ZEENAT YASSIN-BURNS

“Research is not about how intelligent you are. It is the very opposite, it is about needing to know and learn.”

Tell us about the background of your research.

My research focuses on the social aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, specifically health related stigma and its impact on vulnerable and orphaned children. HIV-related stigma is a concept that is fluid, ever changing and sometimes poorly understood. To address HIV-related stigma we needed a theoretical understanding of the manner in which stigma operates and is mediated to impact the wellbeing of an individual, especially children who have been disproportionately affected. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are stigmatised as a result of their affiliation to familial HIV/AIDS infection or death irrespective of their own HIV status. Experiences of HIV-related stigma has acted to negatively impact psychosocial well-being of OVC’s. Despite its important the psychosocial well-being of OVC’s in relation to HIV-related related stigma remained poorly investigated and understood resulting in inadequate support and resources dedicated to reducing HIV-related stigma and mitigating its influence on the well-being of affected children. My PhD set out to contribute to the body of knowledge by providing such an understanding through the development of a social transactional model of HIV-related stigma and the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

For me personally, I have always gravitated towards helping and protecting children as I believe that children are our future and deserve the best opportunities to grow, develop and explore the world free of judgement and danger. Early in my academic career I was taken by the plight of children who have been severely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. I believe that it is through my research that I am able to make a difference, indirectly to the lives of vulnerable and orphaned children.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

There were two things that keep going: supervision and progress. Supervision was instrumental to my success. My supervisors provided a supportive environment and guided me throughout my PhD journey. As supervisors they offered a listening ear, provided invaluable advice regarding the research process and motivated me to work through challenges. Secondly, progress. Throughout my PhD journey I encountered many challenges which is to be expected as no research journey is smooth but I was always motivated by progress. Despite the challenges it was the small wins that kept me going. Seeing my study grow and take shape from the proposal stages to conducting research in the field. I was always excited to see what came next? What would I find? or How would this shape the way I understood the content or experiences of children? It was this sense of small achievements and curiosity that was fulfilling and kept me going till the end.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

My supervisors (Prof Frantz and Dr Erasmus) are my biggest inspiration. In them I found strong women who could lead and effect change in others while remaining empathetic and supportive. I have never seen female leadership and power as embodied by them. They showcase what good academics are and proved that women of colour could do all things great. More importantly they place the empowerment, growth and the capacity development of others at the forefront of their role. They truly are inspirational and are my role models.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher

The best experience throughout my PhD journey was the opportunity to travel and showcase my work. I had received funding support from the NRF to present my developed model at the 9th International Conference on Stigma at Howard University in Washington, DC. This was my first international conference presentation hosted in a country other than South Africa. I remember being nervous and excited all at once, like I was starting my first day of school. Networking with others from different countries and having the opportunity share my work was amazing. I grew so much from the experience and continue to network with some of the individuals I met on this trip.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

If you don’t succeed try again. Research is not about how intelligent you are. It is the very opposite, it is about needing to know and learn. It is about perseverance and tenacity. When something does not work the first time, dust yourself off and try again. It is through such determination and perseverance that the greatest personal and professional growth takes place. Since graduation, I have realised that this journey is not only about my contribution but rather about how much I have learnt, grown and developed both as a scholar and as an individual.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

I was not particularly challenged by COVID-19 in a traditional sense as during the initial lockdown I was in the process of write up and submission. However, the end of my journey was lonely and isolating as a result of the pandemic. I relied on technology to reach out to my supervisors and friends for support during this time. I was also blessed to have sufficient resources as a student and be surrounded by family that could offer support and comfort during these uncertain times.

How was your supervision experience in one word?

Transformational

What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

I am currently a lecturer in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society. As part of my role I participate in the New Generations of Academics Programme housed under the Staffing South African Universities Framework which is supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

What does the future hold for (Zeenat Yassin-Burns)?

I am eager to expand my research in my current interest area of HIVAIDS and health related stigma. I am currently writing a research proposal which focuses on family functioning and HIVrelated stigma which is supported by the NRF. I have also taken the opportunity to partake in a mentorship programme in the upcoming year that focuses specifically on the field of HIV/AIDS research within the Social Sciences discipline.