Decolonising Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Higher Education: Interventions in Theory, Policy and Practice
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Westminster
Department Name: Westminster Sch of Media & Communication
Abstract
Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) within Higher Education (HE) is a global problem that requires urgent attention. Keeping ideas of prevention and change of culture at its core, the proposed research will decolonise understandings of SGBV in HE by focusing on lessons from institutional practices and feminist struggles in the Global South. It will present new, inclusive and survivor-centred understandings of SGBV in HE through a programme of research that is empirically grounded, methodologically innovative and theoretically informed. This research will develop an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach in all three levels of theory, policy and practice for addressing a critical contemporary challenge.
Lack of reporting mechanisms and policy frameworks related to SGBV, larger cultures of sexism, racism and homophobia leading to victim blaming, 'slut shaming' and mistrust of survivors, and absence of support structures are some of the issues that structure violence within HE. HE is not commonly recognised as a site of violence nor does it recognise itself as an agent of oppression. Its hierarchical nature gives rise to sometimes visible and other times hidden power dynamics which oppress certain minority bodies while privileging others. Hence, rethinking SGBV within HE not only requires an acknowledgement of these power dynamics and resultant violence, but a complete overhaul in the way theory, policy and practices are imagined in these contexts. The important issues pertaining to SGBV in HE are: (i) the lack of data on the prevalence and nature of existing violence and available support mechanisms, (ii) lack of focus on empirical research from the global South, (iii) lack of knowledge about the entwinement of structural violence with the process of establishment, continuance and transformation of HE institutions, (iv) the lack of knowledge exchange between institutions, academics and policy makers, with almost a negligible transfer of knowledge between HE institutions in different countries.
Using five country-specific case studies (South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Chile and Australia) that are comparative in their histories of colonial and imperial legacies, and display interesting intersections of institutional repression and collective action today, this research aims to address the aforementioned gaps in knowledge, bringing together theories and methodologies from feminist institutionalism, gender studies and public health. These four issues require prolonged research, involving a broad range of disciplines. Thus, the FLF is the best pathway for this study, given its interdisciplinary nature combined with its lengthy duration. This ambitious and challenging research project will not only explore new agendas in all three disciplines but also bridge the gap in theory and policy in the area of SGBV in HE.
Lack of reporting mechanisms and policy frameworks related to SGBV, larger cultures of sexism, racism and homophobia leading to victim blaming, 'slut shaming' and mistrust of survivors, and absence of support structures are some of the issues that structure violence within HE. HE is not commonly recognised as a site of violence nor does it recognise itself as an agent of oppression. Its hierarchical nature gives rise to sometimes visible and other times hidden power dynamics which oppress certain minority bodies while privileging others. Hence, rethinking SGBV within HE not only requires an acknowledgement of these power dynamics and resultant violence, but a complete overhaul in the way theory, policy and practices are imagined in these contexts. The important issues pertaining to SGBV in HE are: (i) the lack of data on the prevalence and nature of existing violence and available support mechanisms, (ii) lack of focus on empirical research from the global South, (iii) lack of knowledge about the entwinement of structural violence with the process of establishment, continuance and transformation of HE institutions, (iv) the lack of knowledge exchange between institutions, academics and policy makers, with almost a negligible transfer of knowledge between HE institutions in different countries.
Using five country-specific case studies (South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Chile and Australia) that are comparative in their histories of colonial and imperial legacies, and display interesting intersections of institutional repression and collective action today, this research aims to address the aforementioned gaps in knowledge, bringing together theories and methodologies from feminist institutionalism, gender studies and public health. These four issues require prolonged research, involving a broad range of disciplines. Thus, the FLF is the best pathway for this study, given its interdisciplinary nature combined with its lengthy duration. This ambitious and challenging research project will not only explore new agendas in all three disciplines but also bridge the gap in theory and policy in the area of SGBV in HE.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Adrija Dey (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |
Publications
Bull A
(2022)
Rape - Challenging Contemporary Thinking - 10 Years On
Dey A
(2022)
'We are Louder when we are Heard Together': Sara Ahmed on Complaint!
in Wasafiri
Dey A
(2023)
"It's a joke, not a dick. So don't take it too hard": online sexual harassment in Indian universities
in Feminist Media Studies
Dey A
(2025)
Sexual harassment in academia: victim-survivors speaking out, the politics of naming, and (lack of) institutional accountability
in Feminist Media Studies
Dey, Adrija
(2025)
Survivor-led digital activism in universities: #RUReferenceList in South Africa and #Metoo in India
in Feminist Encounters
Dey, Adrija
(2025)
The right to the Campus- Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in India Universities.
in Gender, Place and Culture.
Jess, Wild
Researching Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Centring Lived Experience Epistemologies from the Global South
in The Sociological Review
| Description | 2022-2023 I have successfully recruited a post doctoral researcher to work full time on the project. The most significant achievement has been passing ethics and developing the research methodology. Through this research we are developing cutting research methods which center survivor voices and encompass trauma informed approaches. In developing this, we draw from participatory research methods, indigenous and decolonial research techniques and feminist research practices. We are preparing to start fieldwork in the coming months. For fieldwork we have done extensive preparations including consent forms, participation information documents and sensitivity protocols. In each fieldwork location, we are putting in place local well being and counselling mechanisms that survivors can access in case they feel distressed or need additional support. We have also put together an advisory group bringing together academics, activists and practitioners from across the world such as South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, USA, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and India. This group will provide oversight, advice, and challenge on the conduct of the research, including the methods and approaches used. They will highlight, discuss and, work through ethical and safeguarding considerations that emerge during the research and comment on the suitability and quality of research instruments designed and/or used as part of the project. Finally, they will help shape and advise on communication and dissemination of project outputs and findings to ensure that we achieve broad reach and maximise community impact. The first meeting of the advisory group is scheduled on 14 March 202. We are also putting together a lived experience advisory group. we use the term lived experience to broadly refer to people with personal experience of SGBV in HE settings. Throughout the study, we will be consulting with this advisory group on the nature/format/wording of interview and focus group questions and emerging findings (member-checking and 'sense-making' function). Finally, we are aiming to organise a workshop on survivor centered, trauma informed methods and ethics to share our learning with the wider academic community. Impact is of fundamental importance to this project and we want to use this opportunity to push the academic community to rethink ways to ethically conduct research with survivors. 2023-2024 The project website was officially launched in June 2023. This website will host the online repository of information, a key objective of the project. In June-July 2023, we completed extensive fieldwork in South Africa, conducting 22 interviews in 8 different universities. Following the fieldwork, a report including participation, challenges, and emerging themes was compiled. This report was shared with our lived experience advisory group and expert advisory group for their input. In November-December 2023, fieldwork in Nigeria was completed, conducting 25 interviews in 14 different universities and 4 NGOs. The fieldwork in Nigeria was conducted remotely in collaboration with our support partner, Stand To End Rape (STER) in Lagos. Like the South Africa fieldwork, a detailed report was shared with stakeholders for feedback. Currently preparing for fieldwork in Brazil in April 2024. Simultaneously analysing data from South Africa and Nigeria. The RO till date has been met in the following ways- RO1: Develop a database of knowledge around theories, policies, and practices of SGBV in HE: The first phase of this objective has been completed with the development of the project website. The next phase involves uploading knowledge around theories, policies, and practices of SGBV in HE in our fieldwork sites. RO2: Contribute to theoretical scholarship on SGBV within HE: Progress has been made through various publications. RO3: Shift the focus from criminalisation to prevention in understanding and tackling SGBV in HE: Actively engaging in debates is a key theme in interviews with participants. We have also joined the Abolition Feminism Research Group to be a part of a wider discussion on the issue. RO4: Decolonise the theoretical understandings and practices of SGBV: At the core of the project, exploring decolonisation theoretically in data and upcoming publications. This idea has been taken forward to think about what 'decolonisation' means in a 'post-colonial' context, and just because some mechanisms exist in the Global South, it does not mean that they are decolonial. RO5: Interrogate/explore specific solutions: Proposing survivor-focused solutions based on conversations with survivors. RO6: Create a global network of scholars, activists, policymakers, and survivors: Initiating this process through advisory groups and the North-South Feminist Dialogue platform, comprising participants from various global locations. |
| Exploitation Route | the findings can be used to make considerable changes in theory, policy and practices around SGBV in universities globally. Once findings are finalised for a specific fieldwork site, an in-person workshop will be arranged, inviting participants, staff, students, activists, policymakers, etc., for co-creating recommendations. Recommendations will be sent to different stakeholder including university management, policymakers, and government bodies. Active engagement with media and social media will promote these findings. We are actively working with local partners to ensure that the findings can inform local policy-making and activism. This process will be repeated for every fieldwork site. |
| Sectors | Education |
| URL | http://www.femideas.com |
| Description | The findings shared in the "North-South Feminist Dialogue: Online Sexual Harassment in Higher Education (HE)" report published in 2022 have been used to lobby for better university and sector-wide policies on online sexual harassment and gendered violence. The findings from "North-South Feminist Dialogue: Silencing Sexual and Gender-based Violence Misconduct in Academia and Politics of Naming" 2024 are being used to conduct discussions with leading international publishers and journals about accountability to authors and ask them to think about how they can support survivors speaking about their experiences of sexual and gendered violence within universities. The project also collaborated with legal organisations and lawyers supporting survivors within universities. The report of this project was released globally in 2024. Drawing from the project's findings, the PI is also working with a group of students and staff at a leading university in London to help them implement safer and more inclusive practices to address harm within the department. The finalised report on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in South African Universities is being used to lobby key stakeholders to implement survivor-centred, trauma-informed policies and practices within South African higher education. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Education |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Policy & public services |
| Description | 1752 Group |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | We have worked closely with sector bodies such as UUK and the Office for Students, influencing policy-making in the UK higher education sector. Our most recent response to the OfS consultation can be found here: https://1752group.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/ofs-response_the-1752-group.pdf.pdf Our training programs have had a tremendous impact in various universities and organizations, including UCU. More details are available on our website: 1752 Group. https://1752group.com/ |
| URL | https://1752group.com/ |
| Description | Member of Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team and Co-Chair of the Mixed Methods Research Group |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Sexual and Gender Based Violence Working Group University of Westminster |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | My work with the working group has resulted in valuable training and conversations within the university committee. This work was not happening before and can lead to larger cultural and structural changes |
| Description | The UUK Forum for Tackling Bullying and Harassment in Research and Innovation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | I helped in the development of the set of principles aimed at supporting culture change in the sector. |
| URL | https://www.ftbh.org.uk/news/new-principles-launched-to-tackle-bullying-and-harassment-in-research-a... |
| Description | Going Global Gender Equality Partnerships |
| Amount | £25,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Council |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 01/2026 |
| Description | Research England ODA funding |
| Amount | £7,828 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Department | Research England |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | Research England ODA funding |
| Amount | £9,870 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Department | Research England |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2024 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Title | Survivor-centred, trauma-informed methods for conducting research on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in HE |
| Description | This research aims to develop new survivor-centered, trauma-informed methods for conducting research on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in HE and set industry standards on how research should be conducted in this area. We have put together a global advisory group of academics, activists, practitioners, policy makers and survivors to advice us on our research methods and tools. We are also bringing together a group of people with lived experiences to feedback on the research tools and accessibility. This research method aims to center the voices of survivors and their needs. The research tools will be made available for everyone to freely access on the research website. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This research method aims to centre the voices of survivors and their needs. Questions of care, wellbeing and labour are central to this research method. It is developed collaboratively with the community and will return the results back to the community with an aim to change policies and practices. It will aim to transform the ways research is conducted in the area. |
| Description | Going Global Partnerships- Gender equality and safety in higher education in South Africa and the United Kingdom: defining, challenging and preventing gendered harms |
| Organisation | University of York |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This project will define, challenge and make recommendations for preventing gendered harms within higher education (HE) spaces in South Africa and the UK. It will do this through analysing two paradigmatic cases of gendered harms, and institutional responses, that are available in the public domain as a result of legal cases. Both cases have important implications for both secondary prevention - immediate responses to specific harms - and tertiary prevention - longer-term responses designed to prevent the re-occurrence of situations and behaviours that enabled harm. Therefore, the main objective of the project is to identify, via these paradigmatic cases, strategies for prevention within higher education institutions (HEIs). In this way, the project will promote gender equality and safety in HE. The two cases we will discuss and analyse are chosen via the following criteria: first, the full legal judgement is available in the public domain; second, each case has significant implications for institutions' roles in addressing gendered harms in HE; and third, each case was high profile in its national context. Analysing these paradigmatic cases is important because they constitute rare examples of publicly available legal judgements on how HEIs should address gendered harms. In addition, both cases are extremely complex and detailed, and require significant resources and expertise to draw out key learnings for prevention and institutional responses. The PI and the research team will help with the analysis of the case studies in UK and South Africa. Having conducted research in both contexts the research team is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the two context. The team will also help to organise a workshop in the UK to facilitate discussion among academics, practitioners and survivors. Finally at the end of the project, the team will work on brining the research and findings together into an accessible report, policy brief and new policy and advocacy resources |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner will contribute to 1. Analysis of case studies 2. Conducting online workshop in the UK 3. Conducting in-person workshop in South Africa 4. Developing accessible report, policy brief and new policy and advocacy resources 5. Management of research associates 6. Project reporting to funders 7. Project management |
| Impact | The following outputs will in turn be generated: ? A report from each workshop which captures the key experiences and insights of the participants, classifies and catalogues the specific forms of harm involved in each case, and which generates concrete recommendations regarding best and better practice. ? A policy brief which provides a structured comparison of the two cases and what they reveal about the strengths and weaknesses of the different institutional and legal environments of South Africa and the United Kingdom. It should not be assumed that the UK is in a position to teach South Africa. It may well be the other way around. ? New policy and advocacy resources - lists of key indicators, posters and graphics, guidance for practitioners and stakeholders - which will be designed to make gendered harms/abuses of power visible and to identify ways that they can be effectively addressed. These resources will try and strengthen safeguarding and reporting, and change institutional cultures. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Going Global Partnerships- Gender equality and safety in higher education in South Africa and the United Kingdom: defining, challenging and preventing gendered harms |
| Organisation | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This project will define, challenge and make recommendations for preventing gendered harms within higher education (HE) spaces in South Africa and the UK. It will do this through analysing two paradigmatic cases of gendered harms, and institutional responses, that are available in the public domain as a result of legal cases. Both cases have important implications for both secondary prevention - immediate responses to specific harms - and tertiary prevention - longer-term responses designed to prevent the re-occurrence of situations and behaviours that enabled harm. Therefore, the main objective of the project is to identify, via these paradigmatic cases, strategies for prevention within higher education institutions (HEIs). In this way, the project will promote gender equality and safety in HE. The two cases we will discuss and analyse are chosen via the following criteria: first, the full legal judgement is available in the public domain; second, each case has significant implications for institutions' roles in addressing gendered harms in HE; and third, each case was high profile in its national context. Analysing these paradigmatic cases is important because they constitute rare examples of publicly available legal judgements on how HEIs should address gendered harms. In addition, both cases are extremely complex and detailed, and require significant resources and expertise to draw out key learnings for prevention and institutional responses. The PI and the research team will help with the analysis of the case studies in UK and South Africa. Having conducted research in both contexts the research team is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the two context. The team will also help to organise a workshop in the UK to facilitate discussion among academics, practitioners and survivors. Finally at the end of the project, the team will work on brining the research and findings together into an accessible report, policy brief and new policy and advocacy resources |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner will contribute to 1. Analysis of case studies 2. Conducting online workshop in the UK 3. Conducting in-person workshop in South Africa 4. Developing accessible report, policy brief and new policy and advocacy resources 5. Management of research associates 6. Project reporting to funders 7. Project management |
| Impact | The following outputs will in turn be generated: ? A report from each workshop which captures the key experiences and insights of the participants, classifies and catalogues the specific forms of harm involved in each case, and which generates concrete recommendations regarding best and better practice. ? A policy brief which provides a structured comparison of the two cases and what they reveal about the strengths and weaknesses of the different institutional and legal environments of South Africa and the United Kingdom. It should not be assumed that the UK is in a position to teach South Africa. It may well be the other way around. ? New policy and advocacy resources - lists of key indicators, posters and graphics, guidance for practitioners and stakeholders - which will be designed to make gendered harms/abuses of power visible and to identify ways that they can be effectively addressed. These resources will try and strengthen safeguarding and reporting, and change institutional cultures. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | Intimacy and injury In the wake of #MeToo in India and South Africa |
| Organisation | University of the Witwatersrand |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Organised the book launch in collaboration with Prof Srila Roy Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Shilpa Phadke is a Professor at the School of Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai and Nicky Falkof is an Associate Professor in the Media Studies department at Wits University in Johannesburg. This was the first official event hosted by the project. I was the chair and discussant for the event. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Srila Roy, Shilpa Phadke , Nicky Falkof , Rupali Bansode and Jessica Breakey spoke at the event and initiated critical conversations around the #Metoo movement in India, South Africa and globally |
| Impact | Srila Roy is the official project partner for this project. This event resulted in gaining valuable contacts to conduct this research in South Africa |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | North South Feminist Dialogues- Online Sexual Harassment in Higher Education (Collaboration with SOAS, University of London and The 1752 group) |
| Organisation | School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This was a multidisciplinary research project titled "North-South Feminist Dialogue: Online Sexual Harassment in Higher Education (HE)". The project resulted in a one day online workshop which brought together over 50 academics, students, activists and policy makers from across the world. This was a collaboration between SOAS, the 1752 group, and the "Decolonising Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Higher Education (HE)" project. It culminated in a first of a kind report. I initiated the collaboration and applied for the funding. I also led the organisation and set the agenda for the workshop. Finally I was authored the final report. This project was funded by the SOAS Impact and Knowledge Exchange Fund 2021/22. The project received a total funding amount of £7050 This partnership has been key to the Decolonising Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Higher Education (HE) project and help me establish key networks across the world. This was also the first step to set up the global network that is one of the research outcomes of the project. |
| Collaborator Contribution | 1752 group is the leading policy and campaigning organisation who work on SGBV in UK HE. They recently completed a working paper titled "online sexual harassment in UK universities and performing arts institutions: are we doing enough?" which was formally launched in the workshop. They also provided valuable contacts and access to networks. All the logistics for the workshop (venue, catering, wine reception, tech support) was provided by SOAS. Further, I also had the support of a research assistant for 3 months to deliver the project. |
| Impact | The multidisciplinary report bringing together academics, students, activists and policy makers is available on the link below. https://1752group.com/resources/ |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | North- South Feminist Dialogue: Sexual And Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) In Higher Education (HE) And The 'Politics of Naming' (Collaborating between SOAS and The 1752 Group) |
| Organisation | School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This project was funded by the University of Westminster ODA funding (total amount £7,828) and SOAS ODA funding (total amount £9,870). In this project, we hosted the first international online workshop, forming the foundation of the first global report on 'the politics of naming' around SGBV in universities. The issue was addressed from two key perspectives: 1) The right of survivors within universities to 'name' and share their experiences of SGBV, and 2) Whether universities should name perpetrators following institutional verdicts of SGBV-related misconduct. In collaboration with international partners, this workshop addressed emerging debates by bringing together students, staff, advocacy groups, sector bodies, activists, and policymakers working globally on this issue. The workshop ended with the co-production of recommendations that can be used globally to demand the centring of survivor voices and institutional accountability in policies and practices around SGBV in HE. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 1752 Group is the leading policy and campaigning organisation working on SGBV in UK HE. They have been active in campaigning around this issue and recently wrote a briefing paper on disclosing sexual misconduct, forming the foundation of this workshop. They also provided valuable contacts and access to networks. All the logistics for the workshop (venue, catering, tech support) were provided by SOAS. I worked closely with colleagues at SOAS to ensure the dissemination of the project findings and report. Other partners, including Abolition Feminism in University (UK), Stand To End Rape Initiative (Nigeria), Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative (Tanzania), are key stakeholders and instrumental in lobbying for changes around SGBV in HE in their contexts. We have worked with these partners for over a year to highlight urgent sectoral needs that shaped the themes of this project. The workshop format and panels will be co-designed with all partners, who will also participate in the workshop, sharing challenges, strategies, and lessons. All partners are committed to disseminating lessons from the workshop within their grassroots communities to inform activism and advocacy. |
| Impact | The multidisciplinary report bringing together academics, students, activists and policymakers titled 'Silencing Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Academia and The Politics of Naming' available on https://femideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/north-south-feminist-dialogue-report-sept-24.pdf |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | North- South Feminist Dialogue: Sexual And Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) In Higher Education (HE) And The 'Politics of Naming' (Collaborating between SOAS and The 1752 Group) |
| Organisation | University of Westminster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This project was funded by the University of Westminster ODA funding (total amount £7,828) and SOAS ODA funding (total amount £9,870). In this project, we hosted the first international online workshop, forming the foundation of the first global report on 'the politics of naming' around SGBV in universities. The issue was addressed from two key perspectives: 1) The right of survivors within universities to 'name' and share their experiences of SGBV, and 2) Whether universities should name perpetrators following institutional verdicts of SGBV-related misconduct. In collaboration with international partners, this workshop addressed emerging debates by bringing together students, staff, advocacy groups, sector bodies, activists, and policymakers working globally on this issue. The workshop ended with the co-production of recommendations that can be used globally to demand the centring of survivor voices and institutional accountability in policies and practices around SGBV in HE. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The 1752 Group is the leading policy and campaigning organisation working on SGBV in UK HE. They have been active in campaigning around this issue and recently wrote a briefing paper on disclosing sexual misconduct, forming the foundation of this workshop. They also provided valuable contacts and access to networks. All the logistics for the workshop (venue, catering, tech support) were provided by SOAS. I worked closely with colleagues at SOAS to ensure the dissemination of the project findings and report. Other partners, including Abolition Feminism in University (UK), Stand To End Rape Initiative (Nigeria), Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative (Tanzania), are key stakeholders and instrumental in lobbying for changes around SGBV in HE in their contexts. We have worked with these partners for over a year to highlight urgent sectoral needs that shaped the themes of this project. The workshop format and panels will be co-designed with all partners, who will also participate in the workshop, sharing challenges, strategies, and lessons. All partners are committed to disseminating lessons from the workshop within their grassroots communities to inform activism and advocacy. |
| Impact | The multidisciplinary report bringing together academics, students, activists and policymakers titled 'Silencing Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Academia and The Politics of Naming' available on https://femideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/north-south-feminist-dialogue-report-sept-24.pdf |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Confronting Sexual & Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education in Brazil |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | About 100 academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students and policy makers attended a online workshop on confronting Sexual & Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education in Brazil. This event was fully accessible and had live translation from Portuguese to English and vice-versa. The event started conversation on prevalence of rape culture in Brazilian universities, existing policies and practices and the need for intersectional understandings and interventions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://femideas.com/resources/ |
| Description | Keynote- Women in Westminster |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Drawing from my own work, in this keynote, I addressed the University of Westminster community, including members of management, professional services, and health and well-being professionals, on how to support survivors of sexual violence within the university. This talk resulted in the creation of a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence working group in the university, which is led by me. We also received financial commitment from the management to the working group. I am also leading a series of gender training and consent workshops for the university community. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Project Launch for |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This hybrid event marked the official launch of this 4-year project titled "Decolonising Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Higher Education". The event was hosted by the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at the University of Westminster. The Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD) is based in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Westminster. The Centre undertakes research across a range of critical social and political challenges, promoting an interdisciplinary environment. The event highlighted the key aims of the project which is to develop a survivor-centered, intersectional, decolonial and abolitionist theory and approach to prevent and better respond to SGBV in HE. We do this by bringing together insights and experiences from survivors, activists, academics, and policy makers in the Global South, coupled with a strong focus on developing prevention strategies and building culture change in HE institutions. Speakers included Professor Dibyesh Anand (University of Westminster UK), C?aroline Rodrquez (Fundação Getulio Vargas, Brazil), Professor Srila Roy (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa) and Professor Alison Phipps (University of Newcastle, UK). All speakers highlighted the importance of this project for the UK and the global context. It sparked conversation on alternative approaches to theory, policy and practice on SGVB in HE. The event was attended by academics, activists and practitioners from across the world. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/decolonising-sexual-and-gender-based-violence-in-higher-education-tic... |
| Description | Sexual and Gender Based Violence Working Group- University of Westminster |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I am currently leading the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence working group in the university of Westminster. We also received financial commitment from the management to the working group. Led by me, we are facilitating a series of gender training and consent workshops for the university community with the aim of creating larger cultural changes. This work is informed by my research. The first workshop of 2024 will take place in March |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-and-craft-about-sexual-ethics-and-consent-tickets-80314003245... |
| Description | Speaker- Transforming Silence Conference: University of Oxford. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Invited to speak about sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in universities and the urgent need for survivor centered approaches to dealing with SGBV. My talk started crucial conversations around the need for knowledge exchange in the area and focus on the Global South for solutions. I also gained crucial connections and networks leading to future collaborations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.transformingsilence.org/ |
| Description | Talk- British Association for American Studies conference at the University of Hull |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited to speak about Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in HE and the role of associations and funding bodies in supporting survivors and changing cultures. It also sparked conversations around how to write code of conducts and safer spaces documents for conferences and workshops. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://baas.ac.uk/conferences/baas-2022/ |
| Description | Times Higher Education article. Global partnership would help tackle sexual and gender-based violence. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This article was written in response to other articles on the subject that failed to acknowledge the work happening on this subject in the Global South. It advocated for the creation of global partnerships and knowledge exchange mechanisms which were decolonial. This resulted in a wider online conversation and provided an avenue to disseminate publications and findings resulting from my research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | UKRI Forum for tackling bullying and harassment |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to be a part of the UKRI Forum for tackling bullying and harassment to contributed specifically towards Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in HE and provide a survivor centred and trauma informed perspectives. This work also allows me to use my research (funded by the UKRI) findings to influence policy decisions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.ukri.org/what-we-offer/supporting-healthy-research-and-innovation-culture/bullying-and-h... |
| Description | Webinar: An expert panel discusses sexual and gender-based violence in South African universities and the work and student activism to address it. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This expert panel discussed some of the key challenges and opportunities facing South African universities as they work to address this ongoing issue and the structural factors that create the conditions for SGBV to occur; including by mobilising student activism and faculty-led initiatives. We used this webinar to launch our project fieldwork in South Africa. This also enabled us to establish trust within the community |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://femideas.com/resources/ |
| Description | Website and South Africa report launch |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | About 30 people joined us in-person to celebrate the launch of the FemIDEAS fully accessible website and the report on sexual and gender based violence in South African Universities. The project team introduced the audience to the the website and the principle which shaped it. Then the findings from South Africa were introduced. We also led conversations on what universities in the Global North can learn from findings of the project. This event was made accessible and child friendly and served as a space to start conversations with different stakeholders. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://femideas.com/blog/ |
| Description | blog post Gender.ed Blogathon. #Metoo India: Why are survivors turning to online spaces for justice? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | This post was used to disseminate research findings from the project. It led to valuable conversations online around survivor centred policies and alternative forms of justice |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://16daysblogathon.blog/2023/12/09/day-sisteen-concluding-16-days-blogathon-2022/ |