The Unequal Nature of Research Collaborations Between the Global South and North
Dr. Sibonokuhle Ndlovu addresses the multi-layered inequalities and structural challenges faced by disabled female academics in the Global South within partnerships conducted with the North.
The marginalization, accessibility issues, and power dynamics experienced by disabled female academics in research collaborations between the Global South and North pose barriers to establishing fair and meaningful partnerships.
Global South and North Partnerships
At conferences held in Addis Ababa, a global consensus document emerged aimed at guiding research collaborations between the Global South and North. While this consensus aims for fair collaboration, the experiences of disabled academics lay bare the inequality of the current playing field.
The Isolation Experienced by Disabled Female Academics
Disabled women in the Global South are judged as inadequate even before starting work due to sociocultural contexts and prejudices. This situation leads them to feel intellectual isolation while working with their Northern colleagues.
Structural Inequalities and Colonial Residues
The lack of resources and digital connectivity issues of institutions in the South create a research agenda dominated by the North. While Northern researchers provide the direction, academics in the South are generally relegated to the position of data providers.
Accessibility and Infrastructure Issues
The concept of accessibility carries entirely different meanings in the two different worlds. Projects designed according to Northern standards can exclude researchers in the South who experience infrastructure and electricity problems.
Solution Proposals for the Future of Collaboration
For meaningful collaboration to be possible, the deeply rooted power dynamics and inequalities between the two worlds must first be eliminated. Only when these steps are taken can a true partnership be established.