Maryam Saeed studied MSc in International Development through a Commonwealth Scholarship, graduating in 2014. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to promote positive change in her native Pakistan.

We caught up with her to hear about her work as a human rights activist and how the scholarship has driven her career aspirations.

How has receiving the scholarship impacted your academic and professional journey since graduation?

Receiving the Commonwealth Scholarship at the University of Bath has profoundly shaped both my academic and professional trajectory since graduation. Beyond the rigorous coursework and invaluable mentorship from esteemed academics, the scholarship afforded me the opportunity to forge new connections and lasting friendships.

The course honed my critical thinking ability, equipped me with skills in academic writing, and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the complexities inherent in sociological analysis; the world, I learnt, is far from binary. Armed with these newfound tools and unwavering confidence, I returned to Pakistan emboldened to make a difference.

This scholarship laid the foundation for a fulfilling and enriching decade-long professional journey, wherein I've been able to apply my knowledge and skills to effect positive change in my community.

How have you been able to give back to the community since graduating?

Out of sheer passion, I have dedicated the last 10 years of my life to protecting human rights and civil liberties.

I have tremendously engaged in complex research, public campaigns, civil society collaborations and policy advocacy. In my experience working in the NGO sector in a conflict-ridden country, I have interacted with beneficiaries ranging from survivors of acid attacks to victims of false blasphemy allegations, from members of religious minority communities to gender and sexual minorities. As a human rights activist, I have learned to uphold people’s rights without fear or favour, working on sensitive and challenging rights issues which are often neglected.

As a human rights activist, I have been vocal on issues close to my heart such as women’s rights and freedom of expression, and towards protecting these human rights I have participated in campaigns and street protests. In one instance, as part of a project at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, my work involved managing a group of 60 human rights defenders (HRD). One HRD informed me about a case from Federally Administered Tribal Areas, where a woman was in danger due to false accusations.

After I came to know of the incident, I collaborated with my network to bring the case to the attention of the KP government. The governor of KP intervened and the victim was rescued from her village and moved to a shelter in Peshawar.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

The scholarship has profoundly influenced my long-term goals, shaping both my professional aspirations and personal outlook. Through the scholarship's support, I have gained invaluable knowledge, skills, and experiences that have fuelled my passion for advocating for human rights and promoting digital rights.

As I look to the future, I envision myself continuing to champion these causes, leveraging my expertise to drive positive change in my community and beyond. I aspire to take on leadership roles where I can contribute to shaping policies, advancing research, and fostering collaborations that uphold the values of equality, justice, and inclusivity.

Ultimately, I see myself playing a significant role in shaping a more equitable and rights-respecting society, guided by the principles instilled in me through the scholarship I received at Bath.

What would you say to the donors who funded your scholarship?

The financial support provided by the scholarship has had a profound impact on my overall outlook on education. Hailing from a financially underprivileged background, I understand first-hand the barriers that lack of financial resources can pose to accessing higher education.

Growing up in a literate family where the value of knowledge was instilled from a young age, I recognised the transformative power of education. However, the inability to afford it oneself often engenders feelings of anxiety and frustration, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. Therefore, receiving financial support not only alleviated the financial burden but also restored my faith in humanity. It provided me with the opportunity to pursue my academic aspirations and to transcend the limitations imposed by financial constraints.

I am eternally grateful to those who generously funded my education, as their investment has not only changed my life but has also empowered me to make a meaningful contribution to society. I pledge to continue striving for excellence and to make them proud, ensuring that their support and belief in me were not in vain. Education is indeed a fundamental human right, and I fervently believe that those who have the means should invest in scholarships to provide equitable access to education for all.

What do you remember most about your time at Bath?

Looking back on my time at the University of Bath, what stands out the most are the enduring memories I formed in this captivating city. Even after a decade, I carry with me fragments of Bath's beauty and charm, from its meandering streets to the soothing sound of the river Avon.

However, above all else, it's the friendships I forged during my time there that remain etched in my heart. I feel incredibly fortunate to still be in touch with all of my friends from Bath, and witnessing their personal and professional growth has been truly enriching. For this, I am forever indebted to the city and the university, as they have left an indelible mark on my life, shaping who I am today.