The South Asian Women in Higher Education (SAWHE) Network is a grassroots, community-led initiative dedicated to amplifying the visibility, voice, and leadership of South Asian heritage 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.
Established in May 2025, the SAWHE Network was founded to address the underrepresentation of South Asian women in UK academia.
Women from South Asian backgrounds continue to face shared challenges, including:
Cultural conditioning and traditional expectations
Patriarchy and societal pressures
Structural barriers and systemic bias
Lack of institutional support
We provide a community-led safe space where these experiences are acknowledged, and women are supported to grow, lead, and thrive.
Help us create more space, visibility and opportunity for South Asian women in higher education.
Every donation helps SAWHE host events, build community, amplify underrepresented voices and support the next generation of students, researchers and leaders.
Whether you give once, monthly, or simply help us spread the word, your support helps us keep this work moving forward.
Since May 2025, the SAWHE Network has grown into a vibrant community making real change across UK higher education.
Our network is shaped by three values: connection, support, and celebration.
We create opportunities for members to:
Build community and solidarity with peers across UK universities
Share stories of identity, resilience, and boldness
Champion visibility and leadership in academia and beyond
Access safe spaces and tools for reflection, empowerment, and leadership development
We’re building initiatives that spotlight and support our members.
The SAWHE Network is led by the community, for the community. Together, we work to ensure SAWHE remains inclusive, collaborative, and impactful.
Our founder and SAWHE current inner circle leaders include:
Founder & Network Lead
Dr. Sayema Rahman Khan
The University of Manchester
After spending 15 years in UK academia, being a South Asian woman, mother, and professional, there were many moments when I felt isolated, unsure, and unable to see people like me in the senior roles I aspired to. Over time, I realised these feelings weren’t mine alone – they are shared by so many South Asian women navigating similar challenges.
SAWHE was created from that lived experience: a space where we can spotlight each other, support each other, and see ourselves represented. A community where our journeys are understood and our voices are valued.
Connect with the founder to learn how you can contribute, collaborate or sponsor the network!
The SAWHE Network is established as a close ‘INNER CIRCLE’ of leaders who shape the future of the network along with the founder, based on community requests. Our Inner Circle represents a diverse range of South Asian voices from across the subcontinent and faiths. Each member brings a wealth of experience and comes from all levels of higher education, from staff to students at universities across the UK.
This intentional representation ensures that leadership within our network reflects the richness of our community.
Connect with our current Inner Circle Members to know more about what they are doing and how you can participate!
Pakistan Lead
Dr. Binish Khatoon
The University of Manchester
India Lead
Dr. Sukvinder (Suky) Bhamra
University of Kent
Bangladesh Lead
Dr. Jahanara Miah
University of Manchester
York St John University
Srilanka Lead
Rashmi Danwaththa Liyanage
Liverpool John Moores University
Spotlight Lead
Dr. Sana Malik
Birmingham City University
Events Manager
Dr. Gulshanara Begum
University of Westminster
Content Lead
Kalani Rajapakshe
York St John University
Membership Manager
Zaineb Al Sadiq
Aston University
Spotlight Co-ordinator
Tahmina Hussain
University of Salford
Spotlight Co-ordinator
Joshi Prabhu
The University of Salford
Student Voice Lead
Rozena Nadeem
University of Nottingham
Accessibility Lead
Maryam Riasat
Global Banking School
If you’ve ever felt alone, unseen, or unsupported in higher education, SAWHE is here for you.
Joining our network means:
Belonging to a safe, inclusive community
Gaining peer support from those who share your lived experiences
Access to events, workshops, and networking
A platform to share your research, successes, and identity
We’re committed to building a future where South Asian women in higher education feel empowered, visible, and recognised.
Over the coming years, we will:
Grow our community so more South Asian women have access to support and solidarity
Deliver meaningful events and initiatives that help members build confidence and leadership
Celebrate achievements and amplify the visibility of South Asian women in academia
Collaborate with partners and mentors who share our mission of equity and inclusion
Membership is open and free to all South Asian women in UK higher education. Allies, mentors, and collaborators are also welcome to support our work.
We are always looking for partnerships with organisations and individuals who share our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, we can create spaces where South Asian women in higher education thrive.
"SAWHE created a space where I felt genuinely represented and inspired."
"An amazing network of women supporting and uplifting one another."
"It was so empowering to connect with women who share similar journeys and ambitions."
