After ten years of working as a physician in palliative medicine in Nova Scotia, Canada, Saneea Abboud felt a pull in a different direction. Although her work was deeply meaningful, she began to feel that it was time for something new – something that could create broader systemic change. The calling to do something different led her back to school, pursuing a Master of Science in Global Health. Saneea’s internship at KWN, facilitated through Isla Internships, marks the final component of her degree – and her first-ever experience in Kosovo.
Saneea’s interest in human rights – and particularly women’s rights – made KWN a natural fit when exploring potential internship opportunities. Even during her medical training, Saneea had a specific interest in helping women. At the time, she thought she might pursue gynecology. She didn’t, but the passion for women’s rights and well-being remained. When asked about where this dedication comes from, Saneea states that “It might just be that women are so inequitably served everywhere around the world, that I wanted to help in whatever way I can. I am an empowered woman myself, with a lot of privilege with my education, coming from the country that I come from… so, it just feels like I should help if I can.”
During her internship, Saneea has contributed across several areas, including KWN’s Health Program, where her background proved especially valuable. She has, for example, been involved in a new research effort focused on personal assistance for people with disabilities, where her contributions include a legal analysis. The research is related to KWN’s action “Improving the Capacities of Civil Society to Increase Access to Quality Social Protection for Diverse Women and Men”, which is being implemented together with two partner organizations, and supported by the European Union Office in Kosovo. It explores challenges faced by personal assistants – most of whom are women, and often family members of the person with a disability. Saneea notes that while similar challenges likely exist in Canada too, people there may have more protections in place.
Beyond the Health Program, Saneea has also contributed to research in other areas where health intersects with broader social and environmental issues. This includes work on a study on transportation, where she focused on health-related aspects – such as how air pollution can harm physical health and how the lack of accessible infrastructure may negatively affect mental well-being. She has also explored challenges in health policy, including why certain laws, like those related to health insurance, have yet to be implemented despite being in place for several years.
In addition to research and policy work, Saneea has supported communication efforts by updating materials for KWN’s website and program factsheets, and by writing stories from events such as the Women, Peace and Security Forum and the FemArt Festival.
The transition to Kosovo wasn’t difficult for Saneea, though a few things took some getting used to – especially the language barrier, and, she jokes with a laugh, “the smoking everywhere – but I don’t know if you want to put that in the story.” Still, she enjoys many aspects of life in Pristina, including how vibrant and walkable the city is. Back home, she lives too far from the city center to walk, so this was a refreshing change. She has also taken advantage of Kosovo’s location to travel on weekends, visiting Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece. Most of her trips have been hiking-focused. She quickly noted that Kosovo is perfect for hiking, and Montenegro was the biggest hike she has ever done in her life.
Saneea sees her time at KWN not just as a professional milestone, but as part of a larger shift toward purpose-driven work. “Kosovo is definitely behind when it comes to equality and women’s rights – or even rights in general,” she says candidly. But she leaves with a better understanding of the global feminist movement and the people who are powering it. Reflecting on her time at KWN, Saneea expresses admiration for the organization’s hard work and dedication, stating “It makes me feel like the NGOs are really doing THE work.”
As she prepares to finish her degree, Saneea is still considering what’s next. She hopes to make a transition from full-time clinical work to something more directly related to human rights, possibly reducing her hours in palliative care while working part-time with another organization, potentially even remotely. Saneea has also expressed interest in continuing to support the work she’s been involved in at KWN, from Canada.
If you would like to contribute to KWN’s work, we are always looking for ways to engage dedicated volunteers from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about our Volunteer Program, please contact us at info@womensnetwork.org.
