Unlocking liberation : a study on critical pedagogy projects with Saraguro women, Ecuador

Sammanfattning: How can critical pedagogy (CP) further Indigenous women’s sociopolitical agency and liberation? This case study is engaging with a CP project conducted by the Ecuadorian NGO GAMMA with Indigenous Saraguro women. Given its methodological approach, the project represents an interesting case for looking into alternatives to top-down and technocratic capacity building approaches within mainstream development. Utilising qualitative methods and an analytical framework based on Freirean and mujerista conscientisation theory, I explore the experiences, ideas and practices produced by the participants throughout the project. The analysis shows the importance of a deep intertwinement between theory and practice and of paying attention to cognitive as well as emotional learning and healing processes. Moreover, it is clear that CP, as a participatory and capacity building approach, should be about learning how to co-move with learners and building a process based on people’s existing spiritual, emotional, relational and political resources. While the method is limited by structural issues, these obstacles are seen as an important part of the learning process. In conclusion, what is characterising the theory for liberation produced throughout the project is continuous learning, healing and action, but also deep patience and hope.