HMDVA81
Assignment 5
Due August 2025
, HMDVA81
Assignment 5
Due August 2025
Question 1
Data Collection Strategy: Participatory Qualitative Methods for Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) Research
1. Justification for Methodological Approach
This study employs participatory qualitative methods—specifically focus group
discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and participant observation—because
they align with the objective of co-producing knowledge with local actors. Rather than
treating participants as passive sources of data, these methods position them as co-
constructors of meaning. This approach reflects a participatory epistemology, where
local knowledge and lived experience are considered integral to valid, actionable
research (Cornwall & Jewkes, 1995). It is particularly appropriate for GBV research,
which demands sensitivity to emotional, cultural, and relational complexities that cannot
be captured through quantitative techniques alone.
2. Methodological Components
2.1 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
FGDs are used to explore shared beliefs, social norms, and collective experiences
around GBV. Organising homogenous groups based on gender, age, or survivor status
creates a safe and contextually relevant space. Open-ended prompts such as “What
forms of GBV are most common in this community?” or “How do people typically
respond when GBV occurs?” facilitate exploratory dialogue. FGDs promote group-level
meaning-making, allowing for the emergence of dominant narratives, community
Assignment 5
Due August 2025
, HMDVA81
Assignment 5
Due August 2025
Question 1
Data Collection Strategy: Participatory Qualitative Methods for Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) Research
1. Justification for Methodological Approach
This study employs participatory qualitative methods—specifically focus group
discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and participant observation—because
they align with the objective of co-producing knowledge with local actors. Rather than
treating participants as passive sources of data, these methods position them as co-
constructors of meaning. This approach reflects a participatory epistemology, where
local knowledge and lived experience are considered integral to valid, actionable
research (Cornwall & Jewkes, 1995). It is particularly appropriate for GBV research,
which demands sensitivity to emotional, cultural, and relational complexities that cannot
be captured through quantitative techniques alone.
2. Methodological Components
2.1 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
FGDs are used to explore shared beliefs, social norms, and collective experiences
around GBV. Organising homogenous groups based on gender, age, or survivor status
creates a safe and contextually relevant space. Open-ended prompts such as “What
forms of GBV are most common in this community?” or “How do people typically
respond when GBV occurs?” facilitate exploratory dialogue. FGDs promote group-level
meaning-making, allowing for the emergence of dominant narratives, community
