Motherhood-based advocacy for transitional justice in Northern Ireland

June 2025

Winning dissertation of the New Voices in Cultural Relations competition 2025

The British Council, in partnership with the British International Studies Association (BISA), launched the New Voices in Cultural Relations prize in 2024 – a competition aimed at recognising exceptional Master’s dissertations that contribute new scholarly insights or propose innovative policy directions in the field of international relations. The prize recognises and promotes the achievements of students on Master’s programmes in international relations in the UK. 

The winner of the 2025 prize is Zoha Siddiqui, an alumna of Queen’s University Belfast.

Zoha's prize-winning dissertation was on motherhood-based advocacy for transitional justice in Northern Ireland. The dissertation focuses on the factors that resulted in a lack of sustained advocacy around experiences of motherhood during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, despite the presence of maternal harm. It posits maternal harm as a distinct, sometimes intentional form of gender-based violence based on the loss of a child, with particular consequences. 

Judging panel’s feedback

"This is an impressive and original thesis on motherhood-based advocacy in Northern Ireland. Drawing on rich primary material, including oral histories, it offers a clear, theoretically informed, and methodologically attentive analysis. The thesis speaks with authority on transitional justice, highlighting important differences with other contexts. It builds a convincing argument, supported by strong evidence, and develops critical insights into the role of gender in conflict. The result is a clear, well-structured study that brings three significant original contributions to the field."

Zoha Siddiqui on receiving the prize 

"I am honoured to receive the New Voices in Cultural Relations Prize, and to share my research…this work was born out of personal experience witnessing the importance of motherhood-based advocacy for justice in Argentina, Guatemala, and Northern Ireland. I hope this work and its recognition highlights the importance and nuances of women's role in transitional justice."