Public work

Policy, rights and inclusion

I work on disability rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with particular attention to women with disabilities. I also work on women's rights and gender-based violence, and on how institutions respond to violence against women.

COSP19, United Nations Headquarters, New York, 2026

The 19th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held to mark the convention's twentieth anniversary. I took part as a Doctoral Fellow with the Institute on Disability and Public Policy, including a side session run with the Internet Governance Lab and the UNESCO Chair on Transnational Challenges and Governance on AI, data analytics, community engagement and disability rights monitoring.

Ibi Kontein with a colleague at the United Nations Headquarters Sphere sculpture during COSP19 — COSP19, United Nations Headquarters, New York

Fellowships

Doctoral Fellow, Institute on Disability and Public Policy, American Universitysince 2026
Student Fellow, Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, American University2025 to 2026

Community and education

Education support

Since 2019 we have paid exam fees for children in community nursery, primary and secondary schools across Port Harcourt. We also buy school bags and other school materials.

If you would like to be part of this, get in touch.

Ibi Kontein embracing a child during a school visit in Port Harcourt — School visit, Port Harcourt

Tiny Thespians

I teach theatre to children through Tiny Thespians ↗, a Sabi Arts programme. The workshops are free.

Ibi Kontein leading a children's theatre workshop indoors, with children seated in a semicircle on a wooden floor

Ibi Kontein leading a children's theatre workshop under a thatched pavilion, with children seated on woven mats