The value of women coming together: Effects and practices of a gender‐focused community intervention funded by a government agency

Abstract

The gender focus has been incorporated into public policies as a strategy to reduce gender inequity and overcome discriminatory stereotype behaviors. However, the state or institutional feminism has been questioned for being uncritical and not very transformative, where the critical and transformative nature of community psychology offer valuable opportunities. In this context, effects and practices of a community intervention funded by a government agency and aimed at the de-naturalization of gender stereotypes and its consequences in everyday life with vulnerable women, mostly older adults, are analyzed. Using a qualitative methodology, interviews and focus groups with women who participated in the intervention, community leaders, and key actors were conducted. A total of 46 people took part in the investigation. Data were analyzed using Grounded Theory. Facilitating and hindering factors influencing the gender-focused community intervention implemented were identified. Furthermore, effects linked to community participation among women are regarded as affirmative acts in response to social vulnerability, with selfcare, co-care, and empowerment regarding gender stereotypes standing out as the main results. Finally, the value of women's gatherings in community spaces, linking them with the contributions of feminist theory, and outline points of tension and challenges facing gender-focused community interventions are discussed.

“It's a place to feel like part of the community”: Counterspace, inclusion, and empowerment in a drop‐in center for homeless and marginalized women

“…Sense of community is a well‐documented phenomenon in community psychology grounded in feeling a sense of connection to people in a locale and is understood as a basic human need, associated with feeling safe and well (Hyde & Chavis, 2008; McMillan & Chavis, 1986; Nowell & Boyd, 2010). A recent study also documents that such settings can promote more critical perceptions of the dominant culture, and support care, rather than critique, of both self and others (Daher et al, 2021). The current study examines if an organizational setting that serves as a counterspace can promote connection and mutual care, resist individualist policies, and serve as a foundation for greater flourishing.…”