This episode is a collaboration between the Sex, Research and Resistance Podcast and the ⁠Centre for the Global Study of Development⁠ at the Open University.   

In this two-part episode, hosted by Elizabeth Ascroft (co-founder of the podcast), we discuss girlhood in the context of international development. We are joined by ⁠Dr Jane Doka⁠ and ⁠Dr Alison Buckler⁠, both experienced researchers in the field of education, inclusion, and youth transitions. 

In Part 2, we talk about working with girls to capture the diversity of their experiences and hopes for the future. Alison and Jane provide insight into their research approaches including their use of storytelling methodologies. 

This episode is a window into some of the issues that arise with dominant narratives around what youth transition should look like. The speakers advocate for celebrating alternative transition pathways and provide examples of how to better align our research approaches with girls’ realities.  

Bios: 

Dr Jane Doka is a Research Associate in International Education and Development at the Open University. She recently completed PhD research focused on the agency and education of marginalised girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her expertise lies in the intersection of girls’ education and youth transitions. Currently, Jane is a co-researcher on the OpenSTEM Africa project, an initiative aimed at enhancing girls' transitions into tertiary education, specifically within STEM-related subjects, through stakeholder engagement across West and East Africa. She is experienced in narrative research approaches and participatory action-based methodologies. Dr Doka is an active member of the Centre for the Study of Global Development, where she collaborates with other experts to address global educational challenges and promote sustainable development. 

Dr Alison Buckler is a Senior Research Fellow at The Open University where she is a convenor of the International Education research group and Deputy Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Global Development. Her work focuses on using creative and narrative approaches to researching education, and she is the co-founder of the ⁠Ibali Network⁠ which supports people interested in using storytelling methodologies. She also co-leads a research strand of the SAGE (Supporting Adolescent Girls' Education) Programme, which is an FCDO-funded collaboration between the OU and Plan International. 

⁠Elizabeth Ascroft⁠ is a PhD research at Open University and her research explores the process of co-creating sexuality education materials with young people in Aruba. Prior to her PhD Elizabeth worked at Girl Effect, a programme provider for girls and young women in development contexts. Elizabeth is a researcher, activist and a creative and is most inspired when delving into her never-ending creative methods. 

Follow us on X: @JaneDoka @AlisonBucklerEd @ElizAscroft 

This episode has been produced by Elizabeth Ascroft. 

This episode is a collaboration between the Sex, Research and Resistance Podcast and the Centre for the Global Study of Development at the Open University.  

In this episode, hosted by Elizabeth Ascroft (co-founder of the podcast), we discuss girlhood in the context of international development. We are joined by Dr Jane Doka and Dr Alison Buckler, both experienced researchers in the field of education, inclusion, and youth transitions.

In Part 1, we focus on the idea of girlhood and identify some of the tensions around these narratives in the international development sector. Drawing from their own research in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, the UK, Ghana and Kenya, Jane and Alison speak to girls’ agency in navigating girlhood and how this may differ at home, the community or within development-based programmes.

This two-part episode is a window into some of the issues that arise with dominant narratives around what youth transition should look like. The speakers advocate for celebrating alternative transition pathways and provide examples of how to better align our research approaches with girls’ realities. 

Bios:

Dr Jane Doka is a Research Associate in International Education and Development at the Open University. She recently completed PhD research focused on the agency and education of marginalised girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her expertise lies in the intersection of girls’ education and youth transitions. Currently, Jane is a co-researcher on the OpenSTEM Africa project, an initiative aimed at enhancing girls' transitions into tertiary education, specifically within STEM-related subjects, through stakeholder engagement across West and East Africa. She is experienced in narrative research approaches and participatory action-based methodologies. Dr Doka is an active member of the Centre for the Study of Global Development, where she collaborates with other experts to address global educational challenges and promote sustainable development. 

Dr Alison Buckler is a Senior Research Fellow at The Open University where she is a convenor of the International Education research group and Deputy Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Global Development. Her work focuses on using creative and narrative approaches to researching education, and she is the co-founder of the Ibali Network which supports people interested in using storytelling methodologies. She also co-leads a research strand of the SAGE (Supporting Adolescent Girls' Education) Programme, which is an FCDO-funded collaboration between the OU and Plan International.

Elizabeth Ascroft is a PhD research at Open University and her research explores the process of co-creating sexuality education materials with young people in Aruba. Prior to her PhD Elizabeth worked at Girl Effect, a programme provider for girls and young women in development contexts. Elizabeth is a researcher, activist and a creative and is most inspired when delving into her never-ending creative methods.

Follow us on X: @JaneDoka @AlisonBucklerEd @ElizAscroft

This episode has been produced by Elizabeth Ascroft.

This episode is a collaboration between the Sex, Research and Resistance Podcast and the Centre for the Global Study of Development at the Open University. 

In this episode hosted by Dr Ayomide Oluseye (Member of the OU research group on Reproduction, Sexuality and

We will hear from researchers at the Open University, Dr Carrie Purcell, Dr Justin Rogers and Dr Keetie Roelen, experts on reproductive health, foster care and social protection as they walk us through the implications of stigma as an individual and systemic issue. Finally, we discuss ways to normalise and dismantle these stigmas,

Whether you are passionate about reproductive rights, social justice, or simply want to learn more about the

Bios:

Dr Carrie Purcell is a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies at the Open University. Carrie’s background is in medical sociology and qualitative methods, and she leads the ⁠Reproduction,

Dr Justin Rogers is a lecturer in social work at The Open University and has a background working with children and young people in alternative care. He has worked in fostering and adoption teams in the UK and also managed a secure residential unit. Additionally, he has worked in leadership roles in the charity sector with responsibilities for nonprofit fostering services globally. He has also contributed to care reform projects in various countries. Justin's research interests centre around children’s and families’ experiences of alternative care.

Dr Keetie Roelen is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-Deputy Director of the Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD) in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) at the Open University, UK. Her research focuses on areas of poverty, social protection and anti-poverty interventions in relation to children, women and psychosocial wellbeing. She is

Dr Ayomide Oluseye is a Nigerian Lecturer at The Open University. Her PhD explored the lived experiences of pregnancy, motherhood and stigma among unmarried young mothers in rural Nigeria.

This episode was produced by Elise Denis-Ramirez.

This episode is a collaboration between the Sex, Research and Resistance Podcast and the Centre for the Global Study of Development at the Open University. 

In this episode hosted by Dr Ayomide Oluseye (Member of the OU research group on Reproduction, Sexuality and Sexual Health), we explore the intersections and societal impact of shame and stigma in the diverse contexts of abortion, poverty and foster-care. We explore how societal judgment surrounding these topics creates a web of challenges for especially people on the margins while affecting their ability to take an equal part in society. 

We will hear from researchers at the Open University, Dr Carrie Purcell, Dr Justin Rogers and Dr Keetie Roelen, experts on reproductive health, foster care and social protection as they walk us through the implications of stigma as an individual and systemic issue. Finally, we discuss ways to normalise and dismantle these stigmas, from policy changes that promote affordable abortion care and social safety mechanisms to shifting the harmful language and discourses.  

Whether you are passionate about reproductive rights, social justice, or simply want to learn more about the entanglements of stigma and shame, this episode will give you an overview of stigma as a societal and systemic issue. Join us as we untangle the web of stigma across different social sectors.

Bios:

Dr Carrie Purcell is a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies at the Open University. Carrie’s background is in medical sociology and qualitative methods, and she leads the Reproduction, Sexualities and Sexual Health Research Group. Her main research interests are around sexual and reproductive

Dr Justin Rogers is a lecturer in social work at The Open University and has a background working with children and young people in alternative care. He has worked in

Dr Keetie Roelen is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-Deputy Director of the Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD) in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) at the Open University, UK. Her research focuses on areas of poverty, social protection and anti-poverty interventions in relation to children, women and psychosocial wellbeing. She is also host of her own podcast Poverty Unpacked, and

Dr Ayomide Oluseye is a Nigerian Lecturer at The Open University. Her PhD explored the lived experiences of pregnancy, motherhood and stigma among unmarried young mothers in rural Nigeria.

This episode was produced by Elise Denis-Ramirez.

In this episode, Elise Denis-Ramirez is in conversation with Palestinian activist Ammal Awadallah and Sudanese activist Wafa Adam to learn more about the feminist sexual and reproductive rights resistance in Palestine and Sudan. We are hearing from two humanitarian contexts substantially influenced by war, displacement, and unprecedented unmet sexual and reproductive health needs. Recognising that both countries face a myriad of urgent humanitarian needs, we focus this conversation on sexual and reproductive rights and health. We reflect on the past and ongoing challenges and successes, while pondering on what feminist community-led knowledge production is needed in the future.

This podcast episode is a testament to bearing witness and listening as a method of feminist solidarity. Hearing from Ammal Awadallah and Wafa Adam, we learn more about the sexual and reproductive health needs, responses and everyday resistance in Palestine and Sudan. Join us for a conversation about reproductive (in)justice and the importance of solidarity and action in a global feminist debate on sexual and reproductive rights.

Bios:

Ammal Awadallah, a Palestinian women activist has been working with the Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association (PFPPA) since 2006. Ammal remains steadfast in working and being committed to providing sexual and reproductive health and rights services in a protracted humanitarian crisis reaching particularly vulnerable women and girls, determined that they have the human right to live a life of respect, dignity and protected from any form of gender-based violence.  Ammal is dedicated to striving that one day “All people in the State of Palestine enjoy full and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, freedom of choice, and access to services without discrimination”.

Wafa Adam, is a Sudanese sexual and reproductive health consultant and researcher, and a reproductive justice advocate from Sudan. She has an MSc in Reproductive Science and Women's Health from University College London and is an Alumni of Lund University SRHR programme. Wafa is a trustee at AmplifyChange and a co-founder of Young Activist Network for Abortion Advocacy (@YANAA). She was also the Sudan national advocacy coordinator for the RCOG Making abortion safe programme and one of the Sudan SRHR champions.

Elise Denis-Ramirez (Host), is a feminist researcher and consultant who works in gender and reproductive justice research and advocacy. Elise is committed to engaging in critical participatory action research that is creative, gender transformative, and intersectional. Elise is a PhD Candidate at the Open University with a focus on feminist approaches. Her PhD explores the complexities of sexuality, autonomy, and abortion through co-production with young women.

The episode was produced by Elise Denis-Ramirez.

In this episode, Elise Denis-Ramirez is in conversation with Palestinian activist Ammal Awadallah and Sudanese activist Wafa Adam to learn more about the feminist sexual and reproductive rights resistance in Palestine and Sudan. We are hearing from two humanitarian contexts substantially influenced by war, displacement, and unprecedented unmet sexual and reproductive health needs. Recognising that both countries face a myriad of urgent humanitarian

This podcast episode is a testament to bearing witness and listening as a method of feminist solidarity. Hearing from Ammal Awadallah

Bios:

Ammal Awadallah, a Palestinian women activist has been working with the Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association (PFPPA) since 2006. Ammal remains steadfast in working and being committed to providing sexual and reproductive health and rights services in a protracted humanitarian crisis reaching particularly vulnerable women and girls, determined that they have the human right to live a life of respect, dignity and protected from any form of gender-based violence.  Ammal is dedicated to striving that one day “All people in the State of Palestine enjoy full and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, freedom of choice, and access to services without discrimination”.

Wafa Adam, is a Sudanese sexual and reproductive health consultant and researcher, and a reproductive justice advocate from Sudan. She has an MSc in Reproductive Science and Women's Health from University College London and is an Alumni of Lund University SRHR programme. Wafa is a trustee at AmplifyChange and a co-founder of Young Activist Network for Abortion Advocacy (@YANAA). She was also the Sudan national advocacy coordinator for the RCOG Making abortion safe programme and one of the Sudan SRHR champions.

Elise Denis-Ramirez (Host) is a feminist researcher and consultant who works in gender and reproductive justice research and advocacy. Elise is committed to engaging in critical participatory action research that is creative, gender transformative, and intersectional. Elise is a PhD Candidate at the Open University with a focus on feminist approaches. Her PhD explores the complexities of sexuality, autonomy, and abortion through co-production with young women.

The episode was produced by Elise Denis-Ramirez.

In this ThinkBites episode, three researchers Erica Millar, Camille Maes and Martha Nicholson share experiences of conducting research with abortion providers in three health care systems – Australia, Italy, and Northern Ireland.

In part one, they share what motivated them to start working in abortion research, the contexts that they work in, and the contested identities of health professionals who provide abortion care in each setting, in particular midwives. Their discussion frames abortion as both an essential health issue and a key political issue.

In part two, Erica, Camille and Martha take a deep dive into the intersection of the role of midwives and abortion care. They discuss institutional abortion stigma, objectification of female-dominated health professions and misunderstood policies on conscientious objection, and what this means for the ways that abortion knowledge is contested or absent from many institutions of work and learning. They talk about how abortion care is intrinsically linked with relations of power: gender-based power, social inequalities, medical dominance, and institutional authority. Along the way, you’ll hear about Erica, Camilla, and Martha’s research approaches, including their research frustrations and hopes for the future.

Participants

Martha Nicholson: PhD Student in the Reproduction, Sexualities and Sexual Health research group at the Open University in the UK. Current research is a feminist ethnography on how nurses and midwives learn about abortion care in Northern Ireland.

Erica Millar: Senior Research Fellow in Crime, Justice & Legal Studies, and Lecturer at La Trobe University in Australia. Current research explores institutional abortion stigma: Identifying, understanding, and enacting the institutional and cultural change required for equitable access.

Camille Maes: PhD Student in the Department of Social Sciences of Gender and Sociological Theory at the University of Liège in Belgium. Current research is exploring midwives’ roles in abortion care in Italy.

To share feedback, please email [email protected]

In this ThinkBites episode, three researchers Erica Millar, Camille Maes and Martha Nicholson share experiences of conducting research with abortion providers in three health care systems – Australia, Italy, and Northern Ireland. 

In part one, they share what motivated them to start working in abortion research, the contexts that they work in, and the contested identities of health professionals who provide abortion care in each setting, in particular midwives. Their discussion frames abortion as both an essential health issue and a key political issue. 

In part two, Erica, Camille and Martha take a deep dive into the intersection of the role of midwives and abortion care. They discuss institutional abortion stigma, objectification of female-dominated health professions and misunderstood policies on conscientious objection, and what this means for the ways that abortion knowledge is contested or absent from many institutions of work and learning. They talk about how abortion care is intrinsically linked with relations of power: gender-based power, social inequalities, medical dominance, and institutional authority. Along the way, you’ll hear about Erica, Camilla, and Martha’s research approaches, including their research frustrations and hopes for the future. 

Participants

Martha Nicholson: PhD Student in the Reproduction, Sexualities and Sexual Health research group at the Open University in the UK. Current research is a feminist ethnography on how nurses and midwives learn about abortion care in Northern Ireland.

Erica Millar: Senior Research Fellow in Crime, Justice & Legal Studies, and Lecturer at La Trobe University in Australia. Current research explores institutional abortion stigma: Identifying, understanding, and enacting the institutional and cultural change required for equitable access.

Camille Maes: PhD Student in the Department of Social Sciences of Gender and Sociological Theory at the University of Liège in Belgium. Current research is exploring midwives’ roles in abortion care in Italy.

Hosted and produced by Martha Nicholson.

To share feedback, please email [email protected]

In this ThinkBites episode, Dr Rebecca Jones is in conversation with Dr Helen Bowes-Catton and Dr Sarah Jen about researching bisexuality and queerness across generations.  

In part 1, Rebecca, Helen, and Sarah explore how meaning around identities, behaviours and attractions are made among bisexual and queer communities. Reflecting on the liminalities of age, they bring our attention to the richness of bisexual and queer identities and foreground the need to reflect this in our research.  

In part 2, Rebecca, Helen, and Sarah offer their experiences as life course researchers and speak to some of their approaches and methods connecting with bisexual and queer communities. In this episode, you’ll hear about the realm of possibilities that emerge from cornucopias of craft materials, visual maps, life history reviews and love letters. Tune in to hear about their visions for future research and an exciting opportunity to contribute to the new Routledge book of bisexuality too!  

Bios:  

Dr Rebecca Jones (she/her) @remembermyhat (X/Bluesky) - is a Senior Lecturer in Health at The Open University, UK. She researches and teaches about sexuality across the life course and reimagining ageing in more inclusive ways. She specialises in the ageing of LGBTQ+ people and is particularly known for her work on bisexuality and ageing.  

Dr Helen Bowes-Catton @helenbowescatton (X) (she/her)- is a Lecturer in Social Research Methods at The Open University, UK. She researches lived experiences of subjectivity and space in a variety of contexts, and is currently co-editing The Routledge International Handbook of Bisexuality, for which she is seeking further submissions-  https://helenbowescatton.com/2023/09/30/second-call-for-chapter-proposals-routledge-international-handbook-of-bisexuality/  

Dr Sarah Jen (she/her) - Sarah is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Work. Her research applies mainly qualitative and creative methods to examine the experiences of bisexual individuals in mid- to later life.  

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Ascroft (she/her).

In this ThinkBites episode, Dr Rebecca Jones is in conversation with Dr Helen Bowes-Catton and Dr Sarah Jen about researching bisexuality and queerness across generations.  

In part 1, Rebecca, Helen, and Sarah explore how meaning around identities, behaviours and attractions are made among bisexual and queer communities. Reflecting on the liminalities of age, they bring our attention to the richness of bisexual and queer identities and foreground the need to reflect this in our research.  

In part 2, Rebecca, Helen, and Sarah offer their experiences as life course researchers and speak to some of their approaches and methods connecting with bisexual and queer communities. In this episode, you’ll hear about the realm of possibilities that emerge from cornucopias of craft materials, visual maps, life history reviews and love letters. Tune in to hear about their visions for future research and an exciting opportunity to contribute to the new Routledge book of bisexuality too!  

Bios:  

  Dr Rebecca Jones (she/her) @remembermyhat (X/Bluesky) - is a Senior Lecturer in Health at The Open University, UK. She researches and teaches about sexuality across the life course and reimagining ageing in more inclusive ways. She specialises in the ageing of LGBTQ+ people and is particularly known for her work on bisexuality and ageing.  

Dr Helen Bowes-Catton @helenbowescatton (X) (she/her)- is a Lecturer in Social Research Methods at The Open University, UK. She researches lived experiences of subjectivity and space in a variety of contexts, and is currently co-editing The Routledge International Handbook of Bisexuality, for which she is seeking further submissions-  https://helenbowescatton.com/2023/09/30/second-call-for-chapter-proposals-routledge-international-handbook-of-bisexuality/  

Dr Sarah Jen (she/her) - Sarah is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Work. Her research applies mainly qualitative and creative methods to examine the experiences of bisexual individuals in mid- to later life.  

This episode was produced by Elizabeth Ascroft (she/her).