Description
In April 2024, we introduced an innovative new course dedicated to empowering women within the realm of social work. Our presentation seeks to disseminate insights, tools, student experiences, and challenges stemming from our effort. The motive behind crafting this course arose from the feedback of female/feminine students and Social Work alumni, expressed in sessions post-#Metoo movement. They disclosed encounters with unsafe situations, gender-related micro-aggressions, discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, especially in their daily lives.The signals uncovered two specific needs among students: 1) a secure space to share gender related experiences and acquire skills for effective responses during stressful events; 2) learning how to empower other women/femmes in vulnerable positions to confront gender insecurity in professional practice.
This 7-week course pioneers innovation by intertwining intersectional and intergenerational perspectives, using a hands-on methodology specifically geared towards women in the Social Work education field.
1. Practical Tools for Students:
Students are offered practical tools like therapeutic drawing and writing to facilitate expression of experiences and enhance awareness of their own strength (Singh et al., 2014). This practical emphasis sets itself apart from prevailing approaches in Social Work, which predominantly center on theoretical and policy aspects (Spierts et al., 2023).
2. Intersectional Approach:
The course uses an intersectional approach, educating students on the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and exclusion (Wekker, 1998). This entails understanding structural gender inequality and exclusion and recognizing their interplay with other identity aspects, such as ethnicity and religion. Students gain insights into the intricate mechanisms of exclusion and develop comprehensive approaches to address these challenges.
3. Intergenerational Approach:
The intergenerational approach establishes a connection between historical struggles faced by women and contemporary issues (hooks, 2000). Students are linked to diverse role models from the past, drawing inspiration and strength from their work. This connection aids in comprehending women's struggles and gender emancipation in a contemporary context and fosters a forward-looking perspective towards future generations. This approach, coupled with creative methods, serves as a source of inspiration for potential innovations in the field.
Our presentation aims to showcase the depth and significance of these components, shedding light on the transformative potential of our course within the broader landscape of social work education. Through this initiative, we aspire to contribute meaningfully to addressing gender-based challenges and fostering an inclusive and empowering educational environment for future social work professionals.
| Period | 13 Jun 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Dundee, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |