Content
About this brief
Barefoot Research Initiative in Nepal
Brief about:
Research Project (Unpublished) (2023)
Written by:
The project aimed to support Nepali grassroots activists who had the necessary knowledge and experiences but came from non-academic backgrounds, in writing and articulating their stories and research for publication.
The project had three aims: to decentralise knowledge production away from Kathmundu, the capital of Nepal, towards under-researched regions; to challenge the assumption that social science research can only take place in an academic setting; and to make research socially inclusive and accessible to grassroots activists from non-academic, underprivileged backgrounds who face barriers to participating in traditional academic settings. These barriers include access to research funding, mentorship, language, and caste barriers.
Key findings
- Grassroots activists have excellent data and experiences that can contribute to the Nepali research field.What it means
This is testified by a recently published book collating the research of 23 grassroots activists involved in the project, covering topics ranging from access to justice for female victims to youth activism.
Proposed action
- Engaging local, grassroots activists in research can raise awareness of local issues, and provides fresh ideas and data for policymakers, particularly at a local government level
Helpful resources
- Background‘Writing as an Activism’: Barefoot Research Initiative in Nepal
- Background“Writing for Advocacy”: The Barefoot Research Initiative in the Madhesh Province of Nepal
- BackgroundWriting as activism: the Barefoot Research Initiative in NepalA webinar explaining the Barefoot Research Initiative, part of the 'decolonizing methodologies' lecture series at the University of East Anglia, UK.Visit resource ↗
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to iDE Global
These insights were made available thanks to the support of iDE Global, who are committed to the dissemination of knowledge for all.
Special thanks to Ramya Zwaal for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Ramya Zwaal, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Barefoot Research Initiative in Nepal
Cite this brief: Sha, Sohan Prasad. 'Barefoot Research Initiative in Nepal'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/barefoot-research-initiative-in-nepal/
Brief created by: Dr Sohan Prasad Sha | Year brief made: 2023
Original research:
- Sha, S. P., Barefoot Research Initiative in Nepal. –
Research brief:
The project aimed to support Nepali grassroots activists who had the necessary knowledge and experiences but came from non-academic backgrounds, in writing and articulating their stories and research for publication.
The project had three aims: to decentralise knowledge production away from Kathmundu, the capital of Nepal, towards under-researched regions; to challenge the assumption that social science research can only take place in an academic setting; and to make research socially inclusive and accessible to grassroots activists from non-academic, underprivileged backgrounds who face barriers to participating in traditional academic settings. These barriers include access to research funding, mentorship, language, and caste barriers.
Findings:
Grassroots activists have excellent data and experiences that can contribute to the Nepali research field.
This is testified by a recently published book collating the research of 23 grassroots activists involved in the project, covering topics ranging from access to justice for female victims to youth activism.
Advice:
Engaging local, grassroots activists in research can raise awareness of local issues, and provides fresh ideas and data for policymakers, particularly at a local government level