Hanah Dubaisi
Pronouns:
Research Mentor(s): Kelly Askew
Research Mentor School/College/Department: DAAS/Anthropology / LSA
Program:
Authors: Hanah Dubaisi
Session: Session 7: 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Poster: 80
Abstract
VAIA is dedicated to uncovering and highlighting patterns of human rights violations against Indigenous peoples across Africa, focusing on exposing governmental or corporate actions or inactions that perpetuate these injustices. Central to our mission is the establishment of partnerships with nonprofit organizations that have direct ties and commitments to the communities we aim to support and advocate for, including Maasai pastoralists of Kenya and Tanzania, among other Indigenous groups. Our collaborative efforts are designed not only to shed light on the challenges these communities face but also to forge pathways toward tangible improvements in their living conditions and rights recognition. My role within our team is serving as a point of communication between our project and the nonprofit entities we partner with, such as PAICODEO (Parakuiyo Pastoralists Indigenous Community Development Organization) in Tanzania. This role necessitates a deep engagement with the communities at the heart of our research, ensuring that our methodologies and outcomes are not only informed by but also genuinely reflective of their experiences, needs, and aspirations. This commitment to ethical engagement and representation is fundamental to the approach of our research, making sure to connect with the communities affected by violations, oftentimes land dispossession. A significant aspect of my contribution involves facilitating the application for grants and other forms of financial support, aiming to secure the resources necessary for the sustainability and expansion of our initiatives. Moreover, I have run fundraising campaigns and utilized social media platforms to enhance our project’s visibility and impact. These efforts are not merely about securing funds but also about fostering a broader awareness and understanding of the issues facing Indigenous communities in Africa. Through our advocacy, we strive to mobilize a diverse audience to recognize the urgency of these challenges and to join us in our quest for justice and equity.
