“Ain’t I a Woman?”: Feminist Participatory Action-Research with African Migrant Women Living in Spain

Abstract

There is a growing trend towards a feminization of migration which calls for an urgent intersectional analysis in migration and integration research. Migrant women are exposed to numerous barriers that make difficult to participate in host communities due to the intersections between their gender, ethnicity, migratory status, etc. These barriers range from structural to daily discrimination in the shape of sexism and racism, particularly for women from regions further south of Africa. Undertaken in collaboration with a local NGO in Southern Spain, this study aims to approach African migrant women’s experiences and to promote agency and participation in host communities. It was framed in Feminist Participatory Action-Research (FPAR) based on photovoice. The participants (n = 15) generated and shared photo-narratives about their daily experiences during five sessions that were participatively analyzed, classified into four themes as follows: (1) migratory projects; (2) violence and discrimination; (3) health and social care; and (4) to be and resist as an African migrant woman. Photovoice was valued as a safe, non-hierarchical, and caring environment that promoted agency in participants and reflexivity in researchers. Our results highlight the importance and necessity on undertaking FPAR in collaboration with social organizations for emancipatory research praxis and put the emphasis on photovoice as a transformational method.

A practical guideline for co-creating knowledge with migrant domestic workers using the photovoice method

“…For instance, the use of posters and word-of-mouth within community networks has been demonstrated to be an effective recruitment strategy (Lauckner et al, 2022). Partnering with local organisations that work with MDWs can facilitate recruitment by leveraging existing trust relationships (Cubero & Garrido, 2023). It is of the utmost importance to ensure that participants have a clear understanding of the project's purpose and what is expected of them.…”

“…Visual exhibitions make the experiences of MDWs visible and accessible, sparking conversations, and encouraging viewers to reflect on the issues presented (Cubero & Garrido, 2023). Exhibitions can be held in public spaces, such as galleries, community centres, libraries, and educational institutions.…”

“…The photovoice method is in line with the principles of feminist participatory action research (FPAR), which emphasise the significance of involving research participants as cocreators of knowledge (Cubero & Garrido, 2023). This approach not only democratizes the research process but also fosters critical consciousness and collective empowerment.…”