Description:

Dialogue about decolonization, localization, and other equity issues prompt us to consider relations of power within global health partnerships. Yet transformation and decolonization of North-South research partnerships often remains more conceptual than practical. The IDRC-funded Women in Health and their Economic, Equity and Livelihood statuses during Emergency Preparedness and Response (WHEELER) explored how the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected women in the health workforce in Kenya. Drawing on our WHEELER experiences, our session will highlight practical methods employed by partnerships between academic institutions from Kenya (Aga Khan University) and Canada (University of Manitoba), community and local government to create a culture of mutual respect and trust and address the global health asymmetries that persist within and across global health research partnerships.

Drawing on lessons from the WHEELER study participants will: 1. Gain a deeper understanding of how to apply concepts of localization and decolonization in research partnerships. 2. Recognize the importance of process and participation as much as outcome for decolonization global health research 3. Learn that meaningful and inclusive research partnership strengthens knowledge translation and action 4. Be familiar with the seven dimensions employed by WHEELER to decolonize global health research

We will use an interactive format with WHEELER as a case study. First, we will provide an overview of the WHEELER study and research partnership (15 minutes). Participants will then break into small groups to attend rotating, facilitated "Global Research Cafés" where key concepts that shaped WHEELER's decolonizing approach will be explored (power and positionality; participation and inclusion; localization,and reflectivity). At 15-minute intervals groups will shift to the next café and build on the prior groups' discussions. We will conclude the session with presentations by group facilitators and an interactive discussion focussing on emerging themes and key messages (30 minutes).

Mutually beneficial research relationships act to challenge historically extractive research processes. Valuing diverse ways of knowing and centering community leadership are critical to fostering equitable partnerships. Initiatives such as WHEELER provide practical models for how to apply principles of equity, co-creation and shared power in global health research effectively.

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