Eugenia Nkechi Irechukwu – Mount Kigali University, Kigali, Rwanda

Email: mirkangabe@gmail.com

Abstract: Women’s economic empowerment is a critical component of regional integration and sustainable development in Africa. This study examined The Effect of Regional Economic Integration Laws on East African Community Women’s Participation in Global Business in Kigali City, Rwanda. The study was guided by Balassa’s Theory of Economic Regional Integration, Keohane, and Nye’s Complex Interdependence Theory and adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from 120 respondents, representing a 96.7% response rate from a sample of 124 drawn from a target population of 177. Respondents included government representatives, civil society actors, women entrepreneurs, and local residents selected through stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire that demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.891). Descriptive findings indicated that respondents generally agreed that regional economic integration laws support women’s participation in global business (M = 3.80, SD = 0.89). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between regional economic integration laws andwomen’s participation in global business (r = 0.721, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis further established that regional economic integration laws significantly predicted women’s participation in global business (β = 0.291, p < 0.001), after controlling for gender policy and the East African Common Market. The study concludes that favourable regional economic integration laws are significantly associated with higher levels of women’s participation in global business. However, implementation challenges and structural barriers continue to limit the realization of these benefits. The study recommends strengthening the enforcement of regional integration laws, simplifying cross-border trade procedures, and expanding legal literacy programmes for women entrepreneurs.

Abstract: This study investigates the gendered dynamics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in educational management at state universities in Zimbabwe. With AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in enhancing administrative and academic functions, it is essential to examine how gender disparities influence the adoption and utilization of AI technologies. The research aims to explore the extent of gender disparities in AI roles, analyze how AI applications either perpetuate or mitigate gender biases, and identify barriers faced by women in accessing AI-driven educational tools. Additionally, it proposes strategies to promote gender equity in AI implementation within higher education management. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from two hundred participants, including university staff and administrators. The findings reveal significant gender disparities, with women being underrepresented in AI-related roles and facing various barriers, including limited access to training, societal norms, and gender biases in AI applications. Approximately 55% of female respondents reported experiencing gender bias in AI-driven educational tools, highlighting the need for inclusive AI design. The study also identifies critical strategies to bridge these gender gaps, including the implementation of gender-sensitive policies, capacity-building programs, mentorship initiatives, and regular audits of AI systems to ensure fairness. Furthermore, fostering inclusive work environments that support women, particularly in technical fields, emerged as a key factor in enhancing gender equity. In conclusion, while AI offers transformative potential in educational management, its successful integration requires addressing systemic gender imbalances. The study’s recommendations aim to provide actionable insights for universities, policymakers, and researchers striving to create more equitable, inclusive environments for women in AI-driven educational settings. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on technology, gender, and educational management, emphasizing the importance of equity in the evolving digital landscape.

Abstract: Women play a critical role in agricultural activities, yet their contributions to household food security are often undervalued and under-supported. Despite their central involvement in food production, women are frequently excluded from key decision-making processes related to agriculture and food security. This study investigated the effect of women’s participation in agriculture on sustainable household food security in Baringo County. The research aimed to explore how women’s involvement in agricultural activities impacts food security outcomes at the household level. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design with a mixed methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. A sample of 316 registered members of SMART Agriculture and 6 field officers were selected through random and purposive sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that a majority of respondents felt women were not sufficiently involved in decision-making regarding household food security, and there was a noticeable gender disparity in contributions to food production. Despite this, many respondents acknowledged the growing role of women in agricultural activities and their positive impact on household food security. The study’s results indicate a strong positive correlation between women’s participation in agriculture and sustainable food security, as demonstrated by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.684 (p = 0.000). The study concludes that increasing women’s involvement in agriculture significantly enhances food security outcomes, emphasizing the need for policies that promote gender inclusion in agricultural decision-making and community support for women.