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Paper short abstract:

This paper reflects on the ethics of involving young female peer researchers in data collection and research outputs in a research project in three African cities. We discuss how this approach requires flexibility in ongoing collaborations and constant attentiveness to power/structural constraints.

Paper long abstract:

This paper draws upon an interdisciplinary research project (2019-2022) that focused on women’s transport-related experiences both as transport users and as workers in the transport sector in Tunis, Abuja and Cape Town. We discuss the ethical issues raised at various stages of involvement – from project design to data collection, but also when developing outputs with peer researchers. We explore the difficulties that arise, e.g., when peer researchers experience financial or emotional struggles and need to pause the project for various reasons.

While peer research requires working closely with partners on the ground, any collaboration also involves power dynamics and different levels of involvement. Peer researchers were invited to present their ideas at policy workshops but were also constrained by slow internet connections that limited their options to present findings in online engagements after the onset of COVID-19.

How can we protect the identity of peer researchers who are known to their study communities, while at the same time recognising peer researchers as co-authors? How can involvement take place when there are various structural barriers- such as lack of available transport to travel, curfews that limit interactions or few options to access stable internet? The paper reflects on these issues and how research requires flexibility – e.g., the option to ‘opt in’ or ‘out’ of research - but also the active involvement of local partners who can facilitate access on the ground.