Diane Gardsbane

About Diane Gardsbane

I am using skills gained throughout my professional career as a volunteer activist for pro democracy, human rights and social justice issues both in the US and elsewhere, while continuing to engage in research and writing on gender-based violence. I am an applied feminist anthropologist with more than 30 years of experience that includes ethnographic and qualitative research; strategic planning and program implementation; capacity building and institutional strengthening; gender/GBV analysis and gender/GBV integration across sectors; and, mixed methods evaluation in international and domestic arenas. I have also focused on gender and social norms, human rights policy and practice, and education. My interests include working with global stakeholders to promote the strategic funding of effective approaches to GBV prevention and response.I have led projects funded by diverse donors and organizations, including USAID, UN agencies, the World Bank, US Peace Corps, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US National Academies of Science, US Department of State, and NGOs in sectors that include health, democracy & governance, transport and infrastructure; education; and humanitarian assistance. I am a skilled facilitator using participatory and appreciative methodologies. I\'ve lived in Uganda, Kenya, Swaziland/eSwatini, Jamaica, and Israel; and, worked across Africa, as well as in Europe; East Asia; and parts of the Middle East.

Experience

1. Pro-democracy, Human Rights, and Social Justice Activist

   Volunteer

   Jan 2025 — Present · Baltimore, MD, US

   Working as a volunteer to support organizations in Baltimore City and elsewhere to protect our democracy.

Education

• SUNY-Buffalo

  MA, Anthropology

  1982

• University of Maryland

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Anthropology

  2007 — 2015

• Washington Montessori Institute

  Elementary teaching diploma (AMI)

  1993

• Loyola University Maryland

  Master's degree, Education

  1996

Skills

• Workshop Facilitation
• Hiv Prevention
• Policy Analysis
• Global Health
• Leadership Development
• Ngos
• Program Evaluation
• Program Management
• Gender Analysis
• Program Development
• Qualitative Research
• Policy
• Capacity Building
• International Development
• Human Rights
• Training
• Organizational Development
• Research
• Technical Assistance
• Strategic Planning