South Asian Women in Higher Education: SAWHE Speaks

We spoke to Dr Gule Saman, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, Co-Programme Director of the Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship, and Co-Lead of the HWU STEM Inclusivity Network, about the experiences of women in STEM, the structural barriers that continue to shape progression, and what it really takes to break the glass ceiling.

Drawing on her own journey through engineering, Data Science and academia, Gule reflects on when she first became aware of the structural barriers facing women in STEM, why representation on its own is not enough, and what meaningful equity should look like beyond symbolic action.

The conversation also explores the importance of visible role models, community networks and peer support, particularly in helping women develop a sense of belonging and progress in spaces where they remain underrepresented. Gule shares her perspective on building authority while remaining authentic, and considers how teaching, active learning and student wellbeing can make technical disciplines more accessible.

In this episode, we explore:

• Gule’s journey into engineering, Data Science and academia.
• The structural barriers women can face when entering and progressing in STEM.
• What “breaking the glass ceiling” should look like in practice, beyond symbolic action.
• The role of diverse and visible role models in shaping belonging and ambition.
• How community networks and peer support can help retain and advance women in STEM.
• What gives Gule hope for the next generation of women entering STEM.

Guest: Dr Gule Saman, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University; Co-Programme Director, Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship; Co-Lead, HWU STEM Inclusivity Network

Host: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, Founder of SAWHE

Producer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications Lead

About the SAWHE Network

The South Asian Women in Higher Education Network (SAWHE) 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 higher education journey — offering an 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/ Join the network: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Gy_HKfUNmdW-HFEh29A3pPOHC8Qe44tdvEoHJGJgx7zn-w/viewform

We spoke to Pooja Furniss, Director of Talent Attraction at The University of Manchester, about what really shapes career progression and whether talent and hard work are enough to move forward.

Pooja has built a career spanning more than two decades across people, recruitment and talent, working across commercial, public, further education and higher education settings. Her previous roles include Executive Director of People and Culture in further education and Head of HR and Payroll, and she has also been involved with the Black Further Education Leadership Group. Her current work focuses on inclusive recruitment, equitable talent practices, coaching and helping organisations think more deeply about who gets seen, who gets selected and who gets opportunities to progress.

As both a senior talent professional and a South Asian woman who has navigated these systems herself, Pooja brings a unique perspective on visibility, professional credibility, progression and what it takes to be recognised as ready for leadership.

In this episode, we explore:

• Pooja’s journey from her early career into senior leadership roles.
• Why giving yourself permission to change direction, grow and begin a new chapter
• The role of qualifications and professional credibility in supporting progression.
• What recruitment and progression decisions can look like from the inside
• Why highly talented and hardworking South Asian women can still find themselves overlooked for progression.
• How women can move from being “brilliant but invisible” to being recognised as ready for leadership.

Host: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, Founder of SAWHE

Producer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications Lead

About the SAWHE Network

The South Asian Women in Higher Education Network (SAWHE) 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 higher education journey — offering an 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/

Join the network: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8Gy_HKfUNmdW-HFEh29A3pPOHC8Qe44tdvEoHJGJgx7zn-w/viewform

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 innovation to drive meaningful organisational change. A strong advocate for inclusive leadership and widening opportunities for women in technology, Rina regularly speaks on leadership, sponsorship and creating more equitable workplaces

In this episode, we explore:

• How to translate one discipline into a completely different career area.
• The importance of continuing to develop new qualifications and educational experiences.
• What it's like to move from an early career to a leadership position.
• Navigating an ambitious career as a South Asian woman.

Host: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, founder of SAWHE

Producer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications Lead

About the SAWHE network

This 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 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 SAWHE

Producer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications Lead

About the SAWHE network

This 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 SAWHE

Producer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications Lead

About the SAWHE network

This 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 SAWHE

Producer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications Lead

About the SAWHE network

This 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

Hide

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 woman
• Building an inclusive research culture to create belonging
• Uncovering hidden barriers for Muslim students
• The emotional labour of equity work and how she sustains it
• Why representation is transformational

Maisha is the editor of: Uncovering Islamophobia in Higher Education: Supporting the Success of Muslim Students and Staff

Host: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, founder of SAWHE

Producer: Sumaiya Motara, SAWHE Digital Communications Lead

About the SAWHE network

This 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