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PhD project gives voice to South Sudanese women pursuing higher education in Australia
Akuc Deng’s PhD project, “South Sudanese women’s lived experiences of Australian higher education” delves into the intricate realities faced by South Sudanese women pursuing higher education in Australia. Her research examines the experiences of these women, highlighting the factors that shape their educational journeys. Here she talks about what motivated her choice of PhD topic and her own experience of higher education at Deakin.
Why did you choose your research topic?
As a South Sudanese woman who has navigated the Australian education system, I have witnessed firsthand the barriers and challenges that many in my community face. Education is often positioned as a pathway to empowerment, yet systemic inequalities, financial hardship, and cultural responsibilities make it difficult for many South Sudanese women to access and succeed in higher education. I wanted to give voice to these experiences and contribute to policy and institutional changes that could improve educational outcomes for refugee and migrant women.
What were you hoping to achieve with this research?
My primary goal was to highlight the structural and cultural challenges that South Sudanese women face in higher education while also identifying the support mechanisms that enable their success. By documenting their stories, I hoped to contribute to more inclusive policies and programs within Australian universities.
I also wanted to create greater awareness within the South Sudanese community about the opportunities and support available in higher education. Many families, particularly those with refugee backgrounds, prioritise immediate financial stability over long-term education. I aimed to provide insights that could shift perspectives and encourage more young women to pursue university studies with the necessary support systems in place.
Ultimately, I hoped my research would lead to practical recommendations for universities, policymakers, and community organisations to improve access, retention and success for South Sudanese women in higher education.
Why did you decide to do your PhD at Deakin?
I chose to do my PhD at Deakin University because I had a great experience completing my Masters research there. My supervisors were incredibly supportive and even encouraged me to pursue a PhD, which gave me the confidence to take this next step in my academic journey. Additionally, one of the key motivations behind my research is to see more highly educated women in my community, women holding Masters degrees, PhDs, and becoming medical doctors, professors and educators. I want to contribute to building a strong academic presence within the South Sudanese community, and Deakin provided the right environment and support to help me achieve that goal.
How was your experience with your supervisors?
My supervisors were incredibly supportive throughout my PhD journey. They provided valuable guidance on refining my research methodology, particularly in conducting in-depth interviews with multiple participants over time. Their feedback helped me navigate the complexities of qualitative research, ensuring that I approached the study ethically and with cultural sensitivity.
At times, the process was challenging, especially when dealing with emotionally heavy topics such as trauma, displacement, and discrimination. However, my supervisors encouraged me to balance academic rigour with self-care, which was crucial in sustaining my motivation.
Overall, their mentorship played a significant role in shaping my research and strengthening my confidence as a scholar.
What was a highlight of your PhD?
One of the biggest highlights was engaging with the South Sudanese women who participated in my research. Listening to their stories, struggles, and triumphs reinforced the importance of this work. Many participants shared how the interviews themselves were a form of validation, they felt seen, heard, and understood.
Now that you have completed your PhD, what are your next steps and challenges?
Moving forward, I hope to continue working in research and advocacy, particularly in areas related to education, migration, and social policy. I want to collaborate with universities, community organisations, and policymakers to implement some of the recommendations from my research and expand on areas I was not able to in this research.
One challenge is ensuring that the voices of South Sudanese women continue to be heard and that their experiences translate into tangible changes. Advocacy work requires ongoing engagement, and I hope to use my research to push for more inclusive education policies and support systems.
Additionally, I am interested in publishing my findings and potentially expanding my research to include comparative studies of refugee women from different backgrounds. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding of the intersection between race, gender, and education in Australia.
