Epistemic co-production in intercultural health: a decolonial deliberative proposal with indigenous women: propuesta deliberativa decolonial con mujeres indígenas

Abstract

This article uses a decolonial theoretical framework to develop a specific deliberative method that ensures the effective participation of Indigenous women in health decision-making, fostering intercultural dialogue that avoids power asymmetries and promotes epistemic and intercultural co-production. Grounded in a decolonial and feminist approach, the proposed model critiques traditional frameworks of deliberative democracy and, inspired by decolonial principles, proposes a plural, horizontal, and respectful model of deliberation that incorporates Indigenous voices in the co-production of health policies. The article is structured into three parts: the decolonial expansion of deliberation, the foundations of plural deliberation, and the promotion of intercultural dialogue. The proposed framework seeks to transform health governance into a co-produced process, where Indigenous women intervene not as passive recipients, but as key actors in the production of knowledge and public policies. The article underlines the urgency of overcoming symbolic inclusion and guaranteeing material and epistemic conditions that allow for real and transformative participation.