Becky Zelikson has more than 5 years of experience in international development and human rights. Thematically, her work has focused on issues of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the non-profit sector, gender-based violence and access to justice, access to healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, political participation, sexual and reproductive health rights, and women, peace and security. She has worked with the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), a grassroots organization in Thailand and Myanmar, and with Make Every Woman Count (MEWC), an African women-led NGO based in the continent and the diaspora.

Her priority always is to amplify local voices, particularly those at the intersection of multiple forms of oppression, and to advocate for solutions that are aligned with their priorities. She is committed to capacity building at the local level, continuously aiming to increase project ownership and reduce reliance on global north technical assistance.

Becky is experienced in conducting desk research on multiple thematic issues, drawing from large quantitative and qualitative data datasets, as well as in collecting primary qualitative data. She is well-versed in participatory research methodologies, particularly Feminist Participatory Action-based Research (FPAR), and is informed by Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, aiming to use research and education as a means to building a “critical consciousness” that would enable people to create change in their lives.

In addition to research skills, Becky has over 3 years of experience in communications, particularly in knowledge translation and mobilization through visualization of data for layperson audiences, and dissemination of research findings through various media channels. She has created vibrant infographics, charts, and blog posts, and has designed robust interactive social media campaigns geared at empowering African women through information about their rights, services available to them, and sharing their success stories.

Becky holds a BA in International Development Studies from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Critical Development Studies. She has a proven track record of working effectively with diverse teams in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and East Asia, and is currently based in Canada.