Ummi-Rahmat Abubakar embodies quiet determination. With her contagious smile and approachable demeanour, she effortlessly navigates the complexities of academia while juggling the joys and responsibilities of family life.
Entry into public health research and the full-time reality of family life
Ummi's journey into the world of public health research has been serendipitous. It was sparked by her move to the UK to accompany her husband in pursuing his academic endeavours. What began as a supportive gesture soon became an opportunity for Ummi to carve out her path. In October 2022, she embarked on a PhD journey at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), deepening the heart of an issue close to her heart.
As a mother of three young children, Ummi's days demonstrate her dedication. Balancing academic pursuits and domestic responsibilities, she navigates daily with inspiring resilience. From the early morning rush to get the kids off to school to the late-night hours spent poring over research papers, she embraces each moment with an unmatched determination. Yet, amidst the reality of daily life, Ummi finds solace in the kitchen, where her culinary creations become a source of comfort and joy for her family.
When passion and purpose align
During one of these moments of quiet reflection, Ummi's research topic began to take shape. Drawing from a deep-seated desire to make a difference, she embarked on a mission to shine a light on the prevalence of domestic abuse among pregnant and postpartum women in Kenya and Tanzania. For her, this is not just an academic pursuit; it is a personal crusade to challenge the norms of a society where domestic abuse has become all too common.
Through her work, Ummi is expanding the body of evidence and fostering tangible change in communities affected by this pervasive issue. The importance of her research extends far beyond borders, as domestic abuse is a global issue that affects individuals in all societies. Ummi's research has the potential to enhance policies, support systems, and community responses, leading to improved outcomes for survivors and a reduction in domestic violence worldwide. Her work is a beacon of hope for a better, safer future.
The road to her PhD is not without its challenges. In the early days, Ummi grappled with the daunting task of finding her footing in a new academic environment, unsure of where her research would lead. Yet, with the unwavering support of her parents, who have sponsored her studies, her husband and her dedicated supervisors, Ummi continues to forge ahead with determination and resilience.
As her research unfolds, Ummi finds herself immersed in the rich tapestry of data collection, each interview and survey providing new insights into the culturally diverse backgrounds and lives of those affected by domestic abuse and those supporting survivors of domestic abuse. It is a humbling experience that reinforces her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Outside of her research, Ummi cherishes the moments spent with her family, finding joy in simple pleasures. Whether it is a weekend spent cooking up a storm in the kitchen or a quiet evening curled up with her loved ones, these moments are her anchor in the storm of academic pursuit.
What next?
As she looks ahead to life after her PhD, Ummi's future is filled with possibilities. While academia may not be her chosen path, she is eager to explore consulting and freelance work opportunities, leveraging her expertise to guide organisations and projects that need her skills.
To aspiring PhD candidates in her field, Ummi offers this advice: “Embrace the journey and know that it is a gradual process that takes time. Seek support when needed, and above all, remain transparent and honest in your endeavours."
Through it all, Ummi remains steadfast in her belief that her research is important to her and communities worldwide. With empathy as her guiding light and collaboration as her compass, she forges ahead on her journey, a beacon of hope in the fight against domestic abuse.