Feminist and Decolonial Approaches in Research Practices
Explores feminist and decolonial research paradigms, centring African epistemologies and lived experience while challenging extractive, top-down research practices. For researchers, M&E professionals, and graduate students.
About This Course
This module introduces participants to feminist and decolonial research paradigms, exploring how power, positionality, and knowledge production intersect in development and academic research. It challenges dominant methodologies and centers African epistemologies, lived experience, and community agency. Most importantly, it recognizes that different forms of knowledge exist and can be valid. The training engages participants in critical reflection on whose voices are heard, how research agendas are shaped, and how to design ethical and inclusive research practices that resist extractive and top-down approaches.
Key Competencies Developed
Understanding the principles of feminist and decolonial research methodologies
Reflecting on researcher positionality, power dynamics, and knowledge hierarchies
Applying intersectional frameworks in research design and analysis
Identifying alternatives to extractive research and promoting community-led inquiry
Integrating African epistemologies and participatory ethics in research processes
Professional Relevance
This module introduces participants to feminist and decolonial research paradigms, exploring how power, positionality, and knowledge production intersect in development and academic research. It challenges dominant methodologies and centers African epistemologies, lived experience, and community agency. Most importantly, it recognizes that different forms of knowledge exist and can be valid. The training engages participants in critical reflection on whose voices are heard, how research agendas are shaped, and how to design ethical and inclusive research practices that resist extractive and top-down approaches.
