Photovoice: Participatory and Empowering Methodological Alternative

The seminar “Photovoice: A Methodological, Participatory, and Empowerment-Based Alternative” aimed to explore and understand the Photovoice methodology. This event was held on November 16 and 17, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. (Chile time). It focused on this methodology, which integrates active community participation and visual expression as tools for analysis and the promotion of social change.

Photovoice, conceptualized by Caroline Wang and Mary Ann Burris in “Photovoice: Concept, Methodology, and Use for Participatory Needs Assessment,” is a means of empowering communities through visual expression. This methodology enables participants to capture and share their experiences through photography, providing a unique platform for visual storytelling and promoting collective reflection. The seminar delved into how Photovoice can serve as a catalyst for amplifying community voices, allowing images not only to communicate realities but also to act as instruments of change and empowerment.

November 16 Presentation: Mary Ann Burris

Mary Ann Burris, founder of the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH), is a leading figure with extensive experience in development studies and a deep commitment to linking culture and health. She holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University, a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Burris has lived and worked in diverse contexts, including 20 years in Kenya and 10 years in China.
Her vision for TICAH has been to create a space where traditional medicine and cultural practices intertwine with health, fostering equitable relationships and healthy life choices. Mary Ann has pioneered the use of art, photography, and ceremonies for healing, activism, and community-building.

November 17 Presentations: Mieko Yoshihama and Luis Fernandez-Pacheco Saez

Mieko Yoshihama

Mieko Yoshihama holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a Master’s degree in Social Work from the same institution, and a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Linguistics from Sophia University (1984). Her research interests focus on violence against women, migrants, mental health, and community organizing. Over the past 25 years, she has combined research and social action at local, state, national, and international levels. Her work centers on the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of safety and well-being among marginalized populations and communities.

Luis Fernandez-Pacheco Saez

Dr. Fernandez-Pacheco Saez holds a Ph.D. in Sociology, with a dissertation titled “Local Development Strategies to Address the Crisis in Vulnerable Rural Areas: A Comparative Case Study between South Africa and Spain.”
He brings extensive expertise in Local Community Development and participation in European and international initiatives. His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Research Methodology in Social Sciences: Innovation and Applications, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. With significant experience in International Cooperation projects (Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa), he has actively participated in programs such as INTERREG IIIC and Horizon 2020.
Since 2002, he has been engaged in teaching and is a board member and technician at Economías Bioregionales (EBR) as well as a collaborator with the Institute of Social Currencies (IMS).

Together, Luis Fernandez-Pacheco Saez, Mieko Yoshihama, and other researchers have studied and systematized the contributions that the Photovoice methodology can make to fostering community development processes, building collective identity, and strengthening resilience in times of crisis.

Seminar Panelists and Reflections

The seminar also featured three distinguished academics as commentators: Gabriela Rubilar, Alejandra Rasse, and Daniela Bolívar, all of whom have strong academic backgrounds and expertise in their respective fields. Their contributions enriched the discussions and significantly enhanced the analysis of the topics covered during the seminar.

Photovoice and Migratory Studies at Núcleo Milenio Migra

At Núcleo Milenio Migra, we see the Photovoice methodology as an invaluable tool for the study of migration in Chile. Currently, our thesis student, Grace Amigo, under the supervision of researcher Olaya Grau, is conducting research using this methodology with young migrants in Alto Hospicio. This approach provides a profound and participatory exploration of the experiences and perspectives of this specific population, offering a richer and more contextualized understanding of their lived experiences within the migration process.