The presentation narrowed down on two feminist data gathering methods:
Feminist Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
These serve as space for surfacing collective insights about individual experiences and
opportunity for participants to engage in consciousness-raising and meaning-making of their
own experiences. These are characterized as non-threatening because of group set-up and
being able to capture more direct answers to questions. Some considerations in making FGDs
feminist include ensuring (1) informed, free and prior consent and even within the process by
asking if it is okay to continue; (2) honesty, accountability and transparency (H.A.T.); (3) use of
creative prompts; (4) use of appropriate languages and images; (5) time and space management
which covers safety, acoustic, seating arrangement, among others; (6) group management; (7)
validation of findings and analysis.
Feminist Interviews
Interviews, as data gathering method can be structured, semi- or unstructured based on your
objectives. It can be done face-to-face, written or over the phone or can involve individual or
group. It can also take the form of key informant interviews (KIIs), in-depth interview, and life
history. Interviews are considered feminist as it (1) listens to stories women tell, giving women a
chance to speak as individuals; (2) respects women’s views; (3) believes women’s claims; (4)
surfaces women’s realities. The quality of data: “uncover[s] the subjugated knowledge of the
diversity of women’s realities that often lies hidden and unarticulated”. In conducting interviews,
the following should be considered: (1) obtain informed, prior and free consent; (2) establish
H.A.T. from the start; (3) ensure privacy during interview; (4) keep interviewee comfortable,
safe, secure; (5) prepare questions and practice asking questions including language, phrasing,
timing, prompting, probing; (6) listen actively but patiently; check understanding; (7) manage
time effectively; (8) validate findings and analysis.
See Annex 3.6 for the Presentation Slides
DISCUSSION
On conduct of feminist FGDs and interviews
Several concerns were raised on different aspects of feminist research methodology.
A participant asked the opinion of the speaker on whether the biological sex of the facilitator
will matter in the conduct of FGD tackling the experience of women especially in GBV. She also
resonated that the sex of the one facilitating the FGD is indeed a concern. In the research
tradition, there need for women to be present during the data gathering but now the consensus
is that it would depend on the topic being covered. In the case of GBV, it might trigger trauma
and negative experiences from the participants if a male is conducting the FGD; it is safer, then,
for women to facilitate. However, what is more crucial whether the facilitator is male or female
is the application of feminist research and gender lens. He raised the premise that being a
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