Pathways to Resilience IV: Global South Perspectives

Networks for change and Well-being: Girl-led and Boy-led ‘from the ground up’ policy-making to address sexual violence in South Africa
Presenter: Yolande Coetzer (South Africa)
Co-Author: Mosna Khaile, Marco Ebersohn
Introduction: This phenomenological study applied visual participatory methods to explore the social ecology of resilience in a Free State community. The aim of this study was to understand the messages indigenous young women/men have regarding how their community can better protect them against violence. 
Methods: Five indigenous young women and five indigenous young men, between the ages of 18 – 24, were recruited by social workers collaborating with the South African Networks for Change Project. Preliminary findings suggest that participatory visual methodology is a valuable pathway in understanding the messages indigenous young women/men have relating to protection against violence in their communities, in amplifying their messages as well as building a platform where these young adults can negotiate for specific resources and advocate for change regarding violence experienced in their community - thus potentially promoting resilience processes in these young adults and their community. 
Findings: However, further phases in the study must be completed before any conclusions can be made regarding whether or not participatory visual methodology is a strong enough pathway to bring about the advocated changes within the social ecology of these young adults.