Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism is the principle that an individual’s beliefs and activities should be understood in the context of their own culture. This approach promotes understanding and appreciation of cultural differences rather than judgment based on the criteria of one's own culture, thereby fostering tolerance in increasingly multicultural societies.

VAW (Violence Against Women)

Violence against women (VAW) refers to all acts of violence that occur in the public or private sphere, which are perpetrated against women. This includes physical, sexual, psychological harm, and harmful practices. The global prevalence of VAW highlights significant issues relating to gender inequality and human rights abuses worldwide.

Gender Gulf/Missing Females

The gender gulf or missing females phenomenon refers to the demographic imbalance induced by cultural practices such as female infanticide and sex-selective abortion. These practices result in a significant surplus of males over females in certain populations, particularly in South Asia and China, raising concerns about the social implications and long-term effects on society.

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is a Liberian politician, economist, and the first elected female head of state in Africa, serving as the President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She is renowned for her efforts in post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia and advocating for women’s rights, earning her a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.

Catherine Samba-Panza

Catherine Samba-Panza is a Central African politician who served as the transitional president of the Central African Republic from January 2014 to March 2016. Her leadership during a tumultuous period in the country's history aimed at reconciliation and restoring peace, as well as promoting women's roles in governance.

CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)

CEDAW is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations in 1979 aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and promoting equal opportunities. It outlines comprehensive measures to ensure equality in various facets such as education, employment, and participation in political life.

UN General Rec. No. 19 (1992)

This General Recommendation provides a framework for understanding and addressing violence against women as it relates to human rights. It emphasizes the obligation of states to take effective legal measures to combat all forms of violence against women and recognizes that VAW is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women.

Declaration on Elimination of VAW

Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1993, this declaration serves as a global framework calling for governments to take action to eliminate all forms of violence against women. It underscores the importance of both prevention and punishment of VAW as a fundamental human rights issue.

Female Genital Cutting (FGC)

Female Genital Cutting encompasses various procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical purposes, with significant psychological and physical health implications. It is predominantly practiced in certain regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, often justified by cultural beliefs, and poses critical health risks including complications during childbirth.

Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

Founded in 1972 in India, SEWA is a trade union aimed at empowering women in the informal economy. It seeks to provide women with the opportunity to achieve their rights, both economically and socially, through self-employment, providing various services such as financial assistance, child care, and health care.

Bride Burning

Bride burning is a form of domestic violence prevalent in some South Asian countries, where a bride is killed or injured in connection with dowry disputes. This heinous act highlights the extreme consequences of gender-based discrimination and socio-cultural pressures regarding marriage practices in certain societies.

Son Preference

Son preference is a cultural bias favoring male children over female children. This preference can lead to gender discrimination and violence against females, resulting in neglect or abuse. It significantly affects demographic patterns in certain regions, contributing to societal imbalances and systemic inequalities.

Maternal Mortality

Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, resulting from issues related to childbirth. High rates of maternal mortality indicate inadequate healthcare systems and inequalities in access to medical care, particularly in low-income countries.

1. Oportunidades is an organization that aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, by providing financial support, education, and access to healthcare services. Their initiatives focus on reducing maternal mortality rates by ensuring that women receive adequate prenatal and postnatal care, thereby addressing the systemic inequalities that contribute to high maternal death rates.

2. Morality Police: A law enforcement agency or unit that enforces codes of conduct, particularly those governing behavior deemed morally acceptable or unacceptable, often focusing on personal choices like dress and public conduct.

3. Mahsa Amini: A Kurdish Iranian woman whose death in police custody in September 2022 sparked widespread protests and became a symbol of resistance against state repression and the enforcement of strict dress codes on women in Iran.

4. Hijab: A traditional headscarf worn by many Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and privacy, which can also be subject to legal requirements in some countries.

5. Capital “Leakage” in the Tourism Industry refers to the situation where a significant portion of the revenue generated from tourism does not remain within the local economy but rather flows out to external companies, often foreign ones, thereby limiting the economic benefits for the local community.

6. Nation and Place “Branding”: The strategic process of developing a positive image for a country or a location, aiming to attract tourists and investors, often emphasizing unique cultural, historical, or natural features.

7. Authenticity (in tourism context): The quality of being genuine or true, often linked to how well a tourism experience preserves the local culture and traditions, rather than commercialized or altered for tourist satisfaction.

8. Mass Tourism: A large-scale movement of people to popular destinations, often resulting in overcrowding and strain on local resources, and characterized by standardized experiences.

9. National Branding: Similar to place branding but on a larger scale, this involves promoting a country’s image, values, and cultural identity to enhance its global reputation and attract external interest.

10. Guest/Host Relations: The interactions and dynamics between tourists (guests) and local residents (hosts), which can influence the quality of the tourism experience and impact community perceptions.

11. “Icon of the Seas”: A cruise ship recognized for its innovative design and amenities, representing a significant development in the cruise tourism industry that attracts travelers seeking luxury experiences.

12. Four “S’s” of Tourism: Refers to four essential components of the tourism sector often summarized as Sun, Sea, Sand, and Sex, which highlight the leisure aspects that attract tourists.

13. Seasonality: The variations in tourist arrivals at destinations during different times of the year, often leading to peaks and lows in visitor numbers, influencing economic stability in tourism-dependent areas.

14. Comparative Advantage in International Tourism: The ability of a country or region to produce certain tourism experiences more efficiently or appealingly than others, making it more competitive in attracting tourists.

15. Forms of Alternative Travel/Tourism: Various types of tourism that differ from standard forms, including eco-tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, and volunteer tourism, each aiming for a more sustainable and responsible approach to travel.

16. Eco-tourism/Green Travel: Tourism that focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of local people.

17. Dark Tourism: A niche tourism that involves visiting sites associated with death, suffering, or tragedy, like battlefields or disaster sites.

18. The commodification of Culture/Nature: The process of transforming cultural elements or natural resources into commodities that can be bought and sold, often leading to the loss of authenticity.

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