What started with a session on analysing interview transcripts in Addis Ababa in March 2024 continued with a virtual training session on coding with the software OpenQDA. Some GIRT team members have been coding interviews in university courses or in previous research projects, but several others were newcomers to qualitative social scientific data analysis. Tech-savvy team members at the University of Mekelle familiarised themselves with the software OpenQDA and provided several training sessions for the GIRT team. Difficulties with internet access and power supply, as well as highly demanding schedules for team members, necessitated the repeated offering of training sessions, including train-the-trainers workshops. Self-organised sessions and peer support in learning to handle the coding software can be seen as a success in taking responsibility for the team and achieving the project goals. Due to the multidisciplinary background of the GIRT team members, definitions and understandings of codes varied. Discussions on the meaning of codes were held among coders for interviews in the same thematic area. While coding, the codebooks were revised and expanded to include more detailed and contextually relevant codes.
Preliminary findings of the qualitative interviews were presented in eight online meetings to all GIRT team members. Team members presented the research questions, the conceptual framework, initial impressions and emerging patterns, major challenges and coping mechanisms mentioned by research participants, as well as pending questions and potential areas for further analysis. Discussions across teams and thematic areas followed, inciting further exchange and enhancing mutual understanding. Following the presentations, qualitative research reports were drafted by all local teams. The project coordinators reviewed draft reports and then returned to the local coordinators for revision.
The findings of the qualitative research phase encompass eight thematic areas:
- Tenure Security,
- Livelihood,
- Basic Infrastructure and Services,
- Gender and Income,
- Governance,
- Social Capital, Solidarity Networks and COVID-19,
- Wellbeing and Safety,
- Public Health and Nutrition/Food.
Taking the example of livelihood coping strategies of women in informal settlements and slums, it became obvious that gender roles and gender-specific expectations shape them. Women encounter obstacles such as household and family responsibilities, systemic exclusion, and limited mobility; yet they can utilise social networks for advocacy, microfinance, and skills training. To empower women, targeted interventions are essential, including expanding access to gender-sensitive microfinance, providing vocational training that aligns with market demands, and implementing legal reforms to ensure joint or individual land ownership rights. Additionally, subsidised childcare and awareness campaigns aimed at changing gender norms are crucial for alleviating triple burdens and promoting economic independence.
Project website of Strengthening Research and Educational Competences of HEIs for Gender sensitive Urban (InfoRmal Settlement) Transformation | GIRT
