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 please share a brief overview of your research and the significance of it in the HSS space?
My research focused on the experience of previously incarcerated women who raised their babies behind bars. Women are integral part of healthy societies, and the growing population of female incarceration poses a threat to the functioning of society and the family. This study shared light of the plight of women behind bars. Women behind bars are neglected and overlooked in research because of their minority status in relation to their male counterparts and their majority status in incarceration literature. Women are often represented as mothers of babies born behind bars or victims of domestic violence and substance abuse. What makes this study original and unique is that it gave a platform for women’s voices to be heard. This is important, especially as we celebrate women’s month. All women are unique, and it is important not to forget the women behind bars.
- How has funding and support from the NIHSS influenced your academic journey and personal growth?
The financial support of the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences has helpful during my studies as I was able to purchase electronic devices for my studies. The workshops and the mentorship of Prof Nhlanhla Maake and Prof Hendricks was paramount is shaping the research and the contribution to field of humanities. I was able to present the research outputs of a previous research project that was funded by NIHSS focusing of public transport which was supervised by Prof Mondli Hlatshwayo to the department of Roads and Transport; A public lecture at Orlando West informing the community about the project; hosted a webinar at the university of Johannesburg. The financial assistance of the NIHSS has made me a better researcher and aspiring academic. I look forward to the future with courage because of the lesson learned from the workshops. NISS has been instrumental in my academic journey as I have recently graduated for my master’s degree in Sociology, and I am currently pursuing my doctoral studies.
- What inspired you to pursue your Masters Degree and what challenges did you overcome during your academic journey?
Continuous learning and my aspiration of becoming an academic inspired me to pursue my master’s degree. This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I was tested mentally as researching on vulnerable communities and the stories of these women were traumatic and it was hard for me to disconnect myself from the research. Personally, I felt like I carried the stories of these women with me. I have family members who were previously incarcerated and that made it difficult to detach on a personal level. It was rewarding as well, as I finally finished, and I was able to represent the stories of these women. As small as this contribution is, I got people thinking about women and their experiences. I’m hoping that this can cultivate a new perception of these women and possibly motivate other people to help in any way they can. I am advocating for prison reform, and I hope that someday, this dream will be realized through collaborative efforts.
- What does the celebration of Women’s Month mean to you?
Women’s day celebration means recognizing women from all works of life. The stories of resilience and the courage to get back from life’s challenges and not giving up makes life worth it. Women’s day celebration is about building sisterhood in supporting and empowering women.