VII. SESSION 5: ENHANCING GENDER OMBUD SKILLS THROUGH CONDUCT OF FEMINIST FGDs AND INTERVIEWS PROF. ROWENA LAGUILLES-TIMOG Department of Women and Development, UP CSWCD The lecture focused on feminist research, feminist data gathering methods and feminist research ethics and considerations to make research feminist. In discussing feminist data gathering methods, it was underscored that, on the one hand, methods are neutral and there is a feminist approach but no feminist method; and on the other, methods reflect research design choices and the choice of approach is inseparable from the methods. Feminist research as context For this, gender transformative research agenda has to be consistent with the data collection approach. It was emphasized too that feminist data gathering methods can be ensured with the considerations for feminist research which should (1) have a feminist agenda covering gender equality, gender justice, empowerment of the oppressed, deconstruction of gender, among others; (2) be not just about women, but by and or women; (3) be no longer just for women. It then views power relations as more fluid wherein people exist beyond gender to other social relations. Redefining science with ‘strong objectivity’ Data gathering approach should more completely and accurately ensure quality of data and effectively capture gendered realities. Particularly, feminist research subscribes to value-laden research and strong objectivity likened to the feminist standpoint. Researcher’s bias recognizes and addresses these biases towards discriminated against, marginalized and oppressed women. This emphasizes valuable data about realities and as alternative realities/solutions. Observing feminist ethics Data gathering approach should contribute to the empowerment and welfare of participants. Some of the ethics which are to observed in feminist research: (1) Non-maleficence; (2) Informed consent; (3) Confidentiality, privacy and anonymity; (4) Power between researcher and participant which emphasizes respect and humility that you are not the expert; (5) Representation or ownership of findings; (6) Ensuring respect for human dignity selfdetermination and justice; (7) Adherence to professional codes and guidelines. 29