Student profile - Bee

PhD candidate at the School of History, Politics and International Relations, funded via the AHRC Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.

Please tell us about your journey to doing a PhD

I decided to study for a PhD after becoming involved in advocacy work for survivors of human trafficking. I was struck by how rarely people with lived experience are invited to contribute to theoretical debates in this field. Although I enjoy academic work, as someone who has physical disabilities and lives with the psychological effects of trauma, I had concerns about accessing doctoral study. Fortunately, I found supportive supervisors at the University of Leicester, and the wellbeing and accessibility services implemented adaptations that made full-time study possible. 

Tell us about your PhD project

My research explores the theoretical perspectives of South African survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation who are now engaged in political activism. I am investigating how they interpret their experiences in relation to South Africa’s history of apartheid and colonialism. Human trafficking research often focuses on survivors’ trauma; I am interested in their political views and how they can contribute to theory. I also seek to draw on my own lived experience of exploitation to inform political theory on this topic.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying for a PhD?

Choose the right university for you – one that acknowledges and supports additional needs while respecting you as a professional. At the University of Leicester, I’m recognised not just as a traumatised and disabled person, but as a contributor to theory, a valued professional, and an emerging researcher. My lived experience strengthens my academic work. 

Choose a topic that is close to your heart - something you can channel your power, anger, hopes and strengths into. Research rooted in lived experience can be emotionally demanding, but also has the potential to be deeply healing. You can contribute perspectives that are personal, theoretical and political, and that bring meaningful change both to your academic field and to others surviving similar circumstances.