Lisa Moir, University of Auckland

Lisa’s Research Topic: Exploring the relationship between epidemics, narratives, health policy and the exacerbation of gender inequality

“As for many people, COVID-19 presented many challenges and obstacles to overcome; this was the case with my master’s research. In early 2020, I was in the final planning stages of a health-based research proposal which involved a 4-week fieldwork trip to Papua New Guinea in May/June to explore menstrual justice issues alongside an INGO operating in Goroka. It soon became apparent that this research was untenable due to COVID-19; I evaluated the situation, weighing up my options, I made a timely and pragmatic decision in consultation with my supervisor, to pivot and adapt my research to accommodate the rapidly changing climate. Out of this unsettling and challenging period came my new research focus and thesis of which I am immensely proud. My thesis sought to understand the ways in which epidemics are framed within the World Health Organisation and INGO CARE International and how this might lead to health-based policies which inadvertently exacerbate gender inequalities for marginalised, disease affected women in the Global South. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, my research was confined to desk-top, policy-based research. I used qualitative research methods, including critical discourse and reflective thematic analysis to interrogate and interpret WHO and CARE policy documents and grey literature. One of the outcomes of my research was the opportunity to show the value of desk-top research and the insights it can elicit while adding to the ongoing discussions and debates around health and gender inequality.”

Lisa Moir, Master’s in Development Studies, April 2021