In honour of Women’s Month, the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) proudly presents the Women of Impact Series. This series celebrates the outstanding achievements of our female graduates, partners, and project leaders in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We showcase the groundbreaking research, extraordinary dedication, and inspiring visions of these accomplished women. Through their innovative work and unwavering commitment, they have advanced in their respective fields and shaped a more inclusive and diverse future. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions and stories.
- Can you share a bit about your journey and experiences as a project leader with the NIHSS, and how this has influenced your work and personal growth?
My journey and experiences as a project leader with the NIHSS (National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences) have been deeply enriching and transformative, both professionally and personally. Leading projects at the NIHSS has provided me with the opportunity to work on significant initiatives that address critical societal issues, from promoting social justice, peace, and security in their broadest sense to advancing educational and cultural understanding. This role grounded in a combination of strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability fashioned my leadership skills.
Throughout this experience, a key aspect has been working collaboratively with a diverse group of scholars, researchers, and practitioners from different fields. Espousing this multidisciplinary approach expanded my research outlook, enabling me to incorporate various methodologies and viewpoints into my projects. It also emphasised the significance of teamwork and effective communication in reaching shared objectives and the benefits of diversity in nurturing inventive solutions.
As a project leader, I have and continue to develop a more insightful interpretation of project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation. This has augmented my ability to manage complex projects effectively and provided a laboratory to shape my responses to flexibility and continuous change. Some unexpected challenges and setbacks have strengthened my problem-solving abilities and resilience, which I deem crucial traits in both professional and personal contexts.
Additionally, working with the NIHSS has heightened my awareness of the social, cultural, violent, and economic issues that impact our communities. This awareness has fuelled my passion for social justice. peace and equity, motivating me to contribute to initiatives that aim to create a more inclusive, peaceful, and fair society. On a personal level, this experience has fostered a greater sense of empathy and commitment to making a positive impact. Peace and security matters are close to my heart, particularly through a criminologist’s lens.
Overall, my journey with the NIHSS has been a significant learning experience, providing valuable insights and skills that have influenced my work and personal growth. It has equipped me with the tools to lead effectively, think critically, and engage thoughtfully with the complexities of our world. It is an opportunity that bolstered my academic career, foregrounded me as a researcher, and created significant opportunities for my students.
- How do your research and projects address the unique challenges and opportunities in your field, and what key insights or findings do you believe can drive meaningful change and impact in society?
My research and projects are focused on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities foregrounded in a multidisciplinary discourse, specifically in the areas of criminology, psychology, economics, natural science, and medicine, with an emphasis on cybersecurity, peace and security, and economic, health, and psychological safety and security within the BRICS bloc. By exploring the intersections of these fields, my work aims to uncover and address underlying social, economic, and medical insecurity that affects various communities in the BRICS countries.
One of the primary challenges in my field is the need to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. Thus, my projects repeatedly emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. By collaborating closely with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds—including academics, policymakers, community leaders, and activists—I ensure that our research speaks to a multitude of state and non-state actors. Key insights from my research include the recognition of the deep-rooted structural inequalities that perpetuate social, medical, and economic disparities in countries in the Global South. Problematising the historical and socio-economic contexts of these Inequalities prove crucial for developing effective interventions to facilitate global south countries meeting or addressing the 17 SDGs. These insights have highlighted the importance of creating inclusive programs and advocating for policies that protect marginalised groups.
Findings from our various research foci have been meaningful in understanding their impact on society. Our evidence-based recommendations seek to influence public policy and practice. This approach, I believe, contributes to the creation of a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. Overall, my research and projects aim to not only advance academic knowledge but also to have a tangible positive impact on society.
- What does the celebration of Women’s Month mean to you?
The celebration of Women's Month is a time to honour and recognise the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women across all walks of life. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights. For me, it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards gender equity, acknowledge the challenges that still exist, and celebrate the diverse and unique experiences of women. Women's Month also emphasises the importance of listening to and amplifying women's voices, stories, and perspectives. It's a time to celebrate the strength and accomplishments of women in various fields, from science and business to arts and activism, and to acknowledge the critical roles they play in society. Moreover, it's a period to engage in meaningful discussions and actions that support women's empowerment and challenge societal norms and structures that perpetuate inequality. It's a time to educate and advocate for policies and practices that protect and uplift women, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
- What role do you see interdisciplinary collaboration playing in your work, and how has it enhanced the outcomes of your research and projects?
Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a critical role in enhancing the depth, breadth, and impact of research and projects by bringing together diverse perspectives, methodologies, and expertise from various fields. It fosters innovation and creativity, offering fresh perspectives and diverse methods that lead to innovative solutions and new ways of thinking. The interdisciplinarity nature of my project significantly enhanced the overall outcomes of my research and projects by highlighting the need for well-rounded holistic solutions that address the multitude of socio-economic, medical, and social injustices that people in the global south experience. For example, when my interdisciplinary team combined economic models with cybersecurity strategies and psychological vulnerabilities, we were able to suggest more sustainable prevention programs. Similarly, when we incorporate psychological principles into peace and security initiatives, we were able to showcase how Community engagement and conflict resolution processes are reliant on psychology as science. This collaborative approach allows for a broader understanding of complex issues by integrating different disciplines, resulting in a more holistic view and the identification of underlying factors and interconnections that might otherwise be overlooked. Additionally, Combining methodologies from various fields enhanced the robustness and comprehensiveness of my chosen research designs, providing richer data and more nuanced insights. Interdisciplinary collaboration also facilitated the adoption of solutions across different sectors. The fact that we had a pool of skills and knowledge from across the disciplines meant we could access a broader range of resources, tools, and expertise, which shaped our thinking and made our research decisions more profound. Overall, interdisciplinary collaboration not only enriched the research process but also ensured that the recommended solutions are robust, contextually relevant, and capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges within the BRICS nations. Not forgetting that we had tons of fun when we challenged each other’s hegemonic positions where privilege once or twice almost torpedoed us.