Education | 12.02.2019
PhD scholarship: Gender-based violence
HEARD is offering three scholarships to be awarded to students undertaking research focusing on the theme of gender-based violence, looking at prevalence, determinants and policy responses to GBV. This is part of our PhD programme, aimed at producing expertly qualified graduates to advise or to be part of influential policy-making or programme implementing entities in Africa, and to pursue additional research priorities.
About the scholarships
1. Gender-based violence in higher education in Africa.
Whilst there has been substantial research on gender based violence in schools, there is far less work which considers GBV in higher education institutions. We thus welcome proposals which will examine the different forms of GBV in universities or other higher education institutes; causes and determinants of GBV – which students are most vulnerable and why?; and policy and programmatic responses to GBV by university administrations and local and national education authorities.
2. Gender-based violence, transactional sex and sex-work
We welcome proposals which examine links and intersections between all forms of transactional sexual relationships and gender-based violence. Particularly interesting will be proposals which aim to examine a range of transactional sexual relations beyond publicly visible
and recognised forms of commercialised sex work, and which consider the various forms of causal relationships and intersections between GBV and transactional sex.
3. Gender-based violence and migration
Migrants, and particularly undocumented migrants, may be more vulnerable to gender-based violence, and less able to access various support services when they have been victims of this violence. We welcome proposals which examine the different forms of GBV experienced by migrants, looking at intersectional pathways into vulnerability. Also, any proposals which examine the impacts of local, national or
international policies on the vulnerabilities and experiences of GBV amongst migrant populations.
Who should apply?
Applications are invited from citizens of all African countries. Female candidates and, in the case of South Africa, those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, are especially encouraged to apply.
APPLICANTS MUST:
• Hold a Master’s Degree (first or upper second class pass or its equivalent).
• Have demonstrable research experience.
• Undertake to register for a PhD dissertation (full time) at the University of KwaZulu–Natal (UKZN).
• Make a commitment to remain on the African continent for at least TWO years after graduation.
How to apply?
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
• A letter of motivation.
• CV
• An eight to 10 page concept note on one of the three above- mentioned research questions.
• Certified copies of both your academic qualifications and of your full academic records. In the case of qualifications obtained from non-English speaking countries an English translation must be included.
• A certified copy of your ID/passport.
• Two letters of reference, at least one of which must be academic. The second can be from an individual of professional standing.
Fees & scholarship
The value of each scholarship is R540, 000. It will be paid in equal tranches over three years. Tranche payments will be paid dependent on a satisfactory progress report. Successful candidates are required to be based in Durban, South Africa, for the duration of the scholarship, with the exception of the time during which they may undertake field research elsewhere.
Notes
Applicants in the process of completing a Master’s degree will not be considered.
• PhD students may not work while studying.
• Funding will be renewed annually over the three year period dependent on satisfactory progress.
• The first scholarship tranche will be released on proof of PhD registration and the opening of a South African bank account.
• If you have not received a reply within eight weeks of the closing date, 15 March 2019, kindly consider your application
as unsuccessful.
• Applications must be submitted to Cailin Hedderwick, PhD Programme Manager (Hedderwick@ukzn.ac.za).
For more information HEARD’s PhD programme visit our website www.heard.org.za