Channa is 23 years old and describes herself as a broadly oriented student with a keen interest in political, social, and psychological themes. Throughout her academic journey, she developed a particular passion for women’s health, sexual and reproductive rights, and gender-based violence, with a specific focus on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).
After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Organisations at Leiden University, Channa interned at the municipality of Leiden. There, she worked on several projects, including Stad en Taal, a collaboration with local museums to provide language education to immigrants. She also helped organize a city-wide symposium for all knowledge institutions in Leiden. “It was an enriching experience where I learned a lot about myself and working within a team,” she reflects.
Her path crossed with Right to Rise when she wrote her Bachelor’s thesis on FGM/C in Burkina Faso, exploring the link between education and the likelihood of undergoing the practice. During her research, she consulted Annemarie Middelburg as an expert, an experience that deepened her interest in this complex issue and sparked a desire to gain more practical experience in the field. “The results showed that a higher level of education strongly correlates with a decreased likelihood of undergoing FGM/C,” she explains.
After she wrote her bachelor's thesis, Channa interned at Right to Rise and provided assistance to a project evaluation of an NGO in the Netherlands focusing on harmful practices among migrant communities. “I was drawn to Right to Rise because of its interdisciplinary approach and focus on translating complex research into practical solutions,” Channa says. “This internship gave me the hands-on experience I’d been looking for, and I felt very fortunate to be part of the team.”
Outside of her academic and professional life, Channa has been very active in student life. She served as president of a student sorority in Leiden during 2021–2022, overseeing communications and organizing activities. She also has a love for travel and discovering new cultures—having already visited Peru, Ecuador, Indonesia, China, and the west coast of the United States. “I’m always eager to keep exploring,” she smiles.
We’re delighted to have Channa on board and look forward to working together over the coming months!
Welcome to the team, Channa!
