Living decoloniality (Carla Vitantonio)

In the first episode of Living Decoloniality, Carla Vitantonio shares with us the story of the podcast and the reasons that moved her to create it.
She introduces us to the doubts (or, as a social scientist would say, the research questions) that animated her research and to the answers she found: She shares the reference framework used through the episodes, briefly talking about the concept of coloniality, and she suggests ways to use and enjoy the podcast.

Resources:
Anibal Quijano, Colonialidad Eurocentrismo y America Latina
Nelson Maldonaldo Torres, On the coloniality of being
Maria Lugones, The coloniality of Gender
Eugene Bardach, The extrapolation problem


How was it recorded? studio

In this episode Carla Vitantonio interviews Karishma Shafi (she/her)
Karishma is a program manager at One future collective.
She is an activist and researcher in the field of gender, media and culture. She aims to understand and address gender-based oppression along the axes of power and privilege. Her work at OFC focuses on shifting public narrative and policy with a social justice orientation.

One Future Collective is a feminist social purpose organisation with a vision of a world built on social justice, led by communities of care. We exist to nurture people’s feminist and rights-based leadership and influence their micro-communities and ecosystems to achieve social justice: through an alt school, advocacy lab and feminist justice project.

Starting from a definition of coloniality, Karishma shares her lived experience as a woman grown up in India, and brings us to reflect on coloniality in several realms, insisting on coloniality of knowledge. She explains how projects are often built on knowledge and practices that are not related to the knowledge and practices of the community that participates into the project.

When asked about her decolonial practices, she especially focuses on community work, and challenges concepts as “service provision”, proposing alternatives through examples from OFC’s work.

Resources:
One future collective
Fairshare of women leaders, on Feminist Leadership
Nokuthula Hlabangane, The underside of modern knowledge: an epistemic break from western science
Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings, Through the looking glass: Coloniality and mirroring in localisation Srilatha Batliwala, All about power

How was it recorded? whatsapp messages for Karishma, and improvised studio for Carla’s voice

This episode is focused on cooperation among universities.
This kind of cooperation, fostered by programs and funds called “cooperation North-South” or “triangular cooperation”, sits on a number of unspoken colonial dynamics that Carla will start unpacking through her interview.

The guests of this episode are three researchers: Adriana Moreno Cely, Kewan Mertens and Viola Nyakato. Through the story of how they personally met and decided to have open-ended transformative dialogues to iteratively unveil coloniality in their life and work, the 3 researchers share with us their decolonial practices and the methodology they are developing to tackle their own coloniality.

Resources:
Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni, Decolonization, Decoloniality, and the Future of African Studies: A Conversation (by Duncan Omanga)
Morgan Ndlovu, Coloniality of Knowledge and the Challenge of Creating African Futures
Kewan Mertens, Reassembling disaster risk: towards a more self reflexive and enabling geography

How was it recorded? first interview through whatsapp messages, second interview on zoom

In this episode of Living Decoloniality, Carla interviews Themrise Khan.
Themrise is an independent professional in international development, based in Pakistan, who is working to develop what she calls “a new ecosystem for international aid”.
Themrise is not interested in using the framework of coloniality, although what she says echoes very much concepts and theories discussed in this podcast so far. She aims at creating a new roadmap that each country -and she stresses the national dimension of her plan – changes the way they live, provide, and ask for international aid.

Resources:
Themrise’s website
Keynote speech at the 2023 Humanitarian Leadership Conference

How was it recorded? zoom interview for Themrise. studio recording for Carla

In this episode Carla Vitantonio interviews Nigerian health worker and activist Jennifer Uchendu. Jennifer is the founder of Sustyvibes, a community where young people with a passion for a just world come together to connect and design new ways of living, for themselves, the planet and the world at large. Carla and Jennifer talk about decolonial practices when linked to ecoanxiety, to narratives, but also to power relations and to how those power relations shall be unveiled, even when relations with donors are involved

Resources:
https://sustyvibes.org/
Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí, The Invention of Women: Making an African Sense of Western Gender Discourses
Sabelo Ndlovu Gatsheni, Coloniality of Power in Development Studies and the Impact of Global Imperial Designs on Africa

How was it recorded? Interview on zoom

In this episode Carla Vitantonio talks to Kenneth Amaeshi about the project he is supporting in Nigeria.
While talking about ways to improve livelihood for people and community, Kenneth admits that too often solutions are brought from abroad that don’t match local needs, practices, habits and customs. Kenneth explains how his working group and himself are, on the contrary, trying to build new opportunities based on local networks and practices.

Resources:
Peter Ekeh, Colonialism and the two publics in Africa: a theoretical statement
Walter Mignolo, Coloniality, Subalterne Knowledge, Border Thinking
Srilatha Batliwala, Taking the power out of empowerment: an experiential account

How was it recorded? Live interview and studio for Carla’s voice re-recording

In this last episode of the first season of Living Decoloniality, Carla goes back to her initial purpose and recalls her initial questions.
She then summarizes the topics addressed through the season an mentions topics that she would like to touch in the next one.

In this episode I reflect on the journey of this podcast, drawing inspiration from my sabbatical in Florence to the streets of Havana.
I recall the framework of the Colonial Matrix of Power, and I introduce the second season and its themes.
We will dive into Coloniality of Being, Coloniality of Knowledge, and Coloniality of Gender in the aid sector.Embracing the concept of extrapolation, we move beyond sector boundaries.

No longer limited to replicating practices, we explore diverse contexts, seeking inspiration from unconventional sources.
Let’s challenge colonial structures and discover new possibilities.

The transcript is available here


Sources:

• Situated Knowledges: The Science Question in Feminism and the Privilege of Partial Perspective
• Epistemic Disobedience, Independent Thought and De-Colonial Freedom
• On Decoloniality: Concepts, Analytics, Praxis
• Colonialidad del poder, eurocentrismo y América Latina
• The Extrapolation Problem: How Can We Learn from the Experience of Others?

In this episode of 'Living Decoloniality,' I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Charles Kojo Vandyck.
From challenging colonial mindsets to reshaping narratives in the aid sector, Charles shares his journey and introduces 'Alternative Convos,' a podcast aiming to amplify diverse voices in international development.
Join me as I delve into the complexities of decolonizing minds and practices, redefining leadership, and creating spaces for alternative narratives. 


The transcript is available here



Sources: 

• Decolonizing Knowledge: From Development to Dialogue
• Beyond the Master's Tools?: Decolonizing Knowledge Orders, Research Methods and Teaching
• Epistemic Decolonization: A Critical Investigation into the Anticolonial Politics of Knowledge
• Alternative Convos

In this episode I address one of the implicit narratives of coloniality: the narrative that  separates humans from nature, giving the firsts power over the second.
I delve into the concept of 'coloniality of being' and its impact on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). 

In an insightful interview with two members of the Feminist Hiking Collective, I explore their research triggers, and learn how they rebel against colonial perspectives, and navigate the intersection of nature, humanity, and decoloniality.


The transcript is available here

FHC - Feminist Hiking Collective is a feminist non-profit organisation formed in January 2020 and registered in Italy.    Their aim is to contribute to transformative system change through feminist popular education, research and resource co-creation; and to build collective feminist leadership and power through hiking.


Sources: 

• A decolonial feminism 
• All about power
• Achieving Transformative Feminist Leadership 
• Feminist Hiking Collective

In this episode I’ll have a transformative chat with Patrick and Suhee, artists based in Daejeon, South Korea.
We delve into their journey to reconnect with nature, challenging societal norms and embracing ecological respectability.
Discover the essence of their creative studio, City as Nature, and their rebellion against coloniality. Explore the power of finding a place, recognizing your existence, and giving yourself permission to engage with nature deeply.
Can we bring any of these practices to our daily work?

Tune in for an inspiring conversation breaking free from conventional norms. 

The transcript is availeble here.

Sources: 

• Placing diverse knowledge systems at the core of transformative climate research , 
• Representation of Indigenous peoples in climate change reporting, 
• El Buen Vivir y los saberes ancestrales frente al neo-extractivismo del siglo XXI, 
• Implementing ‘Vivir Bien’: Results and Lessons from the Biocultura Programme, Bolivia, 
• City as Nature

Mara Tissera Luna, a polyglot international consultant with over a decade of expertise in protection and forced migration, delves into the critical intersection of inclusive research and societal engagement. Explore how Mara's unique blend of skills in social anthropology and public administration informs her work in addressing root causes and developing policies for displaced populations across Latin America, the US, and Europe. Discover the power of decentering knowledge hierarchies, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering a more equitable world.

The transcript is available here


Sources: 

• Mara Tissera Luna 
• Epistemic decentering in education for responsibility: revisiting the theory and practice of educational integrity
• Decentering academia through critical unlearning in transdisciplinary knowledge production 
• Possibilities and complexities of decolonising higher education: critical perspectives on praxis
• Living Decoloniality, S01 E03- Adriana, Kewan and Viola 

In this episode we dive into thought-provoking conversations with Karishma Shafi, who is working with One Future Collective, a feminist organization dedicated to social justice in India. From challenging colonial legacies to reimagining knowledge systems, Karishma shares invaluable insights that resonate across disciplines, suggesting alternative practices through examples provided by her work at OFC.

The transcrip is available here

Sources: 

• Colonial legacies, postcolonial ‘selfhood’ and the (un)doing of Africa
• One Future Collective
• Precolonial Intellectuals and the Production of Colonial Knowledge
• The Production of Colonial Knowledge and the Role of Native Intellectuals: The Case of Kavali Borraiah
• How we see the world: use of maps in transnational policies
• Coloniality of Knowledge and the Challenge of Creating African Futures
• Coloniality of power and de-colonial thinking

This episode needs an introduction: we defend the spontaneity of podcasts and we think that linking professionality to the use of expensive technical means is yet one more attempt to keep power and resources in the hands of those few who can afford them.
Nevertheless we are conscious that the sound of this episode is especially disturbing.
Thank you for keeping supporting us, your support is our strength!


Join us as we conclude the second season of this podcast. We explore the essence of decolonial practices, reflecting on our journey.
We try to pull the threads of the practices discussed: reconnecting with nature, challenging binaries and imagining a more equitable future.  

What does it mean in a world where humanitarian and development actions are more needed than ever?
What does it mean for people working in our sector? 
How can we practice decoloniality and remain relevant?

Until next time, stay engaged, curious and decolonial.

The transcript is available here.

In this opening episode of Season 3, we’re reconnecting with the essence of Living Decoloniality and diving into reflections from our journey so far. Join us as we unpack key lessons from the first two seasons, revisit the fundamentals of coloniality, and set the stage for the conversations to come. Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is your gateway to understanding the ongoing impacts of coloniality and our paths toward decolonial futures. Let’s continue this journey together!

The transcript is here.

Sources:

• Frantz Fanon’s Enduring Legacy By Pankaj Mishra
• Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon
• Positionality Statements as a Function of Coloniality: Interrogating Reflexive Methodologies by Jasmine K Gani, Rabea M Khan
• Decolonizing the aid sector: how the global minority is holding on to power, by Carla Vitantonio
• Coloniality and the "aid bubble": can language be a driver for change? by Carla Vitantonio

In this episode of Living Decoloniality, we sit down with Dawit Taddele Dessie. Dawit considers himself a person who works to promote sustainable change. Currently, his interest is mainly focused on the intersection between technology and development. Dawit shares insights on how he is engaging in  reshaping philanthropy in East Africa. We'll dive into his work at Project Tech for Development, the role of tech-enabled solutions in nonprofit work, and his vision for decolonizing philanthropy through long-term sustainability, data-driven insights, and strategic partnerships. He emphasizes that true decolonization must begin with a shift in mindset, transforming the way we think before we can reshape systems and institutions
Sources: 

• 3 ways to decolonize philanthropy right now, Geoffrey Thige, Jailan Adly
• Funders must reckon with the true motivations of philanthropy if they want to decolonise, Laura Somoggi and Shivani Gupta
• https://www.wildeganzen.org/
• https://kcdf.or.ke/
• Opinion: To truly walk the talk is to decolonize philanthropy

Dawit Taddele Dessie is a seasoned changemaker with over 15 years of experience driving transformative impact across diverse sectors. Currently, he is at the forefront of integrating technology into development through his role at Project Tech for Development, where he builds scalable and sustainable solutions, strengthens nonprofit tech capacity, and leverages open-source technology for the public good. Simultaneously, he serves as a strategic advisor to the East Africa Philanthropy Network, architecting an integrated ecosystem centered around three key pillars:

• Endowment/Pool Fund: Fostering long-term organizational sustainability through strategic fundraising and partnerships.
• Tech-Enabled Data Mapping Platform: Creating a comprehensive data-driven landscape of the East African philanthropic ecosystem.
• Technology Integration and Custom Tech Products: Empowering network members with innovative technology solutions to maximize impact.

A skilled collaborator, Dawit excels at building bridges between diverse stakeholders to drive systemic change. With a keen ability to identify opportunities and translate vision into action. Passionate about harnessing collective intelligence, he seeks collaborative partnerships to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

The transcript is here

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Safieh, a trailblazer in decolonizing global health. With over 15 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, Safieh shares practical tools to dismantle the coloniality of knowledge and being within international public health projects. From her work as a medical doctor to establishing the first open-access, multi-country Ebola data repository, Safieh’s journey is a testament to the power of intersectional feminism, open science, and decolonial approaches.

Sources: 

• Transforming global health: decoloniality and the human condition, Raphael Lencucha
• Towards a bidirectional decoloniality in academic global health: insights from settler colonialism and racial capitalism, Bram Wispelwey, Chidinma Osuagwu, David Mills, Tinashe Goronga, Michelle Morse
• Shifting Power in Global Health: Creating partnerships to put decoloniality into practice, United Nations Univeristy
• Why and for whom are we decolonising global health?, Ong’era F Mogakaa, Jenell Stewart, Elizabeth Bukusi
• Safieh' s newsletter
• Epistemic violence in the humanitarian sector

You can find the complete transcript here

In this episode we welcome Michelle Lokot, an esteemed researcher and practitioner, to explore the coloniality of gender and how it intersects with monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in humanitarian contexts. Michelle shares practical tools for fostering decolonial approaches to M&E, drawing on her extensive experience in feminist research, GBV, and qualitative methods. As Co-Director of the Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre at LSHTM, Michelle brings unique insights into the power hierarchies shaping gender, forced migration, and humanitarian aid. With years of frontline experience in Jordan, Nigeria, and Burundi, and collaborations with agencies like UNICEF and IRC, Michelle’s expertise will challenge and inspire your perspective on humanitarian work. 

The link to the transcript is here

Sources: 

• Gani, J.K & Khan, R.M,  Positionality Statements as a Function of Coloniality: Interrogating Reflexive Methodologies
• Lokot, M., Pichon, M., Kalichman, B., Nardella, S., Falconer, J., Kyegombe, N., & Buller, A. M.,  Decolonising the field of violence against women and girls: A scoping review and recommendations for research and programming.
• Lokot, M., Reflecting on Race, Gender and Age in Humanitarian-Led Research: Going Beyond Institutional to Individual Positionality.
• Lokot, M.,  Whose Voices? Whose Knowledge? A Feminist Analysis of the Value of Key Informant Interviews.
• Meger, S, The Fetishization of Sexual Violence in International Security.
• Zreik, T., El Masri, R., Chaar, S., Ali, R., Meksassi, B., Elias, J., & Lokot, M., Collaborative Coding in Multi-National Teams: Benefits, Challenges and Experiences Promoting Equitable Research.

In this episode, Ayelén Amigo joins us to explore coloniality of age, a concept that she created during her studies and shares practical tools for decolonisation projects with children. Applying her extensive academic training and years of participatory work with children and adolescents in Argentina and Mexico, Ayelén shares how adult-centrism and patriarchy shape childhood experiences. Focusing on the integration of feminist perspectives and on the use of the "pedagogy of tenderness", Ayelén offers valuable insights into creating more inclusive and equitable approaches to youth work. 

The transcript is here.

Sources: 

• Linde, R., The globalization of childhood: The international diffusion of norms and law against the child death penalty. 
• Nxumalo, F., & Cedillo, S.,  Decolonizing place in early childhood studies: Thinking with Indigenous onto-epistemologies and Black feminist geographies. 
• Elizabeth A. Faulkner and Conrad Nyamutata, The Decolonisation of Children’s Rights and the Colonial Contours of the Convention on the Rights of the Child