Understanding Empowerment, Together 

What is the relationship between women’s empowerment, crop/ diet diversification, and nutrition? And, how should one define women’s empowerment in the first place? FoSTA-Health researchers Mapenzie Tauzie (University of Leeds) and Anthony Malunga (CARE Malawi) are using participatory research methodologies to develop a nuanced understanding around these themes. These methodologies include Photo Voice (participatory photography) and participatory household budgeting, which Mapenzie and Anthony are applying in rural Malawi. Rather than ask a bunch of people a number of questions and jotting down their response, they invite women and men to take pictures, exhibit them, make a grocery list, cook, eat, discuss, and debate.