Co-Creating Social Impact: Dialogues Between Policymakers, Practitioners, and the “Other Women” for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Background: Scientific literature highlights that practitioners and policymakers in social and educational fields can contribute to the inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups when developing actions grounded in scientific evidence of social impact, co-created through dialogic engagement with the concerned communities. This study, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (“Quality Education”) and 5 (“Gender Equality”), provides new evidence on the co-creation process between policymakers and practitioners and women without higher education degrees and its impact. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through nine in-depth interviews with practitioners and policymakers engaged in the development of dialogic spaces in education, health, and equality. Results: Two key characteristics were identified: (1) a focus on the inclusion of women not yet involved, through the co-creation of egalitarian spaces for dialogue and decision-making, and (2) a commitment to implementing actions based on scientific evidence of social impact. These led to reported improvements in empowerment, education, well-being, health, and employability, not only for the women themselves but also for their families, schools, and communities. Conclusions: The findings support the promotion of co-creation processes with women without academic qualifications and in vulnerable situations, demonstrating their potential to foster sustainable social development.