Maureen Mguni

Maureen Mguni | Kingston University London

I am a senior lecturer in Social Work, Department Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and a Doctoral Researcher with more than 20 years of combined academic, clinical, and leadership experience in the UK and Southern Africa. My teaching and research are grounded in social justice, inclusion, and the decolonisation of knowledge. As Department Lead for EDI, I am deeply committed to cultivating inclusive and creative learning environments that inspire students to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully with complex social issues through collaboration and compassion. I previously served as Course Leader for the Practice Educator Programme for three years, where I strengthened partnerships between universities and placement providers to enhance professional learning and reflective practice.

My PhD explores the lived experiences of women affected by Female Genital Alteration (commonly referred to as FGM) in the southeast of England, examining how legislation and social work practice intersect with cultural identity and human rights. This research reflects my wider scholarly interests in gender, migration, postcolonial feminism, and anti-oppressive practice, with a strong focus on safeguarding and intersectionality. Alongside my academic role, I continue to engage in public speaking, safeguarding consultancy, and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence, ensuring that my research remains connected to practice and contributes to meaningful social change.

Throughout my career, I have developed extensive expertise in child protection and rights, gender analysis, women’s empowerment, project management, immigration law, housing and homelessness, and mental health crisis intervention. Much of my professional life has been dedicated to supporting women and girls affected by gender-based violence, including forced marriage, honour-based violence, and FGM. I am registered with Social Work England, an active member of the British Association of Social Workers (Black and Minority Ethnic Symposium), and serve as an External Examiner at the University of East Anglia.