Online Exhibition by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Exploring the Effect of Displacement on the Mental and Sexual Reproductive Health of Refugee Women Using Photovoice.
Displacement affects millions annually, with significant implications for the mental and sexual reproductive health (SRH) of refugee women. Despite this, the voices of refugees remain missing from public health research. Our exhibit showcases the research findings of our co-created photovoice project. Photovoice is a visual research methodology that asks individuals to collect, reflect on, and communicate their concerns using photographs. During our project, six refugee women were co-researchers, challenging traditional research production.The study was able to capture the experiences of displacement and asylum-seeking consequences on mental and sexual and reproductive health through photographs. Different themes emerged throughout the process, including the influences of displacement on mental and SRH, navigating new homes, resilience, and finding purpose. Our study underscored the ability and necessity of incorporating refugee women’s voices in health research. Activities for this event include walking through our exhibit to view our photographs and accompanying narratives. Our hope is to have a reflection space where attendees can sit, reflect on the photographs, and write down their thoughts and messages.
The theme of home is very evident within our research. As we have learned home does not only mean physical space. Home can mean stability or family and friends. For many of our co-researchers their photographs contain stories of making new homes, navigating challenges, and the resilience of the refugee spirit.
Organiser: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Since its foundation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has stood for scientific and value-driven education, research and knowledge transfer. We are free thinkers with expertise and A Broader Mind. And we work together to build a better world for people and the planet.
The world is facing major challenges, while there are growing divisions within society. This calls for science with a conscience. With our expertise, open mindedness, enterprising spirit and multidisciplinary approach, we work on developing sustainable solutions that impact society. We focus on four profile themes: Connected World, Governance for Society, Human Health and Life Sciences, and Science for Sustainability.
