CLS Project Reflection

My CLS assignment is to help with the Indo Women’s Association as they work on a research project directed towards honor violence within the Canadian ethnic communities. Last night I attended the first focus group. I wanted to be prepared, so I researched “honor violence,” focus group do’s and don’ts, and working within a multicultural group. I kept thinking this would be a totally flowing experience; like a board meeting. Wrong! Then, as I was reflecting after the group I discovered the word “control” as in there was “little control.”  I was shocked. I knew you could not “control” the group and that you should not even want to. So the thought “control” in my head surprised me. The purpose of the group was to obtain the different opinions and yet for some reason I thought this could be done in a “controlled” way.

After the group, I came away feeling really grateful that I am in university; learning, becoming aware, and also, with an increased need to give back to society. I experienced a re-affirmation of why I came back to school to become a psychologist. We need educational programs in the schools at all levels; we need more services in the communities to assist with new immigrants and Canadian citizens in various ways; and we need to establish common human aspects enabling us to come together as Canadians. Anyone who says women do not need “women’s movements,” that we are all good, really needs to take a closer look! All of the research done and all of the laws changed mean nothing if it cannot be translated to the general populous. Gender equality issues that we as women’s studies students; a privileged university community, experience is NOT being accepted on the community level. At the end of the day I am brought back to “Positionality”.  Who has the right to decide what is best for women, living in Canada in a multicultural context? Whose voice rules, where is the line between Canadian Law and culture?

We have tons of work to do.

I loved the group!