Drawing parallels in the experiences of women living in conflict zones

Africa Research Fellowships

In 2022 the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop new opportunities for collaboration and research. Both Stellenbosch University and the University of Warwick are doing cutting-edge, revolutionary work to gain a better understanding of the world we live in. They are are trying to create an understanding of the ramifications of historic conflict and how the legacy of conflict has impacted on people's lives.

Visiting professor at Stellenbosch University

By seeking out the similarities and differences with other liberation movements Wahidin hopes her research will inform policy and practice around peacebuilding, restitution, and transitional justice to create an environment where sustainable peace can grow and become embedded in the fabric of society.

Social justice partnership

In 2023 Professor Azrini Wahidin undertook a visiting professorship at Stellenbosch to study the role of women in the country's liberation struggle. Wahidin worked with  Prof Pumla  Gobodo-Madikizela and Prof John Brewer at the University’s Centre of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ) She was attracted to the centre because her research addresses societal challenges in places of conflict. She considers herself fortunate to be able to work with academics working in the field of social justice and inclusion with an interest in peacebuilding processes, transitional justice and reconciliation when the legacy of conflict is still so prevalent.

Understanding liberation movements

Having previously authored a book about the contribution of women in the Irish liberation struggle, Prof Azrini Wahidin from Warwick's Department of Sociology focused her attention on her book, Under Siege: The Role of Women in Liberation Movements Under the Apartheid Regime and the Transition to Peace. Her research is on a significant part of South Africa's 20th century history, studying the role of women in the country's liberation struggle. By seeking out the similarities and differences with other liberation movements Wahidin hopes her research will inform policy and practice around peacebuilding, restitution, and transitional justice to create an environment where sustainable peace can grow and become embedded in the fabric of society.

Voices of liberation

Having previously authored a book about the contribution of women in the Irish liberation struggle, Prof Azrini Wahidin from Warwick's Department of Sociology focused her attention on her book, Under Siege: The Role of Women in Liberation Movements Under the Apartheid Regime and the Transition to Peace. Her research is on a significant part of South Africa's 20th century history, studying the role of women in the country's liberation struggle. By seeking out the similarities and differences with other liberation movements Wahidin hopes her research will inform policy and practice around peacebuilding, restitution, and transitional justice to create an environment where sustainable peace can grow and become embedded in the fabric of society.

“The past few months have been phenomenal, truly amazing. The level of engagements from students reflects the high-quality teaching they receive at Stellenbosch University. They are critical and believe in social change. As a professor from Warwick University, I'm delighted to be able to spend time here. The recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two universities will strengthen our relationship. I'm sure our students and staff will greatly benefit from this unique partnership of two teaching institutions that are grounded in research excellence and in creating a fair and just community for all.” - Azrini Wahidin (Professor of Sociology, Warwick

Discover More