Photovoice as a platform for empowerment of women with disability

• Published in: SSM. Qualitative research in health 2022-12, Vol.2, p.100052, Article 100052
• Main Authors: Macdonald, Diane, Peacock, Karen, Dew, Angela, Fisher, Karen R., Boydell, Katherine M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Photovoice arts-based research feminism disability empowerment Australia
• ISSN: 2667-3215; 2667-3215
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100052

Photovoice is documented as an inclusive and empowering research method that amplifies the voice of marginalised groups. However, in feminist photovoice projects with women, many studies make claims about empowerment, but the claims are seldom evaluated or evidenced. Our photovoice research focused on identity and inclusion of women with physical disability. In this paper, we pose the question: how do the women describe or illustrate personal meanings and examples of empowerment that occurred through the project? Photographs, words, discussions and interviews were thematically analysed through Kieffer’s three dimensions of empowerment framework. We determined that photovoice provides a process and a platform to increase self-awareness, consciousness of shared experiences and agency to act. Photovoice creates a space for photographers to exercise power, shape images and convey ideas about their lived experiences. Their photographs, words and actions add knowledge that can inform and influence social change in the community, including disability practice, research and health promotion. •We explored participants' empowering experiences of photovoice research.•Women with disability described their personal meanings of power and empowerment.•They exercised power, shaped images and conveyed ideas about their experiences.•The photovoice method provided a process and platform for empowerment.