Fathima Zehba MP, a researcher at the Department of Architecture and Planning (DAP), National Institute of Technology, Calicut (NITC), has been selected for the Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarship 2023.
Fathima’s research on ‘gender mobility’ in the field of urban planning gained attention, earning her a scholarship of Rs 55 lakh to continue her studies in the UK for a year.
Under the guidance of Mohammed Firoz C, Head of DAP, NIT Calicut, Fathima studied the complexities of urban gender dynamics. His academic career will now extend to the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London, which occupies one of the top places in the QS world rankings for architecture.
The scholarship, funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the British Council, aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of deserving individuals by providing them with access to the resources and expertise of the United Kingdom.
Focused on developmental research, the scholarship supports doctoral students with the potential to become influential figures in their home countries.
Fathima’s research, entitled « Women’s Mobility and Accessibility in Cities of the Global South », aligns with the CSC development theme: « Access, Inclusion and Opportunity ». It seeks to address the mobility challenges faced by disadvantaged and low-income working women in urban areas, with a particular focus on Kochi in Kerala.
The scholarship program includes cover for international return travel, tuition fees of £26,200, research contingency of £5,000, study travel grants of £600 and a monthly stipend of £1,652 £. Fathima was selected from 400 candidates around the world.
She completed her Masters in Urban Planning from NIT Calicut and her Diploma in Architecture from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam.
