Revealing Gendered Youth Lessons: Human Rights Revelations from Participatory Research in Lesotho during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sonia Mairos Ferreira (scferreira@unicef.org) and Kimanzi Muthengi (kmuthengi@unicef.org)
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Sonia Mairos Ferreira: Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation Specialist, UNICEF Lesotho Country Office
Kimanzi Muthengi: Deputy-representative, UNICEF Lesotho Country Office

RAIS Conference Proceedings 2022-2024 from Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted children and adolescents, prompting UNICEF Lesotho to embark on innovative participatory qualitative research. This meta-analysis aims to uncover the unique contributions of participatory methodologies in understanding gender disparities among Lesotho's youth during this global crisis. Employing a gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach, this meta-analysis underscores the paramount importance of participatory research methodologies. Participatory research not only contributes to deeper and more comprehensive knowledge but simultaneously empowers young individuals to express their perceptions and beliefs using innovative tools like photovoice and storytelling. Engaging 101 participants aged 10 to 17 across three districts, this research sheds light on the intricate and gendered nuances of the pandemic's effects on Lesotho's youth. The findings, resulting from an extensive process of data synthesis and thematic analysis, provide profound insights into the differential experiences of young men and women. Photovoice, in particular, offers a unique perspective on how genders perceive their psychological and emotional challenges, highlighting disparities in coping mechanisms and emotional resilience. Moreover, the analysis of enforced isolation and other pandemic-related issues transcends mere data retrieval. It underscores young women's heightened domestic responsibilities, exacerbated difficulties in accessing education and pursuing life aspirations, and the prevalent feelings of seclusion and anxiety, distinctly con-trasting with young men's experiences. This research underscores the imperative of participatory research in addressing the unique challenges faced by young women and men during a crisis. It fosters a profound and equitable understanding of their experiences, offering valuable insights for the devel-opment of more responsive interventions and policies.

Keywords: Youth Gender Differences; Participatory Research; COVID-19 Impact; Human Rights (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 11 pages
Date: 2024-08
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Published in Proceedings of the 37th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, August 8-9, 2024, vol. 2, pages 23-33

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