Ella Marie Roll-Hansen

Master's student in the Professional Study Pogramme in Psychology

Ella is a student in Professional Study Programme in Psychology at UiB, focusing on female genital mutilation (FGM), mental health, and resilience.

Alongside her integrated master degree in psychology, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in comparative politics. Her main academic interests are at the intersection of psychology and politics, and include gender equality, human rights, and improving mental health outcomes in low-resource settings. She has international experience from Nepal, South Africa, and Mozambique, working on child health, community psychology, and gender equality initiatives.

Her graduate thesis will draw on survey data collected by the CMI and Norwegian Church Aid, providing insights into Ethiopian women’s experiences, attitudes, and beliefs regarding FGM. The thesis examines mental health outcomes and resilience among women who have undergone FGM in Ethiopia, aiming to identify both the key characteristics of women who experience significant mental health challenges and the protective factors that foster resilience among those who do not. By exploring these dynamics, the research seeks to strengthen the knowledge base for interventions that support affected women and reduce the mental health burdens associated with the practice.

Her research mentor at CMI is Charlotte Ringdal, and she will be a part of the Poverty and Global Health research group.