claire Dubois³

Author's Affiliation: ¹Department of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; ²Department of Labor and Social Law, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; ³Department of Political Science, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.

Abstract:
Paid domestic work constitutes one of the largest employment sectors for low-income and migrant women globally, yet the isolated nature of private household workplaces has historically hindered traditional union organizing. Even where national labor statutes extend minimum wage, paid leave, and social security protections to domestic workers, widespread employer non-compliance and fear of summary dismissal prevent workers from asserting their rights. In response, domestic workers’ unions have increasingly adopted mobile messaging groups, digital wage calculators, and online legal clinics to connect isolated workers and document labor abuses. This paper examines digital union organizing strategies among domestic workers in Johannesburg and São Paulo. Grounded in feminist labor geography and digital activism theory, the research draws on 44 interviews with domestic workers and union leaders. We argue that digital solidarity networks transform isolated domestic spaces into sites of collective labor empowerment.

Keywords: Domestic workers, digital organizing, labor rights, feminist labor geography, union activism, precarious employment, South Africa, Brazil

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 02, 2026; Revised: October 31, 2026; Accepted: November 04, 2026; Published: November 16, 2026.

Citation: Khumalo, L., Almeida, F., & Dubois, C. (2026). Domestic Workers’ Digital Organizing and Labor Rights Advocacy in Urban Households. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 183–196. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001358