Nabila's Journal and Legacy
Nabila was a gifted individual who left a lasting legacy through her work.
Nabila was an old soul who always had an inquisitive mind. This is reflected in her many articles and work, which were always interesting and thought-provoking. She was always keen to learn new things and share her knowledge with others. Nabila was a talented writer and had a knack for research. This made her work stand out from the rest. Her passion for writing and learning was evident in everything she did.
Written by Nabila Walji in Arts Commons
Nabil Walji is an Albertan who lived in Europe for the past few years. In a recent article, she reflects on what it meant to travel and how her experiences changed her perspectives. For Nabila, travel was not about simply seeing new places instead, it was about connecting with people and learning about their cultures and customs.
Written by Nabila Walji in Arts Commons
UnBelonging in my Fatherland is a collection of visual reflections on belonging in East Africa by an East-African-South-Asian-Canadian. In the past five years, Nabila spent significant time in East Africa, from where her Father’s family comes. Not having visited the region growing up, living there as an adult could be construed as a homecoming. But there too, just like in Canada, belonging was not found. By showcasing Africa’s diversity, this exhibition aims to combat pervasive stereotypes about the African continent and its diaspora.
View the UnBelonging in my Fatherland's Virtual Gallery
Written by Nabila Walji in Arts Commons
In our image-obsessed culture, it's easy to forget the power of a single image. But as photographer Nabila reminds us, an image can be much more than just a pretty picture. It can be a window into the soul of its subject, and a tool for seeing the world in new and unexpected ways. Her work is a testament to the power of image, and her ability to see the world through a lens is truly inspirational.
Written by Nabila Walji in The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Nabila's exploration of identity, culture, discrimination and community through her combined academic-artistic photographic and writing practice is greatly informed by her partly East African heritage. In many ways, Nabila feels a great responsibility to use her platform to give voice to those who often go unheard. Through her work, Nabila hopes to shine a light on the experiences of marginalised communities and spark vital conversations about the issues that affect them. She firmly believes that art has the power to move people and create change, and she is passionate about using her talents to make a difference in the world.
From humble beginnings in 1922, when a small group of Ismailis gathered for weekly prayers in a rented house in Nairobi, the Town Jamatkhana has stood as a symbol of our community’s solidarity and resilience for a hundred years. Over the years, Ismailis who attended as children have gone on to make important contributions to business, academia, and civil society in Kenya and around the world, as have their children and grandchildren in turn. “I’ve heard so many stories centred around Town Jamatkhana, and there must be many more I haven’t heard,” said Nabila Walji, from Edmonton, Canada.
'The Protagonist in the Image: Dominant Representations of Korogocho and the Power of Youth to Take Back What is Rightfully Theirs'
Written by Nabila Walji in Fields Terrains Academic Journal
The experiences of people living in slums are diverse and striking, and cannot be easily summarized or encapsulated in theories. Many have suggested participant photography and videography as a means of self-expression, especially for youth. Within slums, this has led to independent artists who have taken control by sharing images of their environment with the world. These artists provide an important perspective on life within slums, and their work helps to humanize an often-misunderstood population.
Nabila has always been a keen reader, and her local public library has been a constant source of both education and enjoyment throughout her life. Nabila shares in this interview how the library has always been a place of warmth and welcome, and it instilled in her a love of books and learning that stayed with her throughout life. The public library has had a profound impact on Nabila's life, and she was very grateful for the role it played in her personal development.
Organization Co-Founded and Managed by Nabila Walji
Nabila's mother was diagnosed with leukaemia. While her mother underwent treatment, Nabila made it her mission to educate others about the importance of being a stem cell donor. She knew that by simply "brushing your cheek," you could potentially save someone's life. Through social media, Nabila reached out to potential donors and shared her story. At the same time, she helped to organize stem cell donation drives across the world. Nabila’s work is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the fight against leukaemia. Read on...
