Interrogating Emerging Gender Issues in the Context of a Rapidly Changing World
Wilkins Ndege Muhingi – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Jenericah Gichuki – Daystar University
Hellen Mburu – Daystar University
Munyao Redempter – Daystar University
Gichure Ann – Daystar University
Simon Muthomi – Africa Nazarene University
Email: wilkndege@gmail.com
Abstract: This study examines emerging gender issues in a rapidly changing world shaped by globalization, technological innovation, climate change, shifting labour markets, and evolving social norms. It explores contemporary challenges, including digital gender-based violence (GBV), artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic bias, climate-induced vulnerabilities, unpaid care work, intersectionality, and changing gender identities. A rapid literature review and critical synthesis methodology were adopted. Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reports, and books published primarily between 2018 and 2025 were systematically identified through searches of Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, and reports from international organisations, including UN Women, the International Labour Organisation, UNESCO, and the World Economic Forum. Studies were selected based on relevance, quality, and contribution to emerging gender debates. Guided by intersectionality theory, decolonial feminist perspectives, and gender-transformative approaches, the review finds that gender inequalities persist despite global commitments towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 5, 10, 13, and 16. Women perform over 76% of unpaid care work, contributing an estimated US$10.8 trillion annually in unrecognised economic value, while global gender parity may still require 134 years to achieve. Digital GBV, AI-driven bias, climate change, and the underrepresentation of women in STEM continue to reinforce structural inequalities. The study recommends intersectional policymaking, feminist AI governance, recognition of unpaid care work, gender-responsive climate action, and greater inclusion of Global South perspectives to accelerate sustainable gender equality.
