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CRIAW – FemNorthNet. Intersectional Feminist R esearch and Practice Women’s World July 5, 2011. We are CRIAW/ICREF. C anadian I nstitut R esearch c anadien de I nstitute for the re cherche sur les A dvancement of f emmes W omen Celebrating 35 years of women-centered research
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CRIAW – FemNorthNet Intersectional Feminist Research and Practice Women’s World July 5, 2011
We are CRIAW/ICREF Canadian Institut Research canadien de Institute for the recherchesur les Advancement of femmes Women Celebrating 35 years of women-centered research http://criaw-icref.ca/
Understanding IFFs • Way of thinking about power, about who is excluded and why, who has access to resources and why • Many factors shape women’s lives, choices and socioeconomic status including colonization, globalization and accessibility. • Women’s lives must be viewed holistically.
Diversity and Commonalities • Women are not one group who think the same way, have the same experiences, or live the same life • Understanding impacts and effects of diversity in women’s lives requires attention in all research process
Using Intersectionality – CRIAW as an organization • Greater inclusion of francophone women on the CRIAW board (1990- 1991) • Development of CRIAW’s vision statement (1991-1992) • Developing policies to reflect Intersectional Feminist Frameworks (2003- 2004) • Constitutional changes to ensure diversity of representation on board by region, equity group, language and skills
Using Intersectionality – CRIAW research and publications • An Emerging Vision (2006) • Using IFFs in Research (2007) • Women’s experiences of social programs for people with low incomes (2007) • Everyone Belongs: A toolkit for applying intersectionality (2009) • FemNorthNet (2010-2015)
Introducing FemNorthNet • Participatory action research project on women and economic restructuring in northern Canada • Funded by Community University Research Alliance program, SSHRC • www.femnorthnet.ca
About FemNorthNet • National network of community organizations and researchers • Exploring changes in northern communities, the impacts and what women can do to address their needs • Using a gendered intersectional analysis • LaLoche SK, Thompson MB and Happy Valley – Goose Bay NL
Intersectionality and FemNorthNet • Women in the north • Aboriginal women • Women with disabilities • Immigrant women • Young women • Women leaders
Strengths of FemNorthNet Team • Women leaders in communities • Aboriginal women who share indigenous cultures, practices and research methods • Women with disabilities who contribute to understanding inclusive research methods and processes • Co-leadership from community and university • Commitment to collaborative and respectful processes
Challenges for FemNorthNet • Still a work-in-progress with many gaps and exclusions • Breaking new ground in so many ways • Inclusive and respectful practices take time and trust, but still need to meet deadlines • Critical reflection requires honesty and humility rather than shame and blame
Where to Next? • Undertake community-based research that recognizes and honours diversity • Create and share new models for critical reflection and action in response to intersectionality • Share what we’ve learned in order to create capacity in communities, support women’s leadership, and change policies that shape women’s lives in the North
