Gender-based violence: A participatory action research study

Abstract

Background

Gender-based violence is a global issue that nursing students need to be aware of active teaching methodologies that incorporate students’ thoughts and feelings and encouragestudents to reflect upon and critically think about sensitive issues are required. Photovoice can be used as a research methodology as well as a pedagogical approach.

Aim

To encourage nursing students to learn about gender-based violence by being aware of their thoughts and feelings and to identify, approaches to raise awareness of gender-based violence among students.

Methods

A participatory action research approach was taken and the metod of photovoice was used. The steps in using photovoice are to establish connections with the relevant community/group, recruit participants, conduct introductory group meetings, collect individual data, organise individual and group interviews, and report results. First-year nursing students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a university in Turkey were recruited. The study was approved by Necmettin Erbakan University Health Sciences Scientific Research Ethics Board with the decision numbered 2023/523. The photovoice technique was used to record images from a dramatisation that served as the basis for representing scenes from the everyday life of people subjected to gender violence. These photographs were then debated and analysed.

Findings

Three main categories emerged: ‘Women Victimised by Inequality from Family to Society,’ ‘Learned Helplessness and Normalisation,’ and ‘The Importance of Societal Perspective and Awareness.’ Students highlighted that in their society, women are not treated as equals to men. In societies where men are dominant and do not value women, women can be subjected to violent treatment both outside and in social settings; learned helplessness and normalisation were the underlying factors of violence. Those students exposed to violence from a young age described themselves as resorting to violence as a means of conflict resolution and, on occasion, held misconceptions that violence was justified. Those who normalised violence played an important role in carrying this cycle on to future generations. The outcomes from this work were exhibited on International Women’s Day, providing a platform for the deanery, rectorate, and the public to engage.

Conclusion

This study raised students’ awareness of gender-based violence, encouraged critical thinking about its cultural and social dimensions, and amplified students’ voices through a photo exhibition. Given the well-documented impact of gender-based violence, schools and universities are in a pivotal position for advocacy and prevention. Training and awareness raising are needed across all sections of society with the aim of preventing gender-based violence.