Aphlyne Ouma with a group of refugee youths in Uganda, coming together through football.
On this International Women’s Day, we chatted with remarkable women changemakers who are part of the Glocal MA in International Development program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This innovative 18-month graduate program focuses on translating academic research into practical community development, empowering marginalized communities worldwide. Glocal strives to nurture a new wave of practitioners equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and a deep understanding of global challenges. During the program students complete a full, 4-month internship in an organization which serves disadvantaged communities around the world.
Meet the Women Changemakers of Glocal
Among the inspiring women we've interviewed, Aphlyne Ouma stands out for her dedication to mental health support in refugee settings. Hailing from Kenya, Aphlyne, with a background in Medical Psychology, recently completed her second year with Glocal. During her internship at the Bidibidi Refugee settlement in Uganda, she played a pivotal role in providing tailored mental health and psychosocial support services.
Similarly, Kerem Gil, a Canadian-Israeli artist and feminist activist, has made significant strides in empowering marginalized women. Completing her second year at Glocal, Kerem interned with The Azadi Project in New Delhi, India, where she worked tirelessly to create safe spaces and promote gender sensitization among women from marginalized communities.
Charlotte Anastasia Storer, an alumna of Glocal's cohort 11, is another remarkable changemaker. As the Co-Founder of Queen Bees, a beekeeping program for unaccompanied refugee minor girls in Cyprus, and a dedicated community researcher, Charlotte exemplifies Glocal's commitment to fostering grassroots initiatives that empower marginalized communities.
How would you advise aspiring female academics in your field to navigate their careers?
“A fundamental piece of advice for aspiring female academics in the development field, particularly those working with marginalized populations like refugees, is to embrace the ABCD (Assets-Based Community Development) model,” suggests Aphlyne. “This model emphasizes recognizing and amplifying existing community strengths rather than solely focusing on deficits. By adopting the ABCD approach, aspiring academics can cultivate more respectful and empowering engagements with refugee communities, fostering inclusive decision-making processes and promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.”
“Don't measure or define success based on how it is typically perceived in a patriarchal society led by masculine standards. Forge your path according to your own goals, aspirations, and moral compass as a woman and as an individual.” - Kerem Gil
Kerem Gil offers a different perspective, advising, “Don't measure or define success based on how it is typically perceived in a patriarchal society led by masculine standards. Forge your path according to your own goals, aspirations, and moral compass as a woman and as an individual.”
“Forge your path according to your own goals, aspirations, and moral compass as a woman and as an individual.” – Kerem Gil.
How do you envision your work contributing to positive change for women on a global scale?
"As the Co-Founder of Queen Bees, a beekeeping capacity-building program for unaccompanied refugee minor girls in Cyprus, I focus on advancing women's leadership, promoting gender equality, and fostering social cohesion and environmental awareness," explains Charlotte. "Through project development and workshop facilitation, I empower URM girls to develop a range of transferable skills, enhancing their life opportunities."
"Ultimately, I seek to inspire others to recognize the potential within marginalized communities and advocate for more inclusive and equitable spaces where every voice is valued and heard." - Aphlyne Ouma
Aphlyne shares her perspective, stating, "Through my work, I aim to uplift the voices of marginalized women and girls, particularly those within refugee communities. By highlighting their strengths, talents, and resilience, I challenge stereotypes and foster empowerment and agency. Initiatives like the football project provide platforms for individuals to showcase their capabilities, build confidence, and reclaim their narratives. Ultimately, I seek to inspire others to recognize the potential within marginalized communities and advocate for more inclusive and equitable spaces where every voice is valued and heard."
Can you recount a significant moment when your work had a lasting impact?
Kerem reflects on a profound experience, sharing, "Conducting a first aid training program for Rohingya refugee women in a settlement in Delhi, India, was deeply humbling for me. Being embraced by women who courageously fight for their rights every day was a privilege. Their trust in me to share valuable knowledge was incredibly humbling, and I learned immensely from their resilience and community."
"As they engaged in activities ranging from honey harvesting to financial literacy, I witnessed a newfound sense of hope and confidence among the girls. Observing their growth and camaraderie in a supportive environment was profoundly rewarding." - Charlotte Anastasia Storer
Charlotte describes a transformative moment, saying, "Developing a multidisciplinary approach with Queen Bee participants led to a remarkable shift. As they engaged in activities ranging from honey harvesting to financial literacy, I witnessed a newfound sense of hope and confidence among the girls. Observing their growth and camaraderie in a supportive environment was profoundly rewarding."
Aphlyne recounts a poignant experience from her work, recalling, "One memorable moment from the 'Kicks of Hope Beyond Displacement' project centers on Amina, a young refugee girl. Initially withdrawn, Amina gradually flourished through our football sessions and mental health support activities. Witnessing her journey from insecurity to confidence was incredibly uplifting, reaffirming the power of support and community in fostering resilience."
“As the [Queen Bee participants] engaged in activities ranging from honey harvesting to financial literacy, I witnessed a newfound sense of hope and confidence among the girls.” - Charlotte Anastasia Storer
Happy International Women's Day to these inspiring changemakers and to women everywhere, whose resilience, dedication, and passion continue to drive positive change in communities around the world.
In these challenging times, Hebrew University of Jerusalem remains dedicated to our mission of building a better future through education and research. We wholeheartedly support the courageous individuals on the frontlines, protecting our nation and the well-being of all Israelis. We extend our sincere gratitude to friends and partners worldwide who have shown unwavering solidarity during these difficult times. Together, we will overcome the challenges we face, and our joint pursuit of knowledge remains steadfast.