The researcher, an Asian Sikh woman from a working-class background, brings an empathetic insider perspective and critical lens for engaging with participants and the research. This research consists of 30 qualitative Interviews and 2 focus groups using the snowballing technique (Sloan, et al. 2021) and the Dialogical Narrative Analysis (DNA) approach that examines narratives via the dialogue lens to help make sense of their experiences (Frank, 2010). Whilst drawing upon the Critical Race Theory (CRT) theoretical approach, which incorporates the Intersectionality lens is central to this study and to examine how Black and Asian Women’s different and multifaceted identities including race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and class overlap and interrelate which often can result in discrimination and oppression toward Asian and Black women in HEIs.
A pilot study method consisted of six qualitative online interviews covering academic journey, environment, cultural aspects, and experiences of racism, gender, and class, and the preliminary findings found challenges for Black and Asian women academics in UK HEIs, including recruitment bias, discrimination, and intersectional pressures such as racism, genderism, class, and ageism. Imposter syndrome and racial pressures exacerbate their experiences. Concerns persist about HEIs stifling their voices, hindering progress against discrimination. Solutions involve mentorship, amplifying voices, and institutional acknowledgment to address systemic inequalities. The preliminary findings highlighted how the experiences and career progression, of Asian and Black women academics in HEIs are influenced by a complex interplay of factors related to race, gender, ethnicity, and class. However, the role that HEIs play in understanding and tackling these inequalities are paramount in making an impact to the lives of their Black and Asian women academic workforce.
Looking ahead, this research aims to expand on existing literature to amplify the voices of Black and Asian women academics; explore the overlapping intersectional identities that impact on marginalisation and discrimination; offer participant-led recommendations to enhance the Black and Asian academic women‘s experiences and career trajectory; and enable HEIs to better understand and focus on these experiences, career progression and support to retain and recruit Black and Asian women academics.
