Shahira Shahir, PhD Candidate
ABOUT ME
Shahira Shahir is a former lecturer in the economic faculty at the Herat University of Afghanistan, a fourth-year Doctor of Management candidate at Cardiff Met University, fellow of CARA (Council for At Risk Academics), and fellow of Cumberland Lodge.
Research
My current research focuses on critically examining the influence of personal and organisational factors on the career journeys of female professors in UK higher education.
Public speeches
I have delivered numerous public speeches. To view a selection of these, please click the link below.
My story from Herat to Cardiff
After the Taliban take over in a blink of an eye, I lost everything. I lost my job, my identity, my friends, and had to flee the country that I wanted to build...
MEMORIES OF MY EXPERIENCE
contact me
Feel free to contact me to discuss any of my research or collaborate on any future research projects.
about me
I am from Afghanistan, and my educational journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and determination. Growing up, my path to education was anything except a regular educational journey; my academic pursuit took me through secret schools and multiple cities, overcoming challenges many might never face.
| Year | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Jan 2022 to present | PhD in Management (gender studies), School of Management at Cardiff MET University (UK). |
| May 2012 | MBA (marketing and HR), Aligarh Muslim University (India). |
| May 2009 | BA in Economics, Herat University (Afghanistan). |
| May 2005 | High School, Merry High School, (Afghanistan). |
| Year | Experience |
|---|---|
| Jun 2023 to present | Senior Research Assistant, Cardiff MET University (projects involved MEECE, Supply Chain, and Consumer Mindful Consumption). |
| 2013 to 2021 | Lecturer (Ghalib University, Jami University, Herat University, and Asia University). |
| 2015 to 2017 | Founder and President of Mehrsa Marketing Service Company. |
| 2013 to 2016 | Dean of Economic Faculty (Ghalib University). |
Research
Role of women in the economy in third world country (Afghanistan)
Establishment of the food industry and its impact on women’s employment during 2007-2017 in Herat Industrial Town.
Public speeches
My story from Herat to Cardiff
After the Taliban take over in a blink of an eye, I lost everything. I lost my job, my identity, my friends, and had to flee the country that I wanted to build.My name is Shahira Shahir. I am a DMan student (Gender studies and human capital management). 8 months ago, I was a lecturer of economics at Herat University western province of Afghanistan. I used to work for 12 hours per day, I had my car, my own office, and dozens of students. My life as an educated woman was not perfect, but I worked hard to achieve what I
had in Afghanistan.My parents are both academic people; my mother teaches arts at the same university as I teach, and my father used to teach law, I grew up with books of arts, science, and philosophy in my home, however, that environment did not make the journey any easier for me, as a woman I had to fight hard for my goals and dreams not only with the patriarchal society but with my own family too.Despite all the restrictions, I managed to pursue my dreams and complete my higher education to get my dream job, which was teaching. Being a young and unmarried teacher in that society was another challenge for me. Most of my colleagues who were men and older than me could not accept me in that position; sometimes, I used to hear that they questioned even my teaching methods.However, I was happy, independent and most importantly I was with my family. After the Taliban took over in a blink of an eye, I lost everything. I lost my job, my identity, and my friends and I had to flee the country that I wanted to build.I am grateful to Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Council for At-Risk Academics organisation that provided me with the scholarship to have this opportunity to continue my career in a safe and professional environment in the UK, but I must say I am not able to focus on my research like any other student as I have so many things behind, like my family and my students. I still get calls and messages from my student that how helpless they feel, and how the whole university is empty of lectures. The takeaway positive message I have from my story is that this opportunity is life-
changing for me as an Afghan woman studying in the UK it will increase my knowledge and build up my confidence to continue my career in academia.
contact me
Please contact me below and I will get back to you ASAP.