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?
The opportunity has given me the opportunity to develop my personal research interest and perceptions of the July 2021 riots further within an academic space. The project enabled us as a team to transform nonscientific research observations into scientific data and involve international scholars in the project.
Within my personal capacity, the experience to lead the project allowed me to further enhance my personal project management skills and organisational and communication skills. The inclusion of a research team from other cultures has also strengthened my capacity to work with individuals successfully who derive from different cultural values and perspectives. As an academic, the project has enhanced my research portfolio and also strengthened my academic writing skills. There are academic publications and media publications that have emanated from this project.
- How does 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?
The project, which was funded by NIHSS, enabled me to build my research niche on social cohesion and related fields. Within the academic arena of the humanities and social sciences, securing funding to study societies, communities, and individuals can be a challenge. This hinderance impacts one’s capacity to fulfil the required research tasks, which are compulsory to build a research and publication record within a particular area of study. The grant awarded facilitated the process. This is exceptionally important for emerging academics. In addition, the findings also recommended further in-depth comparative studies amidst the BRICS countries in relation to cohesive social development and the need for structures to support this framework of development. The purpose of research is to identify the gaps within the varied socio-economic challenges South African societies experience. This objective is achieved through in-depth qualitative studies that reveal the experiences and perceptions of South Africans. In saying this, these types of studies have various challenges that can influence the overall effectiveness of the study. These challenges include eliciting truthful and accurate information from study participants and gaining access to relevant persons for the purpose of interviews and truthful information. Studies that reflect the real-life experiences of people and societies can steer the way towards transformation in South Africa. These studies motivate and sustain effective policies and measures, such as programs to aid people in South Africa. In addition, literature published in the media and in scientific journals contributes towards history, identifying social and economic challenges and trends and playing a key role in the development of corrective measures and possible solutions.
- What does the celebration of Women’s Month mean to you?
Women’s Month is about celebrating the historical fight and its progress as well as the continual journey for women to be recognised as independent beings that contribute effectively to society on so many levels. The month is about being aware and paying kudos to all the women that make a significant impact in the various sectors, whether it be the home, the economic sector, the philanthropic sector, or education. I believe that the woman, the female form, plays an integral part in the development and holistic growth of our future generation. She is the educator for life education. She teaches one how to love, how to grow and how to progress. Woman’s Month is about acknowledging the invaluable and multiple roles we play in society and in our homes, and we applaud those that have managed to attain success in their professional capacity, which has traditionally been dominated by men. Celebrating the month does not mean that we have achieved our goals; there is still a lot more to be collectively achieved. Our next focus is that women who are employed need proper support services ( from corporations and organisations) such as care facilities for their children so that they continue to grow in their respective professions. But cheers to what we have achieved thus far.
- What role do you see interdisciplinary collaboration playing in your work, and how has it enhanced the outcomes of your research and projects?
The development of interdisciplinary research engagements is a pivotal one for any academic. The value of research conducted is extended, and knowledge expertise within another discipline is explored and developed upon. This was evident as another area of research was explored through the analysis of the findings. It has added greater value to the project and enhanced the applicability of the research to more than one group of individuals within society. The collaboration process facilitated working relationships with academics from other backgrounds.