HARC PhD Candidate Janet Ocloo Receives International Doctoral Research Award

Huge congratulations to HARC PhD candidate Janet Ocloo on receiving the International Doctoral Research Award. Funded by the International Doctoral Research Centre (IDRC), the International Doctoral Research Awards (IDRA) aim to strengthen the research capacity of doctoral students enrolled at Canadian universities. The IDRA program supports field research undertaken in the Global South.

Janet is the FIRST student at the University of Northern British Columbia to receive this award!

Janet’s research, supervised by HARC Director Dr Sarah de Leeuw, uses narrative-informed qualitative research to explore support systems and quality of life for caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Ghana. Centring the often-silent voices of caregivers, who are predominantly women, Janet examines how gender, culture, and historical influences shape caregiving experiences. Drawing on lived experiences and healthcare expertise, she uses critical feminist, social justice, and anti-colonial frameworks to amplify marginalized perspectives. Her work addresses systemic inequities, informs inclusive policies, and advocates to empower support systems that will improve caregivers’ well-being in Ghana and the Global South.

Congrats, Janet!