We’re catching up with our tutor Shaid Parveen on her recent success winning Legal Academic of the Year at the Women in Law Awards 2021. Shaid discusses her role at the University, what the award represents, and some of the extracurricular activities and interests that paved the way for her success.
By Elena Carruthers. Published 8 December 2021. Last updated 11 January 2023.
I am an Associate Professor and Senior Tutor at The University of Law. In addition to my full-time role, I’m also the WP Champion for Birmingham and chair of the Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage (REACH) Network at the University.
Outside of work, I spend time with family and friends and have had the privilege of travelling extensively around the world. I also been involved in several charity projects abroad which have included trekking Macha Picchu to raise funds for international relief projects and building an orphanage in Tanzania.
My main goals and ambitions for the future are to continue working towards creating a just and equitable society.
In October 2021, I was nominated for Legal Academic of the Year at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards and went on to win the award. The aim of the award is to acknowledge and recognise the achievements of individuals who progress the EDI and representation agenda.
Winning the award was bittersweet. We are in 2021 and we are still fighting for equality. While at the same time it provided a powerful testimony of the work being undertaken by individuals to pursue equality. It is hoped that collectively we can make such a change.
Integrity is key to everything I do. Without integrity it is all too easy to compromise on who you truly are and what you want to achieve. As a result of this, I have developed a high level of resilience but at the same time I am open to listening and developing an understanding of others.
I am who I am because of my faith, family, and friends. They are the people who inspire me to do what I do.
Change does not come through being complacent. It is as a result of being pro-active and thinking about those around you and the future generations. My mother always embedded in me the belief that status means nothing if you do not use your privilege to benefit others.
For students who wish to be more involved social activism, it’s best to start with reading around the area and research groups that you may be interested in joining. Engage in University life and extracurricular activities and keep a wide range of friends as it is amazing what you will learn from one another through discussion.
Take a look at our Student Association to find out more about the extracurricular activities and societies you can take part in at ULaw.
