Tuesday, 21 October 2025 | 14:00 – 16:00
Parallel methodology sessions:
- Building Effective Partnerships between Researchers, Government, and NGOs for Human Prosperity
- Exploring Photovoice and Digital Storytelling for Engaged Research
- Public Squares for Engagement: Less Facilitation and More Doing
1. Building Effective Partnerships between Researchers, Government, and NGOs for Human Prosperity: Lessons from the National Violence Prevention Forum
Theme: Research Translation and Knowledge Brokering
Researchers cannot deliver impact alone, collaboration across sectors is essential for addressing complex issues such as violence. This workshop draws on lessons from the Violence Prevention Forum to demonstrate interactive methodologies that prioritise dialogue, empathy, and collective problem-solving.
Objectives
- To reflect on the kind of partnerships we need between researchers, NGOs, and the government to achieve human security and prosperity.
- To share lessons from the VPF, a platform that brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to support evidence-informed violence prevention work in South Africa.
- To hear and learn from others’ experiences of multisectoral collaboration across sectors
Expected Outcomes
- Participants gain insight into the barriers and enablers of effective collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and NGOs.
- Participants experience an alternative, dialogue-based workshop approach that encourages active listening, empathy, and collective sense-making.
- Participants leave with connections and practical ideas on how to strengthen partnerships.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/TEP88N3lTaGXFour53Go5A
Workshop outline:
2.Pathways of Co-Creation: Exploring Photovoice and Digital Storytelling for Engaged Research
Theme: Co-Creation and Participatory Research Approaches
Visual participatory methods such as photovoice and digital storytelling deepen engagement, foster empathy, and generate actionable knowledge. This workshop offers hands-on experience, ethical reflection, and practical frameworks for integrating creative, community-centred approaches into research.
Objectives
- Build capacity for using visual methods in participatory research.
- Encourage ethical reflection on voice, representation, and co-authorship.
- Provide practical frameworks for integrating visual storytelling in community-based research, evaluation, and advocacy.
- Spark dialogue around institutional support for creative, engaged scholarship.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness and confidence in using participatory visual methods
- Enhanced understanding of ethical and practical considerations
- Peer learning and inspiration for integrating arts-based, visual methods into engaged research
- Tangible takeaways (photos, scripts, frameworks, tools) for future adaptation
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ey6u2n_XSOma4rWVkrfIKA
Workshop outline:
3. Public Squares for Engagement: Less Facilitation and More Doing
Theme: Co-Creation and Participatory Research Approaches
Moving beyond expert-led consultations, this workshop reimagines public engagement as action-oriented and co-creative. Participants will explore arts-based and participatory methods that foster inclusive, generative spaces for collaboration, creativity, and collective care.
Objectives
- Present the Public Square method as a creative, action-oriented approach to public engagement
- Equip participants with participatory and arts-based tools for inclusive practice
- Facilitate critical reflection on power-sharing and co-design
- Foster commitment to more generative, community-centred engagement
Expected Outcomes
- Direct experience of alternative, co-creative engagement methods.
- Practical strategies for applying arts-based and participatory techniques.
- Awareness of power dynamics and tokenism.
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/5eAeCFZTRlqQ_h4SHrbN4w
Workshop outline: