Humanizing Fieldwork: Safe Spaces and Decolonial Restitution for Indigenous Women Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

• In Event: Contemporary criminological challleges & qualitative methodology

Abstract

This study aims to humanize fieldwork by creating a safe space for indigenous women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence to share their narratives and by incorporating a decolonial restitution project. The research utilizes focus groups to facilitate open and supportive discussions carried out with two different groups of indigenous women, selected based on specific criteria. These focus groups provide a platform for participants to express their experiences searching for justice, which are then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. In addition to the focus groups, the fieldwork includes a decolonial restitution project involving personalized portraits of the participants. Created by photographers familiar with the different Maya ethnic groups, these portraits serve to highlight the humanity, individuality and agency of the survivors, challenging colonial and paternalistic narratives and emphasizing their lived experiences. The portraits offer a powerful visual testament to the resilience and dignity of the participants, countering the tendency to view them merely as cases and providing recognition for their strength and their struggles.
The study underscores the importance of combining traditional qualitative methods with culturally sensitive and decolonial approaches to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of justice for indigenous women. This research contributes to the broader discourse on decolonizing methodologies and emphasizes the need for empathetic practices in addressing sexual violence against indigenous women.

Author

• Mariana Lara Palacios, KULeuven