Womens Participation in Adult and Community Education the

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 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