Technology, Sociology, and the Pursuit of Justice: Reflections from Our ACTivist of the Month
This month we’re proud to feature Xunabya Zahra, a Sociology student at the London School of Economics whose roots in Karachi, Pakistan, inspire her vision of justice, empathy, and inclusion in a rapidly changing world.
Passionate about postcolonial studies, gender justice, and social inequality, Zahra brings both a sharp academic lens and a deep humanity to her activism. Interning with us through the placement programme of the London School of Economics, Zahra represents an optimistic generation of activists who believe that research and tech, when combined, can be a force for global change.
Everyone has a story – where does Zahra’s begin?
Xunabya Zahra is a Sociology student from the London School of Economics with roots in Karachi, Pakistan, and a passion for understanding how history, politics, and technology shape society.
“I’m a Sociology student at LSE, about to start my third year. My academic interests include postcolonial studies, gender studies, and social inequality, with a particular focus on South Asia. Outside of academics, I love travelling, hiking, and spending time in nature. You’ll often find me in a random park with a coffee, enjoying the company of squirrels and birds.”
Zahra’s grounding in South Asia and her appreciation for everyday beauty shape how she sees the world: with both critical depth and gentle humanity.
What inspires you most about the intersection of technology and human rights?
“Humans have always created technology to make life easier. What inspires me most today is the responsibility we have to make it inclusive in the 21st century and to use it for the betterment of humankind.”
For Zahra, technology is more than code or hardware, it is a mirror of our values. She believes technology should do more than innovate for profit. It should lift voices, protect rights, and ensure progress reaches everyone. She remarks,
“When designed thoughtfully, technology can empower marginalised communities, protect human rights, and ensure that progress benefits everyone, not just a few.”
Why Spring ACT? What about this organisation resonated with you?
What drew Zahra to Spring ACT was the mission: using technology for good. She sees technology as a tool of empowerment, but only when it is designed thoughtfully. The widespread use of AI feels inevitable, she explains. But what really matters is how we use it.
“What first drew me to Spring ACT was the fact that it’s such a powerful cause. Spring ACT’s mission to apply technology for good resonated deeply with me, because tools like chatbot Sophia have the potential to support and empower people across the world.”
She thinks making technology inclusive should be an afterthought, it should rather be the foundation.
“For me, making technology more inclusive isn’t just an add-on, it’s essential. That’s why I was especially motivated by my role, which focused on accessibility and ensuring that Sophia can truly reach and help the people who need it most.”
It was this conviction, that technology must be designed with care, that made Spring ACT the right home for her activism, she opines.
Can you share a highlight from your placement experience with us?
Sometimes, the moments that mean the most are not the big milestones but the small affirmations. For Zahra, it was the recognition of her voice.
“One highlight from my placement was a seemingly small moment that meant a lot. My manager, Clarina, remembered a piece of feedback I had given that I had completely forgotten about and told me that the team had started working on it. It made me feel that my contributions were truly valued.”
She also notes how her ADHD needs were met with care and respect.
“It made me feel valued as a person. I absolutely loved that the company’s ethos of inclusion and empathy is reflected not just in their technology but also in how they treat interns.”
For Zahra, these experiences were proof that inclusion is not just something you design for, it is something you live out daily.
What did you learn or take away from working on the project?
“One key takeaway from working on the Sophia chatbot project was seeing how collaboration and feedback can shape a tool to better serve its users. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges of making technology truly inclusive, from language to accessibility to cultural context. Most importantly, it reinforced the value of empathy and listening closely to the people you aim to support.”
Recounting her time at Spring ACT, Zahra shares her learning on design principles and processes that make inclusion the default, not the exception. She emphasises, empathy is not just a value, it’s a design principle.
How did this experience connect to your studies or career goals?
Studying Sociology often feels removed from real-world design. For Zahra, this placement changed that. Intersectionality wasn’t a concept; it was lived through this experience.
“As a Sociology student at LSE, it was incredibly rewarding to see classroom ideas come alive through practice. Concepts like intersectionality, which we often study in an academic setting, took on a whole new meaning when applied to the Sophia chatbot and real world context.”
She adds:
“Experiencing how gender, disability, and technology intersect in real time was both eye-opening and inspiring.”
She hopes to build a career in think tanks, the UN, or the development sector, where she can combine her sociological training with technology for social change.
“This experience aligned closely with my long-term career goals – to work in think tanks, the UN, or the development sector. Spring ACT showed me how innovative tools like Sophia can drive social change. It gave me confidence that combining research with technology can make inclusion more than just a principle but a reality.”
If you could give one piece of advice to another student thinking of joining ACT, what would it be?
Her answer is simple but powerful:
“Go all in. In my experience at Spring ACT, my feedback was genuinely valued and actively used to improve the tool. The more you contribute, the more impact you can make, and the more you’ll learn along the way. Go all in.”
What’s your vision of an injustice-free world?
“My vision of an injustice-free world is one where class-based differences don’t exist and no one faces discrimination based on gender, sexuality, or background. I imagine a world where systemic divides between countries are removed, everyone has equal access to education, resources, and technology, and we all work together to address climate change so that no one is disproportionately affected by it.”
In such a world, she believes fairness and empathy should guide decisions, and diversity must be celebrated rather than used as a barrier.
What are your top 3 takeaways from your experience of working with Spring ACT?
- “The power of inclusive technology” – how thoughtful design and feedback can make tools like Sophia more impactful.
- “The importance of collaboration and listening” – diverse perspectives create stronger outcomes.
- “The impact of small contributions” – even the smallest suggestions can spark real change.
Do you have a favourite book or quote?
“One of my favourite quotes is ‘Jo hai tera lab jayega, karke koi bahana,’ which translates to ‘What is destined for you will find its way to you, by any means.’”
It is a quote that reflects both patience and determination, qualities Zahra carries into her academic and activist journey.
Finally, what’s next for you?
As she heads into her final year at LSE, Zahra feels both inspired and equipped.
“After this placement, I hope to find a role similar to this one, where I can apply my knowledge to make a meaningful impact, using technology for social good.”
Zahra’s journey reminds us that activism isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about listening, learning, and showing up fully. In her time with Spring ACT, she lived out the principle that inclusion is not just a goal, it’s a practice.
– Written by Mustapha Lawa
