The South Asian Women in Higher Education Network

South Asian Women in Higher Education: SAWHE Speaks

Education EN ↓ 5 episodes

The South Asian Women in Higher Education (SAWHE) Network podcast spotlights stories, barriers, and successes from UK academia. Each of the episodes features bold and honest conversations with South Asian women across the UK Higher Education sector, from researchers and educators to professional services leaders and student advocates. We’re shining a light on the stories, impact, struggles, and successes that often go unheard, and celebrating the power of representation, resilience, and reimagining leadership. From breaking barriers and balancing identities to reimagining leadership, we are ce...

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The South Asian Women in Higher Education Network

Episodes

From early career to leadership roles - what you wish you knew | Rina Lakhman 10.07.2026 36:23

We spoke to Unviersity of Manchester's head of data platforms and digital director, Rina Lakhman, about her diverse career journey and how she combines all her multidisciplinary experiences to become an industry leader. Rina Lakhman is a Digital Transformation and Data Strategy leader with a background spanning technology, data, AI, finance and leadership. She is passionate about using digital inn...

Why should university research involve diverse communities? | Dr Devindi Geekiyanage 03.05.2026 29:40

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 cohesio...

How can we support our international colleagues? | Dr. Manju Pallam 02.03.2026 35:05

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...

Why does EDI matter in universities? | Tahira Majothi and Ushma Khadia 09.01.2026 42:44

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 wo...

Where does belonging, faith and representation fit in higher education? | Dr. Maisha Islam 28.11.2025 46:32

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...