Participation is a right held by all people to engage in society and in the decisions that impact their lives. Power differences affect people’s ability to exercise this right.

IDS has pioneered participatory research and development approaches, with particular emphasis on addressing systematic social, political, economic and cultural exclusion facing women, people living in extreme poverty, people with disabilities, sexual and ethnic minorities, bonded labourers and others. Our work explores how participatory action-oriented research that centres lived experiences can catalyse sustainable change within systems.

We are committed to championing participatory methods, and we share qualitative, quantitative and arts-based tools and knowledge to help other researchers and activists.