I am studying human rights and international politics at Masters level at University, and have a particular interest in indigenous rights. I am interested in learning more about indigenous rights, particularly in the Andean region as I am writing my dissertation on indigenous women's rights in this area. I have become very interested in Bolivia and hope to visit next year. I will never fully understand the struggles that indigenous people face, but I intend to make as much of an effort as possible to try to. I am interested in learning about other cultures and traditions.

I studied Criminology at undergraduate level and became very interested in crimes against humanity. I have in depth knowledge of Sudan, in particular Darfur, as my dissertation involved an analysis of the United Nations role in the Darfur crisis.
I have also studied women's issues in the DRC, and researched into the increased need for men's involvement in programs which seek to produce greater respect for women. Violence in this area has been my particular concern.

I have travelled through 10 different countries in Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. This trip was in 2007, and prior to that I took part in an expedition to Kenya in 2002. I must say I love Africa. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of all cultures and ways of life, and I am interested in all the different beliefs and viewpoints of people from all over the world.

Hope to be involved in some interesting topics within this community.

Best wishes,
Ashley