South Asian Women in Higher Education: SAWHE Speaks

We spoke to University of Salford lecturer Dr Devindi Geekiyanage about the power of community-centred research, and why meaningful engagement with diverse communities is essential for creating lasting social impact.Dr. Devindi Geekiyanage is a lecturer in quantity surveying at the School of Science, Engineering, and Environment. Her work focuses on community engagement, inclusion, social cohesion, and participatory research approaches. With experience spanning the UK, Sri Lanka, and international collaborations, she explores how communities, particularly those in vulnerable or marginalised contexts, can play an active role in shaping research, policy, and decision-making. In this episode, we explore:• Why research must involve people and communities, not just systems, infrastructure, or policy. • The importance of community voices in improving outcomes in vulnerable and marginalised settings. • Lessons learned from working across different countries and cultural contexts and approaches to community engagement vary globally. Host: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, founder of SAWHEProducer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications LeadAbout the SAWHE networkThis is a grassroots, community-led initiative dedicated to amplifying the visibility, voice, and leadership of South Asian women across UK universities.We exist so that South Asian women are never alone in their academic journey – offering a safe, inclusive space to connect, be supported, and be celebrated.Website: https://sawhe.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-asian-women-in-higher-education-network/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawheofficial/?igsh=MWZqOTg5enQ3OTJl#Join the network here: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Gy_HKfUNmdW-HFEh29A3pPOHC8Qe44tdvEoHJGJgx7zn-w/viewform

We spoke to Manchester Metropolitan University's senior lecturer in healthcare Dr. Manju Pallam about navigating higher education as an international colleague and student.Dr. Manju Pallam is recognised for her extensive contributions to healthcare education, management, quality analysis, and clinical research. As well as her roles in the Chief Nursing Officer’s BAME Strategic Advisory Group and the British Indian Nurses Association, she is also the international lead at Manchester Metropolitan University, and is passionate about building inclusion.In this episode, we explore:Barriers and challenges for international colleagues and students entering HE.How international colleagues and students can navigate these challenges.What higher education institutions can do to minimise these barriers.Host: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, founder of SAWHEProducer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications LeadAbout the SAWHE networkThis is a grassroots, community-led initiative dedicated to amplifying the visibility, voice, and leadership of South Asian women across UK universities.We exist so that South Asian women are never alone in their academic journey – offering a safe, inclusive space to connect, be supported, and be celebrated.Website: https://sawhe.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-asian-women-in-higher-education-network/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawheofficial/?igsh=MWZqOTg5enQ3OTJl#Join the network here: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Gy_HKfUNmdW-HFEh29A3pPOHC8Qe44tdvEoHJGJgx7zn-w/viewform

Talking about equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in UK universities, we are joined by the brilliant Tahira Majothi and Ushma Khadia from the University of Manchester.Tahira Majothi is an EDI partner linked to the faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health. Previously, Tahira worked as a careers consultant at the Universities of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan for over 10 years. She also worked in the not-for-profit sector with charities such as Citizens Advice, Save the Children, and Barnardo's.Ushma Khadia is a careers consultant in the Faculty of Humanities and the co-theme lead for Inclusion at the Careers Service. Previously, she was a teacher and course leader for A-level Business at a sixth form college for almost 18 years.Tahira and Ushma share their insights on:What EDI means and why it's important in higher education.The progress made in EDI and what can still be done.Their personal career journeys and what inspires them to work in EDI.Host: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, founder of SAWHEProducer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications LeadAbout the SAWHE networkThis is a grassroots, community-led initiative dedicated to amplifying the visibility, voice, and leadership of South Asian women across UK universities.We exist so that South Asian women are never alone in their academic journey – offering a safe, inclusive space to connect, be supported, and be celebrated.Website: https://sawhe.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-asian-women-in-higher-education-network/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawheofficial/?igsh=MWZqOTg5enQ3OTJl#Join the network here: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Gy_HKfUNmdW-HFEh29A3pPOHC8Qe44tdvEoHJGJgx7zn-w/viewformHide

We are joined by the brilliant Dr Maisha Islam, Doctoral College Research Culture Lead at the University of Southampton, researcher, writer, and advocate for equity, faith inclusion, and racially just research cultures in higher education.From her early academic journey to leading sector-wide projects on Islamophobia and postgraduate access, Maisha shares candid reflections on:Navigating Higher Education as a South Asian womanBuilding an inclusive research culture to create belongingUncovering hidden barriers for Muslim students The emotional labour of equity work and how she sustains itWhy representation is transformationalMaisha is the editor of: Uncovering Islamophobia in Higher Education: Supporting the Success of Muslim Students and StaffHost: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, founder of SAWHEProducer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications LeadAbout the SAWHE networkThis is a grassroots, community-led initiative dedicated to amplifying the visibility, voice, and leadership of South Asian women across UK universities.We exist so that South Asian women are never alone in their academic journey – offering a safe, inclusive space to connect, be supported, and be celebrated.Website: https://sawhe.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-asian-women-in-higher-education-network/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawheofficial/?igsh=MWZqOTg5enQ3OTJl#Join the network here: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Gy_HKfUNmdW-HFEh29A3pPOHC8Qe44tdvEoHJGJgx7zn-w/viewform