Women’s Participation in Adult and Community Education: the impact on resilience

Jennifer Leahy &

Marion Bowl Adult Learning

Australia Conference, 2012

Greetings from ACE Aotearoa in New Zealand

Hope to see you at the first Trans-Tasman Conference in 2013, June 18 – 20, in Wellington, NZ.

Mana Wahine

Me aro koe ki te ha o Hineahuone

Pay heed to the dignity of women

Christchurch and Resilience

“A slice of normality amidst chaos”

Research Study

The impact of participation in ACE on women’s lives and the connection with the literature on resilience.

Resilience

Psychological

Systems

Social/Interaction

Was women’s expression of resilience only about “coping” or did it have more of a transformatory sense?

Research Themes

Connecting with others

Getting out of the house

Increase in self esteem

Development of confidence

Making a change

Psychological Perspective

A positive response to challenging situations

A break from home

Development of independence

Relationship with partner/children

Psychological Perspective

“I think, by and large it’s just my general equilibrium in the house, with my husband and my kids – if I’m happy, we’re all happier.”

Jacqui

Psychological Perspective

“I couldn’t go anywhere by myself. I waited for my husband when he comes home. I asked him to take me somewhere. It was very hard for me.”

Ara (Afghani)

Systems Perspective

The ability to beat the odds and to overcome adversity.

Confidence

Self Esteem