Lived Experiences of Gender Justice Developments Among Women Over 50 in Urmia
Keywords:
Justice, Gender Justice, Lived Experiences, Phenomenology, WomenAbstract
This study aims to analyze the lived experiences of women over 50 in Urmia regarding developments in gender justice across economic, educational, health, legal, and political dimensions. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, using in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 15 women over the age of 50 from Turkish, Kurdish, and Armenian ethnic groups in Urmia. Participants were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding following Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Credibility and trustworthiness were ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, expert review, and adherence to ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. The analysis revealed two overarching interpretations of gender justice among the women: egalitarian and equity-based perspectives. Participants reported gradual yet limited improvements over recent decades in areas such as economic independence, access to healthcare services, educational opportunities, legal awareness, and political participation. Despite these advancements, persistent structural inequalities, patriarchal norms, unequal access to resources, limited political representation, and gendered barriers in employment and decision-making continue to shape their lived experiences. Women also described increasing agency, growing awareness, and expanding but still constrained influence in social and political spheres. Overall, gender justice developments are perceived as progressive yet insufficient, characterized by slow change, enduring structural constraints, and a continued need for reforms that promote equitable opportunities and strengthen women’s agency.
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