Med Agnes i ryggen. Om separatistiska metoder i jämställdhetsarbete

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to develop our theoretical understanding of the transformative potential of separatist methods in gender equality work by studying a women-only programme at a maledominated higher education institution in Sweden. The analysis explores in what way a separatist method, that has an interactive design and content with a power perspective, can support change leadership. Extant research has criticized women-only programmes for excluding men from gender equality work, and for placing the responsibility for gender inequalities and change efforts on women. This critique is based on analyses of women-only programmes that are intended to support women in their careers on an individual level. Findings show that the studied method supports the participants in their change leadership. They highlight that the common understanding, sense of belonging and agency that emerged within the programme was a source of both emotional and intellectual empowerment, here labelled ”collective empowerment”. Frustration emanating from increased awareness is also handled through ”collective empowerment”. The study concludes that the critique against women-only programmes is not relevant for initiatives that conceive gender equality work as organizational change.