Naseem has conducted over eighteen months of person-centred ethnographic fieldwork to explore the phenomenon of broken transnational marriages, domestic abuse and destitution experienced by South Asian brides migrating alone to the UK with no natal family in proximity. She interrogates the process of their ethical self-becoming – through lived experiences, reflections and reactions – as they persevered and “kept going” through several challenging life events. Her thesis reveals the complex interplay of ethical considerations that shape the experiences of migrant South Asian women in broken transnational marriages. Secondly, it underscores the dynamic nature of their actions as they navigate moral dilemmas and structural constraints (legal, social and familial) in their daily lives.
Naseem aspires for her thesis to reconsider the normative assumption regarding supportive kin and community networks within South Asian transnational marriages. She also aims to refine theories of Muslim subjectivity within the anthropology of Islam, which often centres on formal and informal processes of deliberate ethical self-cultivation. Furthermore, her work seeks to further the concept of “moral breakdown” in the anthropology of ethics, which tends to overlook individuals’ experiences of “multiple ethical dilemmas” encountered across multiple challenging ethical (re)positionings across harsh life events. Lastly, Naseem intends to provide recommendations for improving immigrant settlement processes and advancing secular and Islamic therapeutic practices.
Before her doctoral studies, Naseem worked at the Refugee Council, Oxfam, and Hillingdon Women’s Centre as a Life Coach and offered emotional support to women with experiences of being trafficked and domestic abuse, as well as those seeking asylum in the UK. During COVID-19, Naseem volunteered with Refuge, the UK’s national domestic abuse helpline. To overcome the stigma around mental health, Naseem runs workshops on Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing, Empathy – role in Human Relationships, and Self-Worth & Esteem in local communities in the UK and abroad.
In 2020, Naseem participated in COVID-19 research and publications relating to experiences of living in a bubble during the pandemic and a report on a good death during COVID-19.
In 2019, Naseem presented her interim PhD research findings at the annual UK Association of Women Judges conference.
In 2009, as part of her undergraduate studies, Naseem delivered music-making workshops to visually impaired children and those living on the streets and local communities in Kabul, Afghanistan. She used mixed musical genres to stage performances and illustrate how music can unite across cultures and geographies.
In 2007, Naseem established the Ismaili Community Ensemble to promote pluralism and dialogue.
Academic CV