Ms Lynrose Jane Genon1
1Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Biography:
Lynrose Jane D. Genon is a PhD student at the Digital Media Research Center of Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She is also a faculty member at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), who is presently on study leave.
Abstract:
This paper discusses the ethical and practical challenges of conducting fieldwork in hard-to-reach communities, focusing on young women leaders who use social media to build everyday peace in Mindanao, Southern Philippines. As part of a PhD project aimed at conceptualising young women-led "digital peacebuilding," the paper introduces kwentuhan, a Filipino talkstory method, as a relational, participant-centered approach to centering marginalised voices, particularly young women leaders in conflict-affected contexts. By employing kwentuhan (talkstory), the paper highlights: (1) the importance of centering care in building trust-based and ongoing relationships and reflecting on positionality throughout the research process; (2) prioritising 'do no harm' principles, ensuring emotional safety, and creating both safe and brave spaces for youth participants; and (3) understanding the political, cultural, and spatial dynamics of the context, while practising active listening and observational skills. With these insights, the paper contributes to broader discussions on contextual research methodology, ethics, and meaningful youth engagement in peacebuilding research.