Tayyaba Malik: Balancing Research, Life, and a Dash of Resilience
Tayyaba Malik’s PhD wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was a journey of transformation, and one with a lot of twists and turns along the way. Her research on gender, religion, and society in South Asia, especially the political activism of Muslim women, wasn’t just academic—it was personal. Coming from a background where higher education was a rare opportunity, particularly for married women, Tayyaba found her place at ANU, a space where she could ask the tough questions and push boundaries, all while being supported by a community that understood the weight of those questions.
Her research focused on exploring the roles of women in political movements like Jamaat-e-Islami in Pakistan and AKP women in Turkey. For Tayyaba, it wasn’t just about uncovering political dynamics—it was about amplifying voices that often get lost or oversimplified. But the road wasn’t always smooth. Balancing research, home life, and being a mother felt like juggling flaming torches. Yet, with the unwavering support of her family, colleagues, and especially her supervisory panel, she learned how to keep the balance in check without letting everything burn out.
What stood out most to her, though, was the support from her supervisors—especially the two remarkable women who understood that life doesn’t stop for a PhD. Their kindness and attention to her well-being were game-changers.
“Every year during Ramadan, one of my supervisors would gently remind me, ‘Leave early, don’t tire yourself while you are fasting,’” she reflects. “She always insisted that I take a day off on Eid to truly rest and celebrate. In a world that often expects women to push through exhaustion, those simple words meant everything.” Their support wasn’t just academic; it was about being seen and heard, especially as a woman, a mother, and a researcher.
“It wasn’t just about academic guidance—it was about having someone acknowledge that our struggles as women, as mothers, as researchers, are real. Their support made all the difference,” Tayyaba continues. “It gave me the space to do my research without feeling like I had to prove my worth by overworking myself. It reminded me that success isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s also about knowing when to pause, take care of yourself, and move forward with strength.”
There were definitely tough moments—those sleepless nights and moments of self-doubt—but looking back, Tayyaba knows those challenges were part of what shaped her. “Success isn’t about working yourself to the bone,” she says. “It’s about knowing when to step back and take care of yourself too.” And now, with her eyes set on bridging academia with policy and community work, she’s ready to take on new challenges.
Her advice for future PhD students? “Most importantly, stay connected to the passion that brought you here in the first place. There will be times when you lose sight of it but remind yourself why you started. Your work matters, your voice matters, and you belong here.”
Tayyaba’s PhD experience wasn’t just about becoming a more confident researcher. It was about resilience. It was about learning to navigate life’s hurdles while still pushing forward in her academic career. “My time at CAP and CHL has prepared me in so many ways. The intellectual freedom I had here, the mentorship I received, and the challenges I navigated have shaped me into a more confident researcher and critical thinker. More than anything, my PhD journey has taught me resilience—the ability to adapt, push through challenges, and keep going even when things get tough. Wherever I go next, I know these lessons will stay with me.”
Outside of the academic world, Tayyaba is a mother, a cook, and a lover of life’s simple joys. Whether it’s experimenting with new recipes, spending quality time with her children, or sipping on a cup of chai, her PhD experience has shown her that success isn’t just about academic accolades. It’s about finding fulfillment in all the parts of life, even the messy, beautiful ones.