In conversation with Isabella Tabares
In this inspiring episode, Africa Rights Talk speaks with Isabella Tabares, founder of Footprints of Uganda, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering rural Ugandan communities. Isabella shares her journey from volunteering at a young age to founding the organisation, which focuses on access to clean water, education, and sustainable community development. She recounts transformative experiences, such as organising a holiday event for 150 children and witnessing the daily struggles of families to access clean water. Isabella also discusses her mission to break cycles of poverty by providing educational opportunities, particularly for girls, and fostering long-term community empowerment.
The conversation explores the organisation's current initiatives, including their 'Building a Well' project, sponsorship programs for children, and plans for English language classes to improve educational outcomes. Isabella outlines ambitious future goals, like building a school and expanding support networks. She calls for collaboration through donations, volunteering, and raising awareness, emphasising that small acts of support can create significant change. Tune in for an uplifting discussion about resilience, impact, and the collective power to transform lives in Uganda.
Isabella Tabares is the founder and director of Footprints of Uganda, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering rural Ugandan communities through access to clean water, education, and sustainable development programs. With a background in human resources and years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Isabella has cultivated a deep passion for community service and advocacy. Her time volunteering and teaching in Uganda, where she spent four months immersed in the culture and witnessing the challenges firsthand, inspired her to establish Footprints of Uganda. Isabella holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Business and Asian Studies and a master’s degree in International Business. At 30 years old, she has traveled extensively, immersing herself in diverse cultures and fostering a lifelong love of learning about people and traditions from around the world. Isabella’s leadership focuses on creating long-term, community-driven solutions that address systemic challenges like poverty, health disparities, and lack of education—especially for women and children. Through initiatives such as the ‘Building a Well’ project and the sponsorship program, Isabella and her team aim to break cycles of poverty and improve quality of life in underserved regions.
For more about her work and to support Footprints of Uganda, visit www.footprintsofuganda.org.
This conversation was recorded on 03 December 2024.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc Limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386
The Centre for Human Rights is the regional headquarters of the Global Campus Africa, which comprises 13 partner universities across Africa and forms part of the broader Global Campus of Human Rights, which is a network of over 100 universities in eight regions with the vision and mission ‘to foster new generations of human rights defenders contributing to a world in which human dignity, equality, freedom, security, sustainable development, democracy and the rule of law are realised.’ We acknowledge the financial support from the European Union through the Global Campus for Human Rights.
In conversation with Thuli Mjwara
In this episode of Africa Rights Talk, we pay tribute to the life and work of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a pioneering queer Muslim leader who dedicated his life to fostering inclusivity within faith communities. Our guest, Thuli Mjwara, reflects on his profound impact, highlighting his commitment to radical love, interfaith dialogue, and creating safe spaces for marginalized people. She explores his unique approach to activism—one rooted in softness, connection, and unwavering faith.
Thuli also discusses the ongoing work needed to honour Imam Hendricks' legacy, from advocating for inclusivity in religious spaces to ensuring activism also cultivates healing and joy. As we grapple with his tragic loss, the Queer Interfaith Collective has issued a call to action, urging those inspired by Imam Hendricks’ work to advocate for the inclusion of marginalized individuals in faith communities, foster interfaith dialogue that bridges differences rather than deepens divides and stand against hatred and violence, refusing to be silenced.
Please use the hashtags #JusticeForImamHendricks and #CompassionCentredIslam to amplify his message.
Miss Nokuthula (Thuli) Mjwara is the strategic advocacy coordinator at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) Western Cape. With the vision of addressing religious-based homophobia, she works at the intersections of gender, religion, and human rights by facilitating processes that are community-based. Collaborating with civil society partners, she coordinates interventions that promote awareness on diversity, embodied leadership, advocacy, and eradicating conversion practices across Africa. Also, Thuli is a 2022 Outright International United Nations Religion fellow and a seasoned facilitator- accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). She has served on Provincial, National and Regional forums advocating for the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI+) communities. With over 13 years’ work experience, she has worked with youth-at risk, sentenced offenders, LGBTI+ youth and their families. In relation to HIV prevention and vaccine research, she has been a member of the Groote Schuur clinical research site community advisory board (CAB) from 2018, serving as its chairperson from 2020-2022. Thuli is currently pursuing her master’s degree (MPhil) in Multidisciplinary human rights with the Centre for Human rights (University of Pretoria). She is a queer, Afro- feminist, with a passion for the realization of an equal society, where human dignity and rights are respected and affirmed across all communities.
This conversation was recorded on 27 February 2025.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc Limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386
In conversation with Angus Thomas
Human and sex trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, affecting millions of people worldwide. In 2016, approximately 25 million people experienced forced labour and sexual exploitation worldwide. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable: for every ten detected victims, about five were adult women and two were girls. According to Walk Free, there are an estimated 50 million people in modern slavery today, with 54% being women and girls and 1 in 4 children.
On this episode, Africa Rights Talk talks with Mr Angus Thomas, founder of Send Them Home, a campaign group helping to repatriate African women trafficked to the UAE for forced sex work, and the Hope Education Project, a pilot education programme in Ghana tackling human trafficking at its source. Angus delves into the harrowing realities of sex trafficking, citing his encounter with a young Nigerian woman trafficked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for sexual exploitation as his inspiration for working in anti-trafficking. Realising the vulnerability of these victims, he embarked on a journey to repatriate African women that had been tricked into travelling to the UAE and had become victims of human trafficking. Angus then highlights the challenges of working in the UAE, where the Government is often unwilling to investigate human trafficking networks and support victims. He notes that ensuring survivors’ safety during repatriation requires a delicate diplomacy and extensive network of good Samaritans on the ground to help. In conclusion, Angus highlights the importance of education as a pivotal tool in preventing and combating human trafficking. By raising awareness about the tactics and schemes of human trafficking rings, Angus believes that it is possible to empower potential victims to recognise the signs and keep themselves safe.
Angus Thomas is a human rights advocate and photographer who fights against exploitation and injustice. His activism in human trafficking began in 2019 when he encountered a young Nigerian woman trafficked to the UAE for sexual exploitation. This encounter fuelled his determination to combat trafficking networks, and saw Angus establish Send Them Home. His efforts garnered international media attention and prompted an extensive investigation into sex trafficking in Dubai.
In 2021, Angus established the Hope Education Project in Ghana. This program focuses on human trafficking education and awareness amongst at risk schools and communities. The education programme aims to disrupt the flow of vulnerable women trafficked for exploitation, both internationally and within Ghana. Angus Thomas’ unwavering commitment continues to make a difference to communities affected by exploitation and trafficking.
To hear firsthand accounts from survivors Angus has helped repatriate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg41TwbbYMc&t=2s
You can find out more on Send Them Home by visiting its website here: https://sendthemhome.co.uk/, and the Hope Education Project here: https://hopeeducationproject.org/.
This conversation was recorded on 8 February 2024.
Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386
In conversation with Chrispin Bosire and Mr Henok Ashagrey Kremte
In this episode, Chrispin Bosire, an HRDA alumnus, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Henok Ashagrey Kremte, a Project Officer with the Expression, Information, and Digital Rights Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of internet shutdowns and their profound impact on Ethiopia.
Henok provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of internet freedom in Ethiopia, shedding light on the frequency of shutdowns. Drawing on recent events, including a state of emergency and government-imposed shutdowns in the Amhara region, he unravels the alarming persistence of these disruptions. The discussion extends to the situation in Tigray, where Henok explores whether internet services have been restored or remain non-functional.
Venturing into the human impact of these shutdowns, Henok shares poignant case stories, illustrating how individuals in affected areas are directly affected. Beyond personal anecdotes, the episode delves into the legal framework in Ethiopia, examining the rights that could be invoked to contest the government's actions, and discussed the way forward.
Henok Ashagrey is a Project officer with the Centre’s Expression, Information and Digital Rights Unit (EIDR), serves as a tutor for the LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) program, and currently pursuing an LLD at the University of Pretoria. Henok has worked previously in various positions in Ethiopia including Lecturer, and Senior Human Rights Researcher.
Chrispin Bosire is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria and holds the LL.M Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya; a Certified Professional Mediator; and attended the Kenya School of Internet Governance (2021). He holds a Law Degree (LL.B) from Moi University, a Post Graduate Law Diploma from the Kenya School of Law and is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative. He is currently a Professional Assistant at the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights attached to the Head of Legal Department.
This conversation was recorded on 15 December 2023.
Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386
In conversation with Dr David Nnanna Ikpo
On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria hosted a film screening of a documentary commemorating two decades of legal recognition of same-sex marriages in Belgium, France, and South Africa.
This documentary titled “Hold” directed by Dr. David Ikpo and produced by Tshepang Mamaregane, is a project developed in celebration of this milestone. Africa Rights Talk sits with the director, Dr David Ikpo. He notes that this documentary elevates the stories and voices of same-sex couples and serves as a powerful tool to track the current realities of same-sex couples in the context of legal recognition in the three nations. The project successfully captured the lived experiences of same-sex couples. The documentary sheds light on the social, political, and economic factors influencing marriage and civil unions. By documenting these realities beyond legal recognition, it holds society and states accountable for protecting the rights of same-sex couples.
The film contributes to increased visibility for LGBTI persons globally, regionally, and nationally. As we reflect of the past 20 years, let us continue advocating for love, equality, and human rights for all. This episode celebrates progress, amplifies voices, and inspires continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Dr. David Nnanna Ikpo, a Nigerian lawyer and storyteller. Dr Ikpo graduated from the LLM/MPHIL in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa program at the University of Pretoria in 2016. His debut novel, “Fimi Sile Forever”, garnered critical acclaim and was even shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Prize for Best Gay Fiction in 2018. He co-founded the Queer Space Collective, a platform that fosters dialogue, visibility, and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, Dr. Ikpo obtained his honours degree in ‘motion pictures’ from AFDA (South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) as well as a doctoral degree qualification. His thesis, titled “Using indigenous storytelling and African Commission soft law in Nigerian law classrooms to advance queer rights,” explores the legal and pedagogical potential of African Commission Resolution 275. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow and communications officer at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_YhBd_q94g This conversation was recorded on 7 March 2024.Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns
Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=452592386
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