“The joy of motherhood embraced me in a foreign country, a heartwarming yet daunting experience.”

Originally from Chitral, a village in northern Pakistan, Farida Bibi Mughal is breaking new ground as the first in her family to pursue a doctoral degree abroad. The latest stop on her path is the University of Michigan, where she is currently pursuing a PhD in nursing. In her studies, Farida’s research focuses on empowering South Asian immigrant women survivors of gender-based violence, aiming to bridge cultural gaps in the healthcare system and facilitate trauma healing within this demographic. Farida’s research is not merely academic; it is a mission to vocalize and validate the silent struggles of many, translating her findings into action through publications and conference presentations.

A new mother, Farida balances her academic pursuits with her caregiving responsibilities. Her days are dedicated to her daughter’s well-being. Farida writes of becoming a mother: “The joy of motherhood embraced me in a foreign country, a heartwarming yet daunting experience.” Farida’s newfound motherhood has given her a greater perspective on what it means to be a PhD student.

Farida’s persistence is evident in her achievements. Her research has been published in the Trauma, Violence, and Abuse journal, and she has been invited to present at the Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International conference. Her accolades include being named the Gupta Values Scholar 2024 and her membership in Phi Kappa Phi since November 2023, a testament to her high academic performance. Additionally, she serves as a Graduate Nursing Student Academy council member from 2023 to 2025. After graduation, Farida plans to make a difference in the lives of women, advocate within the community, and contribute to global efforts to reduce gender-based violence. Her advisor writes, “Farida’s academic journey is characterized by a well-defined, goal-oriented strategy coupled with intellectual rigor, ensuring that her contributions will have a lasting impact in the field.”

CEW+ recognizes Farida’s persistence and names her the Joan P. Ireland Scholar.