FOOTSTEPS

Dr. Mary J Shariff, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba
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"FOOTSTEPS" is an engaging audio series produced by the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, aimed at discussing the Master of Human Rights (MHR) program, graduate students making a difference, and fostering a deeper understanding of human rights issues. This podcast serves as an educational platform, featuring insightful discussions with students, professors, experts and practitioners in the field of human rights.  Each episode explores topics related to social justice, international and domestic law and policy, human rights, advocacy and humanitarian action, offering listeners a glimpse into the MHR program and the work of its graduate students and community partners. Together, the episodes highlight different approaches to human rights education and advocacy and examine how individuals and communities are understanding and responding to contemporary human rights challenges. By highlighting stories and perspectives of MHR students and other changemakers locally, nationally and around the globe, the podcast not only educates but also inspires listeners to consider an educational and career path in human rights and become and  become agents of social change. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply an interested individual, this podcast offers valuable insights and a broadened perspective on the vital issues surrounding human rights and human rights education today.

Episodes

  1. Aug 31

    Caring About People: Community, Harm Reduction and Human Rights

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Master of Human Rights student and host Maddy Nowosad speaks with fellow MHR student Ellie Namit and Jonny Mexico of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network about what it means to approach harm reduction through dignity, care, and community. As Jonny explains, harm reduction is not only about safer substance use; at its core, it is about relationships, connection, and recognizing that people who use substances deserve not to die.  Their conversation explores a challenging subject with an emphasis on kindness, community, and the responsibility to care about one another. They discuss common misconceptions about harm reduction, the importance of language and framing, and the ways public narratives can either deepen stigma or create space for brave and creative responses centred on dignity, health, and care.  Ellie and Jonny also reflect on both the possibilities and limitations of law and policy. While legal and policy frameworks can protect rights, strengthen services, and support community-based work, they can also become restrictive or punitive when they lose sight of the people most affected. Throughout the episode, they return to a central question: how can communities respond to the toxic drug crisis with the full range of supports people need, while respecting their dignity, agency, and fundamental human rights. For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

  2. Jul 31

    Canadian Olympian Annie Guglia advocates for the Human Right to Participate in Sport

    Send us Fan Mail Annie Guglia (she/her) is a four-time Canadian national champion and the first Canadian woman to compete in street skateboarding at the Olympic Games. Through her work as a professional athlete, community organizer, and advocate, she is helping advance gender equity and the right of everyone to participate in sport and the right to play.  At eleven, Annie was fascinated by skateboarding but too intimidated to enter her local skatepark. In conversation with Master of Human Rights student  Maddy Nowosad, she reflects on the people who invited her in, the importance of creating welcoming first experiences, and why grassroots organizing must be supported by policies and structures that make inclusion real. Episode Host: Maddy Nowosad (she/her) For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

  3. Jun 30

    Honouring Our Relatives Through Research

    Send us Fan Mail Ana-Maria Costa (she/her) is a Master of Human Rights student at the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba who is honouring her family and the thousands of other victims of the 1973 Chilean coup d'état through her thesis research. In elementary school, her teacher gifted her the book 'Underground to Canada' by Barbara Smucker, sparking a care and curiosity for the causes of human rights violations that she would carry throughout her academic career.  As Ana-Maria approaches her thesis, she sat down with Footsteps guest host and fellow classmate Maddy Nowosad (she/her), to reflect on the relational nature of human rights research, and the importance of talking with our own families and communities about the places we come from, and how those contexts shape our human rights work.   For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

  4. 12/06/2024

    Do you really know your ABCs? The curious connections between education and human rights.

    Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode features an interview with Dr. Laura Reimer, whose lifelong commitment to human rights stemmed from childhood observations of injustice and invisibility. Her career path, from political science to public administration, education, and peace and conflict studies, reflects a growing understanding of the interconnectedness of justice, governance, education and human rights-informed decision-making. Dr. Reimer emphasizes the importance of addressing identity conflicts through understanding common ground, highlighting her research in education, the experiences of Indigenous students and her early role in developing the experiential practicum, a hallmark of the Master of Human Rights program at the University of Manitoba. The interview concludes with advice for aspiring human rights advocates, stressing the need for empathy, humility, and perseverance in the face of challenging work. For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

  5. 11/15/2024

    Maybe you already know, even if you don’t...

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Kira, a Master of Human Rights student at the University of Manitoba, to explore her unexpected but powerful journey into the world of human rights. Kira's story is a perfect example of how, even when we think we don’t have it all figured out, the path forward often becomes clear when we allow ourselves to explore and follow our passions. For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

  6. 10/30/2024

    How Can I Make a Difference? Explore the first Master of Human Rights Program in Canada at the University of Manitoba

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for an exciting episode of FOOTPRINTS as we dive into the University of Manitoba’s groundbreaking Master of Human Rights program—the first in Canada! Explore its unique interdisciplinary approach, vibrant Winnipeg as a human rights center, and essential admissions insights. Discover how this program can support you to make a difference ! For more information on the Master of Human Rights please visit our website.

    How Can I Make a Difference? Explore the first Master of Human Rights Program in Canada at the University of Manitoba
  • 6 Episodes

About

"FOOTSTEPS" is an engaging audio series produced by the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, aimed at discussing the Master of Human Rights (MHR) program, graduate students making a difference, and fostering a deeper understanding of human rights issues. This podcast serves as an educational platform, featuring insightful discussions with students, professors, experts and practitioners in the field of human rights.  Each episode explores topics related to social justice, international and domestic law and policy, human rights, advocacy and humanitarian action, offering listeners a glimpse into the MHR program and the work of its graduate students and community partners. Together, the episodes highlight different approaches to human rights education and advocacy and examine how individuals and communities are understanding and responding to contemporary human rights challenges. By highlighting stories and perspectives of MHR students and other changemakers locally, nationally and around the globe, the podcast not only educates but also inspires listeners to consider an educational and career path in human rights and become and  become agents of social change. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply an interested individual, this podcast offers valuable insights and a broadened perspective on the vital issues surrounding human rights and human rights education today.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Mary J Shariff, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 FOOTSTEPS
  • Show Website
    FOOTSTEPS