PERSPECTIVE: Weaving research with Lisu women!

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Threads of knowledge: Weaving research with Lisu women!

Perspective

How’s your life going? I hope you’re still holding on to what matters and finding strength in your journey. In this article, I want to share a story close to my heart, my experience conducting research with the Lisu ethnic community in Northern Thailand. It was part of my master’s thesis, but it became much more than just a research project. It became a journey of listening, learning, and witnessing the power of women, tradition, and ecological wisdom in a place where the mountains speak softly, but the people speak with strength.

When I first arrived in Chiang Rai, I didn’t know what to expect. I had read about the Lisu people, their customs, and their place in the highlands, but being there, walking their paths and hearing their stories, taught me what no textbook could. My research focused on women's entrepreneurship and ecological communication. I wanted to understand how Lisu women manage their roles as entrepreneurs while also being stewards of the environment. What I found was a unique knowledge system deeply rooted in their way of life, one where business and nature are not in conflict but in conversation.

The women I met were not only resourceful but also incredibly resilient. They taught me how traditional knowledge and modern practices can blend in sustainable ways. Whether it was cultivating herbs, managing local businesses, or participating in community markets, their work was grounded in care, for the land, for their families, and for their identity as Lisu women. I was moved by how they used storytelling, rituals, and everyday interactions as tools of ecological communication. Their voices carried the wisdom of generations, often overlooked in mainstream development models.

Conducting fieldwork wasn’t always easy. There were language barriers, cultural gaps, and moments when I had to confront my own assumptions. But every challenge helped me grow, not only as a researcher but as a person. The Lisu community welcomed me with warmth and patience, and through every interview, smile, and shared meal, I felt the depth of connection that makes meaningful research possible. It was no longer about data; it was about respect, trust, and walking slowly enough to truly see.

Looking back, I realize that this research wasn’t just about documenting the lives of others, it was about transforming my own. The Lisu women showed me that leadership doesn’t always look loud or bold. Sometimes, it looks like quiet strength, generational wisdom, and daily acts of care. Their stories shaped my thesis, but more than that, they shaped my worldview. And for that, I’m deeply grateful. So, here’s my perspective.

Warm regards :b