Introducing Dr Tariro Moyana- Mukwidigwi
The Re-imagining Reproduction project has five postdoctoral research fellows working in various African countries. Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing these incredible researchers to our community. We asked each of our fellows nine questions to get to know them better.
Please tell us who you are, what your area of interest/expertise is, and where in the world you work.
I am Dr. Tariro Moyana- Mukwidigwi, a Ph.D. holder in Anthropology from the University of KwaZulu Natal. My research interests and focus lie in gender, women’s sexuality, maternal and child care practices, women’s rights and equality focusing on issues related to gender-based violence and spatial justice across diverse social spaces. I am currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry, Social and Behavioural Sciences, at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Faculty of Medicine in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
What/who inspired your current research field?
The experiences and challenges faced by women in diverse cultural contexts have consistently inspired my research. Having grown up and lived in a society where gender disparities are endemic coupled with academic exposure, I have been motivated to delve into the interconnected themes of gender relations and equality, women’s experiences, gender-based violence and justice. Furthermore, engaged in teaching social and behavioural sciences, my courses emphasize the socio-cultural dimensions of health, including reproductive health and cultural aspects of personality development. This teaching experience provides a nuanced understanding of how cultural practices influence perceptions and behaviours, motivating my current research interests in maternal and child care practices
Who are your research/practitioner partners?
As an early career academic, I have collaborated with colleagues in an Andrew Mellon Spatial Humanities project and with my PhD supervisor
What projects have you been working on recently?
I have been engaged in an interdisciplinary project in spatial humanities where I have single-handedly and collaboratively worked with colleagues on various projects exploring the interconnectedness of space (both physical and symbolic), with aspects such as gendered access, memory, identity construction, social cohesion, among others.
What about your work challenges you, and which parts make you smile?
The continuous commitment to interdisciplinary research and addressing the multifaceted nature of various social issues can be demanding but is simultaneously intellectually stimulating. Furthermore, the meaningful impact of my teaching such as witnessing medical students who have traditionally focused on the bio-medical aspects of health develop a nuanced appreciation for cultural influences on health and observing them become more culturally – competent and more humanistic in their practice adds a profound sense of fulfilment and joy to my professional journey.
What three positive things have you achieved in the last year?
- I successfully authored and published a research paper, where I was the principal author.
- Presented a paper at an international conference.
- The birth of my son in the last year has been a profound and joyous milestone. Balancing professional achievements with the joy of parenthood has added a valuable dimension to my life.
What advice can you give to people aspiring to work in your field?
Having a passion for interdisplinary research is important as it involves navigating intersections of various disciplines and methodologies. It is also important to stay abreast with evolving societal and cultural dynamics to enhance one’s ability to contribute meaningfully.
What impact would you like your work to have?
I aim to contribute meaningful insights to the fields of anthropology and health, fostering a deeper understanding of gender, women’s health experiences, and an African conceptualization of reproduction and personality development. This work should not only add to academic discourse but also to policy decisions and practices, leading to positive changes in societal perceptions and structures.
If you had the opportunity to change anything in your field: what would it be, how would you change it, and why?
I would focus on fostering greater inclusivity and diversity in research perspectives for producing nuanced and holistic insights. I will advocate for initiatives that support and empower underrepresented scholarship ensuring the incorporation of a broader range of cultural and societal contexts in research methodologies and knowledge.