Challenging Hegemony in International Development: A Conversation with Pathy Fellows

Anthony Ighomuaye is a recent graduate from Queen’s University Smith School of Business in Kingston, ON, with a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Anthony also possesses an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and upon graduation spent four years at an electric vehicle design and manufacturing company, specializing in building, testing, and deploying energy saving devices for trucks and buses. His current initiative through the Pathy Fellowship centers around transforming traditional rickshaws into electric vehicles to provide mobile infrastructure that can also be used as mini-mobile grids to power communities. This innovative approach not only helps rickshaw drivers save money but also powers their homes, fostering access to digital services for themselves and their families when the rickshaw is not used to transport people. Anthony’s vision is to create a positive impact by enabling rickshaw drivers to support their families. He hopes that this initiative will contribute to sustainable and community-focused solutions centred around green energy, encouraging low-income households and African communities to participate in climate and clean energy solutions.

“My journey reflects a commitment to combining technical expertise with social innovation for a brighter and more connected future through a laser focused approach with emerging communities as a pioneer partner.”

Sophie McCafferty is a Pathy Foundation Fellow currently supporting the Tingathe Women’s Goat Co-operative in Chilanga, Malawi. She has a passion for feminist agroecology and loves exploring the intersectionality involved in our food systems. Sophie studied Environmental Science and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems; her dream is to one day have her own small-scale farm for textiles, dyes, and foods. Sophie draws much inspiration from her current community work. The women’s goat cooperative consists of 21 women and 10 goats. Members gather regularly to learn about sustainable goat management practices that harness their potential for soil regeneration whilst also exploring the many ways this common livestock can be used to support livelihoods. The cooperative has been working hard and will soon be designing their very own electric fence, preparing for the arrival of baby goats, and learning how to milk the goats for cheese and soap.

Jacqueline Tomazic is a recent Bachelor of Health Sciences graduate from Queen’s University who focused her studies in global and population health. Her Pathy Fellowship initiative strives to promote reproductive health among young women living in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania through accessibility of sustainable healthcare resources, services, education, and empowerment programs. This initiative will collaborate with community stakeholders to build capacity and skills to address the burden of women’s reproductive health issues, focusing on menstrual health and hygiene for girls in school and adolescent contraception. The project takes a youth-led, asset-based community-driven approach to building an adaptable workshop framework informed by the lived experiences of community members, with plans to empower girls with the skills to facilitate their own workshops and to sew their own reusable pads using local materials. Jacqueline hope that this initiative will contribute towards raising awareness and body literacy, promote positive attitudes towards and amongst all people who menstruate, and empower women and girls to live their periods safely and with dignity.

“I strongly believe that no woman should ever feel limited by any aspect of her body and period, whether it be from obstacles such as social stigmatization, academic or employment absenteeism and discontinuation, product accessibility, economic constraints, self-esteem and confidence, and beyond.”

Danie Mahirane is a graduate of social sciences from the University of Ottawa, specializing in International Development and Globalization. Presently, she resides in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement Camp in Uganda. Throughout her academic journey Danie’s focus has been on comprehending community development and rehabilitation through hands-on approaches, as well as fostering peacebuilding. For her Pathy Fellowship, Danie initiated “Sasa-RDC” programs aimed at increasing awareness about early pregnancies and empowering underage mothers in Kyaka II. The objective is to enable young mothers to attain self-sufficiency, contribute to the community, and combat the discrimination and stigma faced by girls with pregnancies out of wedlock. The primary goals of this initiative include identifying practical solutions, offering support to pregnant girls and young mothers, and promoting awareness of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. Initially, the project’s emphasis was on vocational training was to equip young girls with skills for self-sufficiency. Now, Danie’s focus has expanded to include integrating income-generating activities to address the needs of these girls as they pursue vocational skill training, utilizing the available resources in the camp.