Expanding the movements, gaining the evidence: feminist research and transnational action

Abstract

This chapter looks at the pioneering development of activist-based feminist research methods on violence against women. This type of research is often characterised by collaboration as a principle and making something new in terms of robust research in the service of the domestic violence movement. The centres subsequently set up by feminist researchers include the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU), London, and the Violence Against Women Research Group (now Centre for Gender and Violence Research), Bristol. The chapter discusses the work since 1985 of the BSA Violence against Women Study Group. It concludes with a discussion of trans-national feminist action, research and partnerships which avoid the inappropriate imposition of Western ideas. The chapter highlights the deep humanity and humility required to make such partnerships work. It concludes with an example of participatory action research in Uganda and a tribute to the work of the Ugandan organisation, Mifumi, including a poem honouring especially the women from Ugandan villages involved.