Methodology Rationale

The research design for the BWSHP was rooted in Community-Based Research, in an effort to “serve the interests of the community and ensure community perspectives, needs and insights were well represented and integrated” (Wellesley Institute, 2014). We took an arts-based intervention-based approach using the Sorplusi workshops (aka the Anitafrika Method) created and facilitated by d’bi.young anitafrika. Within the workshop, we used qualitative methodologies to explore the impact of arts-based interventions on the health of womxn.

 

Methodology - Anitafrika Method Workshops Series

The workshops provided a space for womxn between the ages of 18-29 to explore health through community arts-based intervention. Six participants engaged in workshops over a six-month period. The womxn were recruited into the workshop series from community networking and word of mouth as well as from Women's Health in Women’s Hands, and community arts organisations.

 

Research Activities

The workshops consisted of Anitafrika Method intensive sessions with the group. At the beginning and end of each of the workshop series, research participants completed pre-and post surveys in order to assess the individual trajectory from beginning to end.  

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Additional indicators for this study included assessing current access to arts-based interventions, interests in exploring and increasing access to arts-based interventions.

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Focus Groups
At the end of the process, research participants were also engaged in focus group evaluations. The Research Coordinator facilitated the focus groups. The focus groups were semi-structured, allowing participants to reflect on and evaluate their experiences in the workshops. Questions were informed by the research questions.  A summative group interview was conducted at the end of the workshops. The interviews were recorded with the permission of the of the participants.