Liz Gill-Aitkinson

Thesis - 2021 -

How women with disabilities in the Philippines experience participatory research and the effects of their inclusion

Supervisors:

Dr Cathy Vaughan, Prof Marilys Guillemin

PhD title:

How women with disabilities in the Philippines experience participatory research and the effects of their inclusion

Summary:

This research explores the experiences and effects of active involvement in participatory research for women with disabilities in the Philippines. A qualitative approach was used to collect data from co-researchers (women with disabilities) and other researchers during and after their involvement in a three-year program of participatory action research. Participatory research approaches aim to facilitate empowerment and social change for marginalised communities. However, there is scarce evidence to confirm that this is the case for women with disabilities in resource-poor settings, where processes of empowerment can be undermined by economic and structural oppression. This research contributes information towards addressing this knowledge gap with a view to strengthening research practices as they relate to women with disabilities.