Penina Olum

Penina Achieng Olum is a PhD candidate at the African Studies Centre Leiden and is working on a research project in inclusive development titled: Dynamics of Power Balance and Accountability amongst livelihoods implementing INGOs Operating in Koboko, And Yumbe Districts, West Nile Region, Northern Uganda, between 2011 and 2021.

Penina holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Studies (first class) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Her research project centered on socio- economic development in rural Kenya. The masters thesis was titled; The influence of women groups as a catalyst for socio-economic development in rural Kenya, the case of women groups in Mfangano Island, Homabay county.  

In addition to PhD undertakings, Penina’s career in international development spans over 10 years with a track record in Resource Mobilization, Program designs, and Gender & inclusivity mainstreaming of Economic Empowerment (livelihoods security, market systems strengthening) and Education (TVET) programs, both at local and international arena.  She possesses the ability to contextualize socio-economic development theories that respond to development in global South, has a high mastery of livelihoods security subject matter, and its linkage to TVET education. Penina has ability to conduct independent research and related inclusive development topics to inform practical & equitable program designs.