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

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