For the year 2024, SMEX welcomed four non-resident fellows for the Mariam Al-Shafei Fellowship on Technology and Human Rights, committed to working on the following topics:
- Digital Resilience in the Global South
- Internet Governance in West Asia and North Africa
- Freedom of Expression in Lebanon
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Digital Rights
- Feminism and Digital Rights
SMEX’s fellowship commemorated the legacy of our beloved colleague Mariam Al-Shafei, bringing together digital rights advocates from West Asia and North Africa to collaborate, research, innovate, and address issues and challenges at the intersection of technology and human rights in our region.
The fellows undertook one-year research on their areas of interest and expertise, while SMEX offered technical mentorship, skills-building and networking opportunities, resources for research, advocacy support, and overall room for the fellows to endeavor on the topic of their choosing.
Meet SMEX’s 2024 fellows:
Aisha Aljaedy is a Yemeni feminist, human rights advocate, researcher, and writer. She is a BA candidate in Political Science with a focus in public and private international law at the American University in Cairo, where she is also minoring in Journalism and Anthropology. Aljaedy is a specialized trainer in Gender and Civic Engagement and has been a consultant for numerous research centers and feminist initiatives across the SWANA region.
Aisha is actively involved in volunteering and educational programs that focus on peacebuilding, gender, and minority issues. Her articles on gender-based violence and minority rights have been featured in regional and international publications. Aisha’s passion about culture and the arts led her to co-found the Takween Cultural Club in Yemen in 2017. She also enjoys blogging, improvisation, and is a believer in the therapeutic power of art.
Aisha Aljaedy’s research aims to delve into the digital threats faced by women’s rights defenders in Yemen. Drawing on her experience as a women’s and human rights defender, she will research the systematic causes of online bullying and harassment campaigns. By listening to women’s experiences, learning the ways they deal with digital threats, and how these threats have impacted them personally and professionally, Aljaedy will create a resilience toolkit consisting of preventative measures for women activists in Yemen and the diaspora. Inspired by the legacy of Mariam Al-Shafei, Aisha seeks to use technology to support women defenders in Yemen, where digital literacy is still an evolving issue, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Mohammad Abobakr, a MEPI TLU scholar, graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in Business Administration. He has engaged in renewable energy projects with the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), conducted research with ESCWA, and earned recognition, including the Tomorrow’s Leaders CSP Excellence Award, and won first place in the OSB Design2Transform Competition. Abobakr has advocated for innovative approaches to education and community development through public speaking and various collaborations.
Mohammad Abobakr’s project, “Digital Resilience in Yemen’s Education and Fintech Sectors,” focuses on understanding how these crucial areas have adapted to the country’s challenging digital infrastructure constraints. This exploration is driven by the need to highlight the importance of digital resilience in empowering communities facing adversity. Through this initiative, he aims to uncover and share strategies that can enhance digital access and resilience, not only in Yemen but also in regions worldwide facing similar challenges.
Reem Khalil’s experience in the public and private sectors as an IT governance practitioner and a socio-technical researcher brings a unique perspective to her work. Khalil’s research focuses on the political and social context of information systems design choices in Africa, as exemplified in her publication on e-democracy in the case of the Kenyan Integrated Elections Management System. Khalil holds a master’s degree in Information Systems and Digital Innovation from LSE.
Through her research, Khalil strongly advocates for employing digital innovations to advance digital rights, provide equitable access, and strengthen communities.
Reem’s project aims to investigate the role of telecommunications infrastructure in disaster management within Sudan’s current conflict. It examines the intersection between technological capabilities, institutional barriers, and governance models that shape the effectiveness of these tools in creating digital resilience and supporting humanitarian efforts. This research bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical considerations for ICT in emergencies.
Siba Mroueh recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Anthropology of Politics, Violence, and Crime from University College London, with a focus on think-tanks operating in West Asia and North Africa. Previously, Siba studied Arabic Language and Literature and Sociology/Anthropology at the American University of Beirut. Furthermore, she co-founded, led, and participated in various political clubs and literature societies.
Siba Mroueh plans to focus on the issue of freedom of expression in Lebanon. For years, Lebanon has been a hub for intellectuals and activists in the region. Unfortunately, many activists have recently been summoned for investigation due to expressing their opinions on various topics online. In her project, she will examine cases where freedom of expression was violated in Lebanon. Siba will consult experts, activists, and lawyers to find ways to enhance freedom of expression in the country.