Empowering Voice through the Creation of a Safe Space: An Experience of Aboriginal Women in Regional Queensland

Christina M Bernardes, Patricia C Valery, Brian Arley, Gregory Pratt, Linda Medlin and Judith A Meiklejohn
Additional contact information
Christina M Bernardes: Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
Patricia C Valery: Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
Brian Arley: Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
Gregory Pratt: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Research Unit–Clinical Yarning Study, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
Linda Medlin: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Research Unit–Clinical Yarning Study, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
Judith A Meiklejohn: Orange Sky Australia, Albion, Queensland 4010, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Sharing stories creates a space for respectful conversation and contributes to both knowledge and a sense of fellowship. This paper reflects on the experience of the research team in supporting a group of Aboriginal women to create safe spaces and to share their stories of healing, social and emotional wellbeing. Methods: Secondary data of a study exploring community perceptions about cancer were analysed using the holistic model of Indigenous Wellbeing developed by the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative (2008). Qualitative data were collected during yarning sessions with a group of Aboriginal women while creating a quilt. Results: Four elements of the Indigenous Wellbeing model were identified: connectedness, sense of control, threats and relationship with the mainstream. The yarning sessions promoted dialogue, identified needs and supported the voices of the participants. A duality of forces (positive and negative) influencing community wellbeing was identified. Conclusion: This project highlights the need for spaces that support people and the community to express concerns, identify needs, propose solutions and begin a dialogue that encourages empowerment. Community-driven conversation and the identification of safe and empowering spaces can serve to empower social and emotional wellbeing.

Keywords: indigenous; voices; story; empowerment; Queensland; regional; wellbeing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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