Pathway Project
‘They Are Here Too: Gendered Violence in the South Asian Immigrant Community in Post-COVID Ireland’ is a Pathway Project (2022-26) funded by the Science Foundation Ireland and Irish Research Council.
This project has created a collaboration of scholars from DCU, Lund University Sweden, Tampere University Finland, and Lucerne. In my current role as PI of a Pathways project, I am collaborating with a Bangladeshi and a Pakistani migrant scholar to create a community space for South Asian migrant women who are at risk of domestic violence. This space, called ASHA, will be a safe space for these women to come together, talk and celebrate their culture, and promote their integration into Irish society. I am also supervising a PhD student who will look into explore the ways the current Third Strategy can be used to channelise more tailored support to South Asian migrant survivors.
The project's podcast, “ASHA: Crossing Borders, Breaking Silences”, amplifies the powerful narratives of migrant women.
The “ASHA: Crossing Borders, Breaking Silences” podcast amplifies the powerful narratives of migrant women. ASHA means “hope” in many South Asian languages, and is a reflection of what we would like this podcast to be, hope that positive change can be made. Join us as we delve into the lives of survivors, activists, policy makers, journalists, and change-makers who play pivotal roles in enhancing our community.
In each episode, we explore the untold stories of resilience, shedding light on the invaluable contributions these extraordinary women make to our society. From navigating the challenges of migration to breaking barriers in their respective fields, our guests inspire and empower us.
But it's not just about storytelling – "ASHA" is committed to driving meaningful change. We engage in conversations that aim to reshape policies, making them more empowering and equitable for migrant women in Ireland. Our spotlight is focused on addressing the nuanced experiences of domestic violence, advocating for solutions that foster safety, support, and justice. This podcast is part of a Pathway Fellowship funded by the Irish Research Council and the Science Foundation of Ireland, led by Dr. Arpita Chakraborty.
Join us on this transformative journey as we break the silence and work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate Ireland for all.
Episode One: Dr Caroline West
In our first episode of the ASHA podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Caroline West—relationship columnist, media commentator, podcast host, and sexual violence response manager. Caroline shares insights from her work at the intersections of sexuality, media, and advocacy, reflecting on public conversations around consent, education, and social change in Ireland today. A thoughtful and engaging start to the series.