Akuc Deng, a PhD candidate at Deakin University is exploring the opportunities and barriers for South Sudanese migrant women in higher education in terms of access, experiences and outcomes.
With a background rooted in advocacy and community development, Akuc’s research gives much needed voice to the experience of South Sudanese women pursuing higher education in Australia. Her current research aims to inform tangible change within academic institutions and communities that will support women to peruse and complete Masters and PhD level degrees.
Research background
Akuc’s academic journey began at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, where she focused on stillbirth prevention in migrant communities. This passion for community-oriented research is now being applied to the education sphere. Her master’s research explored the aspirations for higher education among South Sudanese women, setting the stage for her current PhD work.
Her research highlights a gap in educational attainment between Sudanese women in Australia and their male counterparts. Akuc research aims to identify the reasons behind this disparity, “I want to identify the gaps in access and experience, and why women who can get into universities don’t end up completing their degrees.”
Akuc’s research interest stems from her personal experiences growing up in South Sudan in a family where education was a priority. While Akuc was encouraged to pursue education, she witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by other young women in her community.
To help empower women and girls in South-Sudan, she founded the nonprofit organization, Pan South Sudan Inc., aimed at building schools for girls and orphans in South Sudan.
“I saw the opportunities lacking there,” she said, highlighting her drive to improve educational access for young girls both in South Sudan and Australia.
Identifying gaps and seeking solutions
Her current research delves into why some women enrol in universities in Australia but do not complete their degrees. Through this her research aims to identify and redress educational barries.
“I want to identify what is contributing to creating this gap and what can be done,” she states, indicating her desire to produce actionable findings that can inform policy changes and community support initiatives.
Through in-depth interviews and direct engagement with the community, Akuc is gathering qualitative data to uncover the nuanced experiences of these women.
The importance of specificity in research
Akuc’s research highlights the need for specificity in research concerning migrant and refugee women. She highlights the dangers of generalising across different cultural backgrounds within existing literature, stressing that experiences vary widely among individuals from different backgrounds.
“There is so much generalisation in terms of refugees,” she explains, advocating for a more tailored approach to research that considers the distinct challenges faced by specific migrant communities.
This focus on specificity is not only critical for understanding the issues at hand but also essential for developing effective interventions that address the unique barriers faced by South Sudanese women.
Looking ahead
Akuc’s PhD gives her a unique blend of research and community engagement skills that will have practical applications in her career in the educational sector. Her ideal path involves a blend of academia and community work, allowing her to continue her research while actively engaging the communities.
“I like research because it helps identify issues and potential solutions… but I also want to work in the community, to help with implementation,” she reflects, expressing her commitment to both scholarship and social impact.
Akuc Deng’s research an important step towards understanding and addressing the educational opportunities and barriers faced by South Sudanese migrant women in Australia. Through her efforts, Akuc aims to inspire greater inclusivity and support for marginalised communities, paving the way for a brighter future for women in education. As her work continues to unfold, it promises to be a significant contribution to the discourse on migration, education, and gender equity.
PhD candidate Akuc Deng, School of Education, Deakin University