Uganda: Development Studies Spring 2013
Hi friends! Welcome to my website! I'm Rachael Krishnan, a senior at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in political science and peace studies. Last spring, I had an amazing opportunity to join thirteen other students from universities across the United States in a study abroad program in Kampala, Uganda. While there, we all participated in a five week urban homestay, a three day rural homestay and took Luganda language classes. We also had the privilege of learning about some of the developmental challenges the country faces from doctors, lawyers, politicians and top lecturers from Makerere University, East Africa's leading institution of higher education. Our experiences culminated in a six week Independent Study Project (ISP) during which students ventured out on their own and conducted independent research or interned with various organizations involved in development work.
As part of my ISP, I chose to do independent research on the religious and political participation of sex workers in Kampala as well the effectiveness of the methods and programs used to rehabilitate them. I chose this topic because, as a political science student, I was interested in learning about the extent to which this population is politically active and organized. My interest in the role that religion plays in development, especially in terms of issues which affect women, stems from my experience growing up in India. From a very young age, I was exposed to the fact that religion and religious leaders have the potential to greatly impact the development of a population, whether in a positive or negative manner. I wanted to examine the ways in which religious communities in Kampala help or hinder the well being of the women who participate in sex work.
To help contextualize my research, this website includes a brief overview of Uganda's geography, economy, and political and social structures. I have also included links which further discuss my project and its findings. Enjoy!
As part of my ISP, I chose to do independent research on the religious and political participation of sex workers in Kampala as well the effectiveness of the methods and programs used to rehabilitate them. I chose this topic because, as a political science student, I was interested in learning about the extent to which this population is politically active and organized. My interest in the role that religion plays in development, especially in terms of issues which affect women, stems from my experience growing up in India. From a very young age, I was exposed to the fact that religion and religious leaders have the potential to greatly impact the development of a population, whether in a positive or negative manner. I wanted to examine the ways in which religious communities in Kampala help or hinder the well being of the women who participate in sex work.
To help contextualize my research, this website includes a brief overview of Uganda's geography, economy, and political and social structures. I have also included links which further discuss my project and its findings. Enjoy!