Arélie Lubanzadio Ngindu

Research Interests: Intersectionality, Systemic Racism, Black and African Identities, Human Rights Violations, African Studies, Violence Against Women and Children, Mining Industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Arélie Lubanzadio Ngindu (she/her/elle) is an MA student in Carleton University’s Human Rights and Social Justice program. As a Congolese woman born and raised in Canada, Arélie is deeply passionate about exploring intersectional identities and the systemic barriers faced by Black people and women in Canada and globally, with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo. In her undergraduate studies in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, she conducted extensive research on the socio-economic impacts and widespread human rights violations linked to the mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her academic interests include the power dynamics between Western countries and the African continent, modern colonialism, and the societal barriers that shape opportunities for marginalized groups.

For her MA, Arélie plans to examine the lives of women and children in the mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo, uncovering the intersection of systemic exploitation and social inequality. Her professional and volunteer experience reflects her dedication to social justice, including her work at a francophone women’s shelter supporting survivors of domestic violence, participating in protests such as Black Lives Matter and Take Back the Night, and engaging in a humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic in 2019 that strengthened her commitment to advocacy.

Looking ahead, Arélie aims to examine and challenge systemic and colonial barriers impacting people of colour and women, both in Canada and in the DRC. She envisions creating an initiative that advocates for the rights and empowerment of Black women and children in these contexts. She chose the MA in HRSJ at Carleton for its interdisciplinary approach to critically analyzing human rights and addressing contemporary social justice issues, aligning with her goal to combine academic knowledge with experiential learning to drive meaningful change. Ultimately, Arélie aspires to be a voice and catalyst for equity, justice, and development in her communities and beyond.