Dr. Hossein Interviewed by Future of Good Publication

Abstract - Review by the Diverse Solidarity Economies Collective (DISE) Dec 14th, 2022.

“Never an Individual Movement”: Three Prominent Activists on The State of Human Rights in Canada | Future of Good, Dec 12, 2022, Author Neha Chollangi (membership required for access)

The website Future of Good has shone a spotlight on Dr. Caroline Hossein’s human rights advocacy through her focus on the power of collective action for systemic change. She explains that any fight for human rights must concentrate on collective and community-led work. This work cannot simply build upon existing structures that have historically, and presently, alienate and exclude the very people and communities whose human rights we wish to improve.

Dr. Hossein’s particular area of interest is Africana Development & Feminist Political Economy, where she focuses on validating the efforts of Black women who are building cooperative finance movements in parallel with modern capitalist institutions. It was through this approach to research and community inclusion that the Banker Ladies Council was successfully established right here in Toronto.

The legitimization of the informal financial institutions, cooperative movements, and mutual aid systems within African diasporas is key to improving human rights. When the financial and experiential knowledge of Black women and women of colour is seen as as valid as current formal systems, their communities can have the same access to resources and success as those able to access current formal financial systems.

“It’s a human rights travesty that we deny the existence of these cooperative banks that people choose to engage in. And not only do we deny their existence, but we don’t see the labour that is involved in their community’s economic development” says Hossein. 

For her work and advocacy, Dr. Caroline Hossein was given a Canada Research Chair in 2022 - a significant accolade and boost towards her ongoing goals of ameliorating the financial mobility and social determinants of health of women of colour and their families. 

Hossein’s research works to legitimize the efforts and well of knowledge within the communities, as well as highlighting the rich history of cooperation within these groups. 

Jump to list of Dr. Caroline Hossein’s interviews and citations.