The South Asian Women in Higher Education (SAWHE) Network is a grassroots, community-led initiative that aims to empower, amplify the visibility, voice, and leadership of South Asian women across UK universities. South Asian women in academia and professional services often navigate cultural expectations, systemic barriers, and underrepresentation. This network exists to change that. We are here to:
-Create a community for connection, support, and solidarity
-Share stories of identity, resilience, and boldness
-Champion visibility and leadership in academia and beyond
-Provide space to reflect, rise, and lead
-Empower with skills and tools for leadership
SAWHE began with one woman’s vision — Sayema Rahman Khan, a scientist, mother of three, and research project manager, who saw a gap for South Asian women in higher education to be heard and represented. Having been in the Higher Education sector as a student and as a staff member for over 15 years, she has struggled to find a sense of belonging and navigated spaces with a lack of representation, something several other South Asian women face as they try to excel in their careers.
What started as a personal mission to create a safe, inclusive space has grown into a thriving community of women who share stories, support each other’s journeys, and break barriers together.
At the heart of SAWHE is an Inner Circle — a team of passionate volunteers and South Asian country leads who lead events, blogs, and collaborations and shape the network’s vision and growth. Together, we are trying to create opportunities for connection, visibility, and leadership.
#RepresentationMatters | #SouthAsianWomenInHigherEducation