How to Conduct Intersectional Feminist Research with Sensitive Data in a Precarious Setting

This Case Study provides an understanding of the ways in which intersectional feminist research can be carried out despite the complexities of sensitive data and a precarious landscape. The term sensitive data captures the taboo nature and cultural hesitance surrounding women’s bodies and the practice of female genital cutting. Although the term precarious landscape frames the unstable socioreligious environment for minorities and women in Pakistani society, I discuss personal experiences and encounters that highlight the importance of the methodologic and theoretical choices, dual positionalities (outsider and insider), and dual roles (i.e., being a learner and nonexpert), especially when navigating a minority community. This Case Study examines a study that centered caution, compassion, and care as core elements of communicating with a community about the silenced custom of female genital cutting. It is particularly challenging for the researcher to disrupt existing power dynamics and dominant structures in a volatile socioreligious environment when interacting with a minority community. The researcher must not add to the vulnerability of the minority community, especially in a country such as Pakistan, where minorities experience violence and discrimination. Developing acute self-awareness allows insight into the contextual realities of a custom and community. In turn, this can lead to careful consideration and cautious decisions that ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Through this Case Study, I demonstrate the use of choices, positionalities, and learning approach to reflexively rupture notions of authority and engage in knowledge production by listening to the community. This allows for the inclusion and visibility of women’s voices and identities.