Through their lens: Using photovoice as an approach to amplify marginalised voices in international relations research

This workshop introduces Photovoice as a powerful participatory research approach within International Relations, enabling researchers and communities to explore complex social, political, and global issues through photography and storytelling. Participants will learn how Photovoice can amplify the lived experiences of marginalised and underrepresented populations, challenge dominant narratives, and generate rich, community-driven insights into issues such as migration, conflict, displacement, inequality, identity, and social justice. Through practical examples and interactive discussion, the workshop will demonstrate how visual methods can be used to centre excluded voices, promote critical reflection, and support more inclusive and socially engaged international research.

Facilitator: 

Dr Tarela Ike is a Senior Lecturer at Teesside University, UK, and Course Leader for the MA International Relations (including the Applied Route). An award-winning researcher, she has extensive experience in the design and delivery of participatory and creative research methods, including Photovoice, as tools for exploring complex social, political, and health-related issues. Her work focuses on amplifying the voices of marginalised communities through visual storytelling, co-production, and community-engaged research. Her broader research interests include creative methodologies, deradicalisation, countering violent extremism, peacekeeping, and the use of interdisciplinary approaches to address reintegration challenges among complex offenders and populations in post-conflict settings.

Registration will close two hours before the event begins.