Exploring Child Marriage and FGM/C Through Feminist Methodologies
Author Information
Author(s): Nicola Jones, Kate Pincock, Sarah Alheiwidi
Primary Institution: Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE), ODI, London, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Can feminist methodologies effectively uncover the experiences of girls affected by child marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting in low- and middle-income contexts?
Conclusion
The study found that context-specific adaptations to research tools were crucial for engaging girls and understanding the complexities of their experiences with child marriage and FGM/C.
Supporting Evidence
- Feminist methodologies can reveal the nuanced experiences of girls affected by harmful practices.
- Contextual adaptations to research tools are essential for effective engagement with participants.
- Participatory methods help to center the voices of adolescent girls in discussions about their agency.
Takeaway
This study shows that girls have important stories to tell about child marriage and FGM/C, and using the right methods can help us listen to them better.
Methodology
The study used qualitative and participatory research tools, including community mapping, decision-making pairs, and social network hexagons, to explore girls' experiences.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from researchers' positionality and the dynamics of power in research interactions.
Limitations
The tools were not always participatory in design, and the effectiveness depended on researchers' reflexivity and understanding of local contexts.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on adolescent girls aged 10-19 from low- and middle-income countries, including marginalized groups such as refugees.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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