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Empowering Gender Equality in Business Sustainability: A STARA (Smart Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Algorithms)-Centric Exploration of Socio-Technological Innovation for Modern Business Environments
Technological paradigms worldwide are evolving at a breakneck pace. Workplaces are evolving, organizations are shifting, and businesses are seeking to sustain themselves based on technological development. In recent times, STARA (Smart Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Algorithms) has emerged as an all-inclusive technological framework that seems a promising benefactor for businesses to thrive through technological adoption. But business sustenance is not all about driving profits. As much as they need to be digitally ready, they are still very much human, with their existence depending on their underlying workforces. Numerous socio-cultural aspects, gender inequality being one of them, plague business sustainability. The following paper seeks to explore corporate socio-technological landscapes. It seeks to substantiate ways gender inequality can be tackled via conscious STARA adoption while holistically ushering the way for business sustainability and success. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Empowering indigenous adolescents: Life skills development and transformative student engagement through service-learning
This chapter synthesizes results from examining service-learning initiatives tailored for Indigenous adolescents. The authors emphasize customized educational approaches, community collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. The Paniya Tribes case study in Wayanad illustrates efforts of this kind that seek to address historical inequities and enhance students' academic performance, life skills, and engagement. The enduring impact extends beyond academics, empowering young people to take on leadership roles. Cultural sensitivity and the responsible application of technology are two factors that can significantly impact Indigenous education's trajectory in the future. Implementing suggested strategies and optimal methods advances inclusive and culturally attuned education, thereby preserving Indigenous cultures and fostering sustainable development. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Empowering Indigenous and Rural Women through Community-Based Sustainable Tourism Development: Building Resilient Communities
Gender inequality and climate change are pressing global issues, with income disparity further exacerbating the challenges faced by women, especially in rural and tribal communities. This chapter investigates the empowerment journey of rural and tribal women through rural entrepreneurship, specifically focusing on the efforts of the Uravu Organization in Wayanad, Kerala, India. Uravu, a non-profit non-governmental organization, aims to empower rural communities through sustainable practices, particularly emphasizing the bamboo industry and womens skill enhancement in handicrafts. Using Scheyvens theoretical framework, the qualitative research this chapter is based on in-depth interviews with female employees of Uravu to evaluate their empowerment levels. The findings reveal that while these women experience significant psychological and economic empowerment, they continue to face challenges in achieving political and social empowerment. This study underscores the potential of zero waste and environmentally friendly organizations in fostering job creation for rural and tribal women, thereby contributing to resilient community building and community-based sustainable development. CAB International 2026. -
Empowering Indigenous Women Through Community-Based Tourism
Community-based tourism (CBT) is an emerging tool for community development, fostering social and economic growth through the active participation of Indigenous communities. This study employs a conceptual approach to examine the current application of CBT and sustainable tourism development (STD), focusing on their potential to address challenges faced by Indigenous women. Drawing on previous research, it highlights womens empowerment and community development advancements while exploring future trends. Mental health in Indigenous communities remains a significant concern, with societal changes, environmental threats, and resource exploitation exacerbating issues such as collective suicide, alcoholism, and violence. Political and socioeconomic factors further contribute to high incidences of mental distress. This chapter explores how CBT and STD can tackle these challenges, empowering Indigenous women and fostering community development and environmental conservation. A comprehensive blueprint for sustainable communities is proposed, addressing environmental, economic, and social factors through collaboration among various stakeholders. This model, grounded in existing literature, aims to guide future research and practical applications. The study is relevant for government agencies, local businesses, residents, tourists, academics, and scholars, offering insights into the empowering potential of CBT and STD for Indigenous women and their communities. 2025 Andrea Edurne Jimenez Ruiz, Volha Rudkouskaya, and Shivam Bhartiya. -
Empowering Kirana Shops through Digital Ecosystem and Physical Infrastructure for Unprecedented Efficiency and Elevated Customer Experience
In today's evolving retail environment, it is important to ensure the sustenance of unorganised small retailers. Efforts should be made to make these retailers innovative and competitive. This study focuses on the need to upgrade the digital and physical infrastructure of Kiranas. Initially, researchers examined store physical layouts. Primary data analysis from Indian consumers via online surveys confirms the significance of store design. The layout directly influences impulse purchases. Unlike in modern retail stores where consumers often shop with family and friends, prompting unplanned purchases due to product visibility and tactile engagement, Kirana shops can capitalise on these behaviours. The study proposes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model for Kirana shops, illustrating its potential value. AI-driven data analysis offers invaluable insights into operational dynamics, leveraging advanced algorithms to process vast datasets encompassing sales, inventory, and customer interactions. This approach enables uncovering intricate patterns, accurate demand forecasting, and optimising inventory levels, enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, AI-driven sentiment analysis of customer feedback facilitates personalised marketing strategies, improving customer satisfaction. By enhancing infrastructure and embracing AI-based data analysis, Kirana shops can stay competitive, adapt to market changes, and ensure sustained growth in the evolving retail landscape. 2024 IEEE. -
Empowering Local Action: Strategies for ClimateResponsive Governance
Governance explores the pivotal role of local governance in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. As the effects of climate disruption become increasingly localized, cities, towns, and communities are on the front lines, facing the immediate impacts while also offering innovative solutions. This chapter examines the strategies that enable local governments to integrate climate resilience into their policies, governance structures, and day-to-day decision-making processes. It discusses the importance of building local capacity, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and utilizing data-driven approaches for adaptive management. Through case studies and real-world examples, the chapter highlights how local leadership can empower citizens, engage in sustainable urban planning, and implement climate-mitigation practices. By enhancing the capacity for climate-responsive governance, this work underscores the need for a bottom-up approach in achieving global climate goals and creating resilient communities. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
EMPOWERING POLICING: ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
[No abstract available] -
Empowering Renewable Energy Using Internet of Things
The massive communication of information over network gadgets associated with the internet trades data starting from one to another with no sort of human cooperation. As innovation is advancing, interconnected organizations give data to each other to impart. The energy utilization is happening at an extremely quick rate, debilitating the assets in delivering it at a similar rate, and the entirety of this requires a transformation to save energy. Information is the focal point of the Internet of Things (IoT), and it has all the information to which there was no entrance before; this information can be utilized in the revolution of the energy management framework. By utilizing advanced IoT innovations, the embracement of renewable can be upgraded signifcantly further. The reconciliation of IoT in renewable energy is empowering its development by and large. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. -
Empowering Social Enterprises Through Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets
Financial inclusion is also a main mover of economic and social development, par-ticularly in the developing economies that still have minimal access to finance. The chapter discusses how financial inclusion reinforces social innovation by cultivating social enterprises, narrowing inequalities, and facilitating sustainable development. This chapter takes an account of enablers, including government policy, financial education initiatives, shadow financing, and green finance, with a perspective of comprehending the role of facilitation of inclusive financial ecosystems. Relying on secondary data from institutions like the World Bank and DBIE, it analyzes how access to finance enhances the resilience of vulnerable groups and strengthens economic resilience. It also considers policy implications and future research to maximize the role of financial inclusion in social change. Its findings point to its ability to unleash social enterprise opportunities and a more balanced economic ecosystem in emerging markets. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Empowering Solar Power Generation: The Z-Source Inverter Approach
The Z-source inverter model is a revolutionary design obtainable in this study for solar power conversion systems that do away with the traditional intermediary DC/DC converter. The competitive pricing of renewable energy bases in the market has drawn a percentage of attention in recent times. Government funding and technological advancements are to blame. Astral photovoltaic system is a created green technology that requires no upkeep, requires less time to install, and has grid parity. Systems for solar PV supply are categorized based on the phases of conversion. In order to maximize the amount of power created by solar energy, the conventional boost converter is utilized as an intermediary power conversion circuit. Voltage source inverters, or VSIs, are frequently employed to provide a controlled AC voltage at the output. However, the inability of VSIs to control current properly results in overcurrent problems during fault conditions. The size, weight, and switching losses of the filter circuit are condensed by the suggested converter. To solve the aforementioned issues, a Z-source inverter (ZSI) is replaced as an alternative of the voltage source inverter (VSI) in variable speed drive systems. One type of single-stage buck-boost inverter is the Z-source inverter. It functions similarly to a conventional VSI in buck mode, with six active vectors, and adds an additional switching state in boost mode, known as the shoot-through state, through utilizing a resistance Z-network. The resistivity network is regarded as an appealing solution for a number of applications since it raises the DC link current to the necessary level. In comparison to the traditional two-stage influence adaptation, the developed Z-source inverter extracts greater power from photovoltaic arrays. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Empowering Tribal Communities: Unveiling the Role of Skill Proficiency, Demographics, and Economic Pathways in Wayanad
The complex relationship between skill proficiency, demographics, and economic empowerment among the tribal communities in Kerala's Wayanad district is examined in the study Empowering Tribal Communities, Unveiling the Role of Skill Proficiency, Demographics, and Economic Pathways in Wayanad. The study examines how gender, age, income, and education affect skill development and how that affects resilience and economic prospects using a quantitative research approach. Important insights are revealed by stratifying data from a representative sample of 200 tribal members based on important demographic characteristics. Chi-Square tests, regression models, and structural equation modelling (SEM) are examples of descriptive and inferential techniques that show how skill development promotes economic inclusion. The findings indicate that skill competency is strongly correlated with higher education levels (p?<?0.0001) and has a significant impact on monthly income levels (R2?=?0.263, p?<?0.05). Nevertheless, neither gender nor skill proficiency were shown to be significantly correlated with skill type or age group (p?>?0.05). The SEM framework's path analysis shows that skill development directly improves market connections (??=?0.55), digital literacy (??=?0.70), social inclusion (??=?0.50), and economic possibilities (??=?0.65), all of which contribute to economic empowerment (??=?0.40). However, these effects are sometimes hampered by obstacles like restricted access to resources. The results highlight the need for focused skill-development programs that tackle educational inequalities and infrastructure obstacles. Policymakers, educators, and community organisations looking to improve tribal communities through customised interventions that promote socioeconomic stability and resilience in the face of persistent difficulties can benefit from the practical insights this research offers. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Trade: Challenges, Opportunities and the Role of Digital Marketplaces in Tamilnadu
In recent years, there is a revolution in the commercial sector due to digitalisation which provides an opportunity for the women entrepreneurs, especially in Tamil Nadu with unknown prospects. Nevertheless, all the women entrepreneurs do not get full advantage of these digitalised platforms like the women entrepreneurs who involved in MSME sectors with lack of access or restriction to capital, social constraints, legal constraints or lack of digital literacy. The current status of women entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu is to identify their unique challenges they face in use of digital platforms and to overcome these challenges. The present study is to make an attempt to know how digital market places should improve women entrepreneurs in access to all the resources, opportunities and market places by evaluating the same. This current research adopts mixed-methods approach, which includes quantitative and qualitative methods. These methods are used to investigate how digital platforms helps the women entrepreneurs in removal of inequalities in reaching the market and also in elimination of financial access which in turn helps to improve the operational efficiency of women-led businesses. Based on the previous research, it is evident that digital markets help the entrepreneurs in getting connected with others and skill development along with access to a greater number of customers. This study focusses towards the interventions which has to be addressed which includes social constraints, lack of digital infrastructure, lack of training to access digital tools. The intent of this study is to focus in policy framing which promotes growth in trade that assists the women entrepreneurs. Thus, this research highlights the transformative potential of digital marketplaces in empowering women in trade, paving the way for an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tamil Nadu. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Empowering women living with HIV AIDS A study on organisational strategies and challenges
The acts of discrimination and exclusion meted out to the people living with HIV/AIDS, and the stigma attached to the condition deprives the afflicted, of their capacity to exercise their fundamental rights and to access basic necessities. Specifically, the suffering of the women stricken by this chronic, incurable malady, the majority of whom from newlineeconomically weaker sections of our society is very poignant. From the time this pandemic broke out in 1984, world organisations, national and local organisations, both government and non-government have come to newlinethe aid of the PLWHA. Some of them cater singularly to the needs of the WLWHA, who are as such more vulnerable ever since the plight of the women living with the deadly disease was brought to light. But as the years went by, there has been a decline in the help extended to the WLWHA. This study is undertaken to ascertain the current state of newlineservices and strategies used by the organisations to empower the WLWHA and the challenges faced by the organisations in their endeavours. Appropriate questionnaires were administered to analyse the situations and find the facts about the services, strategies and challenges from the perspective of the organisation WLWHA. A few case studies of the WLWHA were done to delve into the depths of their perceptions. From the study, it has been learned that the organisations have prioritized medical and rehabilitation services to empower the women. Medical care is given directly by the organisations and also through networking with government bodies and other services newlineproviders. Affected women and family members are counselled for acceptance of the condition and familial and societal integration. Occupational therapy and vocational training are other strategies for newlineempowerment.Organisations provide nutritious food for the women and arrange for them to get the necessary provisions through Public newlineDistribution System (PDS) or through donors. -
Empowering women living with HIV/AIDS-A study on organisational strategies and challenges
The acts of discrimination & exclusion meted out to the people living with HIV/AIDS, and the stigma attached to the condition deprives the afflicted, of their capacity to exercise their fundamental rights and to access basic necessities. Specifically, the suffering of the women stricken by this chronic, incurable malady, the majority of whom from economically weaker sections of our society is very poignant. From the time this pandemic broke out in 1984, world organisations, national and local organisations, both government and non-government have come to the aid of the PLWHA. Some of them cater singularly to the needs of the WLWHA, who are as such more vulnerable ever since the plight of the women living with the deadly disease was brought to light. But as the years went by, there has been a decline in the help extended to the WLWHA. This study is undertaken to ascertain the current state of services and strategies used by the organisations to empower the WLWHA and the challenges faced by the organisations in their endeavours. -
Empowering women through livelihood interventions: Case studies from an impoverished community
This chapter looks at the influence of a livelihood project in empowering women belonging to an impoverished community from one of the most backward regions of the state of Karnataka in Southern India. Jamkhandi taluq of Bagalkote district is one of the poorer taluqs in the state, with a sex ratio of 938 and a female literacy rate of 50.75%. The Centre for Social Action began working in the area around a decade ago. The livelihood project was an offshoot of a project on Population displacement that was undertaken in the region. CSA adopted the Self-Help Approach (SHA) to meet the needs of this community. This gave the necessary impetus for the creation of a livelihood project for disadvantaged women. The central theme of the chapter is to study the extent of empowerment that is evident among the project's women beneficiaries. This chapter presents the evidence of empowerment using the qualitative case study methodology using ten cases. The theoretical framework provided by the 'Three Dimensional Model of Women Empowerment' is used to present the analysis. Document review and in-depth interviews are the prominent data sets used to present the study's major findings. The hybrid approach to coding and thematic analysis is used to integrate the insights from the theory used as well as observations from the study. Both within-case analysis and cross-case analysis are used for analysis. The personal, relational, and societal dimensions of empowerment are presented through themes emerging from the data. The implication of the chapter is the reiteration of the efficacy of the model in empowering women. This model can be replicated in other project areas, and livelihood strategies can be adopted extensively. 2024 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. -
Emprical Study of Crypto Currency and its Adoption Among Indians
This paper investigates many factors that impact cryptocurrency awareness and acceptance in the Indian market. Data were obtained from 376 volunteers of various ages across India. The following paper presented a framework based on EFA (Exploratory Factor Analysis), CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis), and SEM (Structural Equation Model). Technology awareness, recommendations to others, attitude, social influence, and openness to technical education were all responsible for bitcoin adoption. Meanwhile, trust and perceived risk were not accountable for the adoption of crypto currency. No significant factors directly responsible for the adoption or abandonment of crypto currencies were mentioned in the papers that were read. The Indian market is still not thoroughly studied regarding crypto currency and the population using it. It would create a massive opportunity for crypto currency to operate in the Indian market once the factors responsible for crypto currency adoption are known 2024 IEEE. -
En route to Khardung La with Dhak Dhak
Dhak Dhak uses the trope of a motorcycle road trip to discuss several societal and emotional barriers women ought to overcome to forge their own paths and blossom into their authentic selves. 2024 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Enablers and Outcomes of Supply Chain Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
This study explores the intricate dynamics, challenges, and potential benefits of supply chain collaboration, emphasizing its pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals. Modern Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) projects focus on sustainability-related activities, fostering interdependence between partners and driving sustained competitive advantage. The study introduces a comprehensive framework encompassing specific enablers (e.g., Joint Decision Making, Technology Integration) and outcomes (e.g., Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability) of supply chain collaboration. It contributes to practical guidelines for businesses seeking to enhance collaboration strategies and delves into theoretical paradigms such as the Cooperative Advantage concept, Triple Bottom Line Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, and Network Theory. The Triple Bottom Line Theory serves as an integrated theory of sustainability, emphasizing economic advantages, environmental impact minimization, and societal benefits. The Resource-Based View Theory underscores the role of internal resources in gaining competitive advantages, aligning with sustainability goals. Network Theory explores collaborative dynamics among competing entities, emphasizing resource sharing. The study's findings offer practical implications, enabling companies to assess and improve the sustainability of their supply chain management. It advocates for the integration of supply chain collaboration into organizational missions, emphasizing the importance of trust-building through standardized guidelines. The insights gained from this study are applicable across sectors, aiding legislators in developing flexible regulations and refining collaboration processes. Additionally, the study highlights the potential cultural variations in supply chain collaboration, paving the way for future research. 2024, Iquz Galaxy Publisher. All rights reserved. -
Enablers of Circular Practices in Fast Fashion Supply Chains: a Study Towards Sustainable Fashion Development
The fast fashion industry confronts substantial sustainability issues because of its high resource consumption and waste output. The literature reveals that past studies have less focused on circular practices in fast fashion supply chain. This study aims to identify and analyse the potential enablers of circularity within fast fashion supply chains, promoting sustainable production and consumption practices. Through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations with 12 domain experts from academia, apparel manufacturing, and sustainability practices, sixteen enablers of circularity were identified. To understand the interrelationships and hierarchical structure among the identified enablers, Grey DEMATEL method was employed. The results from the study reveal that sound purchasing policies, reverse logistics and adoption of eco-friendly and recyclable packaging act as the most influential causal enablers, while selection of fibres and consumer awareness and acceptance of recycled, refurbished clothing emerge as key effect enablers. By mapping these interrelationships, the study offers actionable insights for fashion retailers, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners to strengthen circular strategies. The findings contribute to advancing circular economy theory in the fashion sector and provide a practical framework for accelerating the transition towards sustainable and circular business models in fast fashion. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Enablers of Successful Fiscal Decentralisation: A Case Study of Three Gram Panchayats in Kerala
Kerala is among the few states that have a successful record in fi scal decentralisation. This study qualitatively analyses primary data from three gram panchayats in Kerala to identify the factors that enable successful decentralised fi scal governance through panchayati raj. Based on the fi ndings of the study, we have constructed a framework to assess the readiness of gram panchayats to carry out successful decentralised fiscal governance. 2022 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved.