Neema Landey (38), from Tanzania, is a third-year PhD student in education at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.
Neema’s research examines the community attitudes and social constraints that contribute to low school attendance by Maasai girls. Despite existing efforts, factors such as female genital mutilation, child marriages, teen pregnancy, low value on girls’ education, and a lack of decision-making power are all significant impediments to Masai girls’ education.
Neema’s goal is to continue researching education in Africa and establish a peace center, which she is in the process of registering. The center will serve the dual purpose of being a refuge for girls who run away from home and a community library that would educate and empower young girls. Neema also hopes to continue her micro-finance scheme, which offers financial instruction and independence to many women. So far, Neema’s efforts have already helped mentor 52 girls in her community, of which one has recently gone to study abroad on a scholarship.
As a member of the Masai herself, Neema sees herself as an “inside outsider.” This position places her extremely well to support her community and influence meaningful change.
