Journey to Transformation

At the 2023 UK Evaluation Society presentation, we synthesised our experience with national and international non-governmental organisations, focusing on the pragmatic application of Kimberlé Crenshaw's intersectionality and the Data Feminism principles of Catherine D'Ignazio and Lauren F. Klein while addressing ethical considerations and strategies. Our presentation, Negotiating Feminist Principles and Approaches in Complex Contexts, underscores that traditional feminist and anti-racist perspectives often overlook the complexities of multi-dimensional identities.

Please donate to the Maui Strong Fund to support victims of the fire. The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the devastating Maui wildfires.In this episode, we delved into the topic of Greenpeace's protest at the residence of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This protest was sparked by the UK government's announcement to issue new oil and gas drilling licenses, a move that contradicts the country's commitment to battling climate change. Lauren and Teia talk about the complexities and challenges of environmental activism in today's political climate.Follow us:Instagram: @jrnypodcastTwitter: @jrnypodcastEdited by Teia RogersMusic by Praz Khanal

Lauren and Teia take a close look at the buzz around the 'Triple Nexus' approach. It's about weaving humanitarian aid, development, and peace-building into one strategy, but is it really a novel idea? Tune in as your hosts unpack the Triple Nexus approach. They'll separate the hype from the substance and explore if organisations claiming to 'do the nexus differently' are really onto something new. Or is it just a case of fresh wrapping on an old package? Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of this approach, how it affects the non-profit sector, and what it could mean for their work. As always, expect a blend of insightful discussion, light-hearted banter, and practical takeaways.

In this episode of Journey to Transformation, Lauren and Teia take on the concept of cultural relativism and its entanglement with ethical conflicts in international development.Picture a religious holiday dinner – your family tradition might dictate turkey, while another household might insist on pancakes and spam. Can one impose their tradition onto another? The concept of cultural relativism argues no, a sentiment we extend into the diverse world of humanitarian and international development.Further, we discuss the challenge of non-governmental organisations that are committed to inclusivity and gender equality operating in places where these principles are not a given. Can these organisations impose their viewpoints, or is this a dangerous dance with cultural colonisation? We examine the friction between respect for cultural norms and the push for universal human rights and social change, revealing the inherent complexities and dilemmas. What is our role in places where social norms contradict our deeply held beliefs about human rights and equality? Are we imposing our beliefs, or are we advocating for universal human rights?Join us as we grapple with these profound ethical dilemmas, spilling the tea on the contentious intersection of cultural relativism, human rights, and the quest for social change. We promise no easy answers but a thought-provoking journey you wouldn't want to miss.Trigger Warning: Lauren and Teia discuss instances of gender-based violence. This can be triggering and hard to hear. If you need support, these organisations can help:https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/traumapedias/716 www.blackmindsmatteruk.com www.rethink.org www.mind.org.uk Follow us:Instagram: @jrnypodcastTwitter: @jrnypodcastEdited by Teia Rogers Music by Praz Khanal

In part two of our deep dive into conflict sensitivity, hosts Lauren and Teia further unravel this critical approach.Conflict sensitivity – it’s more than just a buzzword; it's an essential development toolkit. But what exactly is it, and how does it shape our work in crisis-affected regions? What implications does it have for humanitarian efforts, and how can we apply it effectively? Lauren and Teia take you on a journey to answer these questions and more.With our unique blend of scepticism and hope, we explore the nuances of conflict sensitivity, its potential impact on development practices, and its role in promoting more effective and sustainable interventions. We delve into its practicalities and the key factors that make it an indispensable approach in the humanitarian and development sector.Join us as we traverse this fascinating territory, bringing you expert insights, critical analysis, and real-world examples. Tune in, and let's continue our journey to transform humanitarian action through a deepened understanding of conflict sensitivity. We're ready. Are you?Edited by Teia RogersMusic by Praz Khanal

This week, Lauren and Teia discuss conflict sensitivity. It's more than just an academic concept; it's an intrinsic part of any transformative process that warrants thoughtful understanding. We don't shy away from the tough stuff. Ethical challenges? We discuss them. Delicate dilemmas? Absolutely. Surprising trade-offs? They're on the table too. We navigate these complexities with transparency and sensitivity because understanding these nuances is part and parcel of the journey.To wrap up, we explore various strategies to approach conflict sensitivity. We're not about textbook answers but about giving you insights that can be transformative in real-world situations.Join us on this two-part episode! Follow us:Instagram: @jrnypodcastTwitter: @jrnypodcastEdited by Teia RogersMusic by: Praz Khanal

Teia and Lauren ARE BACK. This time traversing the realm of Participatory Action Research. They exchange academia for the actual, revealing the power of context and genuine conversations. It's an informative dive into the complexities of community dynamics and how evaluators' identities play a significant role in uncovering authentic narratives. Tune in for an insightful discussion peppered with humour, real-world stories, and refreshing honesty. Unpack the nuances of gender and power dynamics, and explore why context truly matters when asking important questions. It's research, but not as you know it.Listeners can learn about the practical implications of Participatory Action Research, the importance of fostering genuine dialogue, selecting participant evaluators, and appropriately compensating them for their time and insights. Join them on this engaging exploration and equip yourself with the knowledge and understanding needed to engage in or facilitate Participatory Action Research effectively.Follow us:Instagram: @jrnypodcastTwitter: @jrnypodcastEdited by Teia Rogers Music by Praz Khanal

On the back of some thought-inducing conversations recently, Lauren and Teia tackle 'white allyship'. What does it mean? How does a white person know when they are (or not) a white ally? What does this look like in our everyday interactions? We take you from the coffee shop to the check out counter and to the organisation you work for...WARNING: This episode might be a lot for some white people. It could make you feel a bit uneasy and hot around the collar; you might even start realising you are part of the problem.....Trigger warning: This episode touches on personal experiences of racism.If you need support, these organisations can help:www.blackmindsmatteruk.comwww.rethink.orgwww.mind.org.ukThings we mentioned:Duncan Green’s tweet on the visibility of women in seminars: https://twitter.com/fp2p/status/940856062785155072?s=21&t=_Xdr2y2dJrs8O_lmkPc-DwOriginal source: Women’s visibility in academic seminars: Women ask fewer questions than men by Alecia J. Carter, Alyssa Croft, Dieter Lukas, and Gillian M. Sandstrom. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202743 Book: The Clapback: Your Guide to Calling Out Racial Stereotypes by Elijah Lawal