After some years working in the development sector, PhD research student Victoria Madzure observed that women’s vulnerabilities under climate stress are often emphasised, rather than their capacity to innovate and lead change. Exploring climate change, gender, and sustainable development in her PhD, she's hoping her real-world research leads to practical change.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background/career?
I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, where I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Development Studies. My professional background is rooted in the development sector, with a primary focus on climate change, sustainability, and gender-related issues across government and non-profit organisations.
A significant part of my work has involved monitoring and evaluation (M&E), where I have assessed the impact and effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives and climate-related interventions. This experience has strengthened my understanding of how policies and programs translate into tangible outcomes, particularly within capacity-building efforts in developing contexts.
Through these experiences, I developed a deep interest in how climate change responses can be designed and implemented more effectively. My PhD research builds on this foundation, enabling me to explore these themes more critically and contribute to evidence-based approaches that support a more sustainable and equitable future.
What made you want to study your PhD at London Met in particular?
One of the main reasons is that I was drawn to London Met was the supervisor match. I found supervisors whose expertise, guidance style, and research interests aligned perfectly with my own focus on climate change, gender, and sustainable development. From our first discussions, I could tell that they understood both the academic depth and the real-world relevance of my topic, and that gave me confidence that I would grow under the right mentorship.
I was also impressed by London Met’s emphasis on applied research – the kind that not only advances theory but also informs policy and practice. That real-world orientation really resonated with my own background in the development sector, where I’ve always sought to link research to tangible community impact. Overall, in my own experience I have come to learn that London Met offers the right combination of academic rigor, values-driven research, and practical engagement, making it an ideal place for me to deepen my work and contribute to the field of sustainable development.
Can you tell us about your PhD topic, and why you chose this area to focus on?
Sure, my PhD research explores Gender and Climate Change Narratives, focusing on how the effects of climate change can act as both catalysts and impediments to women’s empowerment in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa – a district that has faced severe climate-related challenges such as droughts and cyclones.
Rather than viewing women solely as victims of climate impacts, my research seeks to understand how these experiences can also create opportunities for resilience, leadership, and empowerment within affected communities. It highlights how women respond, adapt, and innovate in the face of environmental adversity – and how those responses can reshape social and economic structures.
Through my experience working in the development sector, I observed that much of the attention tends to focus on women’s vulnerabilities under climate stress, while less emphasis is placed on their agency, ingenuity, and capacity to lead change. I wanted to shift that narrative – to focus on empowerment and transformation, not just disadvantage.
This research feels especially relevant now, as the world faces intensifying climate challenges and the need for inclusive, locally grounded solutions are more urgent than ever. By centering my study in an African context – specifically Chimanimani – I aim to contribute new perspectives and locally rooted evidence to the global climate discourse, which too often overlooks voices and realities from the Global South.
Ultimately, I hope this work will not only fill a significant research gap but also inform policy and practice, supporting interventions that recognise women as key actors in climate resilience and sustainable development. My goal is to produce knowledge that is both academically rigorous and practically useful – knowledge that uplifts communities and influences change where it’s most needed.
What do you hope the impact will be of your research?
My research aims to make a meaningful contribution by addressing a critical knowledge gap on how climate change and gender intersect within marginalised contexts – an area that has received limited scholarly attention despite its growing importance. Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, affecting every region of the world but in profoundly different ways.
In Africa, where communities are highly dependent on natural resources and livelihoods are often climate-sensitive, the impacts are particularly severe. Yet, much of the existing climate research and policy guidance is based on Western contexts, leaving a significant gap in understanding how these dynamics unfold in other environments. By producing context-specific, evidence-based insights, my research seeks to inform policies and interventions that are practical, culturally grounded, and inclusive.
I hope to contribute to the development of Afrocentric models of climate resilience that integrate local knowledge, gender perspectives, and community priorities. This approach can help ensure that interventions are not only effective but also equitable and sustainable. The impact I hope for extends beyond academia. My findings will support national and regional climate policies, guiding governments and development organisations in designing gender-responsive climate strategies that empower communities, strengthen local leadership, and enhance adaptive capacity.
At a broader scale, this research contributes to the global climate dialogue by amplifying African voices and experiences that have historically been underrepresented. It offers a chance to reshape international conversations around climate justice and sustainable development by highlighting the importance of inclusivity, cultural relevance, and local agency.
What's been most challenging about being a research student?
It has to be balancing the complexity of academic work with the emotional and intellectual demands of fieldwork, particularly when engaging with sensitive issues such as gender, climate change, and community vulnerability. I’ve also learned and am still learning the value of narrowing my focus – understanding that meaningful research requires depth, structure, and precision rather than breadth. There have also been moments of isolation and sacrifice, as research can be both demanding and solitary.
Staying connected with others who share similar experiences has been a source of strength and motivation for me. Looking back these past three years, these challenges have been deeply formative, shaping not only my skills as a researcher but also my understanding of what it means to engage meaningfully with communities and contribute to change that truly matters.
How have you found the professors / teachers?
I’ve found my supervisors at London Met to be incredibly supportive. I’m very fortunate to have a supervisory team of Dr Anne Karpf and Dr Robin West who together bring the right combination of expertise, guidance, and mentorship that I need to grow as an academic. They are thorough and insightful, always encouraging me to think more critically and to refine my arguments with clarity and depth.
They have a strong command of both theoretical and practical dimensions of research in their areas, which has been invaluable given the applied nature of my work on gender and climate change. What I particularly appreciate is their approachability and they have provided me constructive feedback in a way that challenges me but also motivates me to improve.
They don’t simply tell me what to do – they help me to develop my own academic voice and confidence as a researcher. They are also encouraging and consistent, ensuring that I stay focused while allowing me the intellectual freedom to explore my own ideas. For me this balance of support and challenge has been key to my growth and has made my PhD journey both demanding and rewarding.
What drives you?
I think that what drives me is a deep desire to create meaningful change – through knowledge, compassion, and action. I care deeply about issues like climate justice, gender equality, and sustainable development in the global south and I see research as more than an academic pursuit; it’s a way to bridge understanding and impact. For me, research is about listening and learning from those most close to the 'situation', and helping to shape solutions that make a real difference in those communities.
On a personal level, my biggest source of motivation is my son. Watching him grow reminds me every day of why I do what I do. I want him to see that with hard work, curiosity, and integrity, he can shape his own path in his own way and contribute to something bigger than himself.
Whenever the journey feels challenging, I think of him – and it grounds me and gives me the fuel and focus I need. He inspires me to keep pushing, to model resilience, and to live he values I want him to inherit – compassion, courage, and a sense of purpose.
What are you most proud of in your life so far?
I'm proud of the journey that has brought me to this point – from my early pursuits of education, to my work in the development sector, and engaging in my PhD research. The path has not always been easy, but each experience has fostered growth, strengthened my resilience, and deepened my understanding of how research, when centered on people and their lived realities, can help build more effective and sustainable societies.
Are you working whilst studying? Tell us more, and how you make it fit in with your studies.
Yes, I am working alongside my studies. I currently work as an Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant for a non-profit organisation, where I focus on learning, monitoring, and evaluation to assess the impact of development interventions. My professional work and academic research complement each other closely – the practical experience grounds my PhD studies in real-world contexts, while my research deepens my analytical approach to the work I do.
Balancing both roles can be demanding, but I’ve learned to manage my time with much intention. I work from weekly plan to structure my work carefully, i try to stay organised, and I ensure to make space for rest when needed. I’ve come to see that balance is essential – well-being fuels productivity, and maintaining that balance allows me to bring my best self to both my studies and my work.
Do you have a favourite place within the University and why?
It has to be the Holloway Campus Library. It’s more than just a study space for me – it’s where I find focus, inspiration, and a sense of calm. The atmosphere there really encourages deep thinking and productivity, which is essential for any research student.
I appreciate how well-resourced and organized the library is, with access to a wide range of materials that support my research. Beyond the practical aspects, I also value the sense of community in the library – it’s a place where students from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared sense of purpose! So yes, the Holloway Campus Library is definitely my favourite spot – it’s where I do my best thinking, find my motivation, and feel most connected to the academic life of the University.
What's your plan when you complete your PhD, and how do you think London Met will help you succeed in this?
When I complete my PhD, my plan is to continue working at the intersection of research, policy, and community development, using my findings to influence evidence-based, gender-responsive approaches to climate action – particularly within African contexts. I also intend to keep writing and producing educational content that raises awareness about environmental issues.
Whether through articles, community learning materials, or public engagement projects, I want to make climate knowledge accessible and inspiring – helping people understand not only the challenges we face but also the opportunities for resilience and positive change. In addition, I hope to publish my research, contribute to academic and policy discussions, and collaborate with development organisations and governments to design interventions that are both practical and culturally relevant.
In the long term. London Met has played – and will continue to play – a major role in preparing me for that path. The diverse and supportive research community at London Met has expanded my perspective and strengthened my confidence as an emerging scholar.
I truly believe that the experience, mentorship, and values I am gaining here will help me build a meaningful career that blends research, writing, and community engagement – all in service of a more sustainable and equitable world.
Are you a member of any research groups/centres at London Met, or any clubs/societies here?
Yes, I am a member of the London Met Postgraduate Research (PGR) Society, and it has been one of the most valuable parts of my experience at the University. Being part of this community has given me a strong sense of connection and fellowship with other research students across different disciplines. Tell us a little bit about your interests outside of uni and why they are important to you.
I enjoy volunteering and taking part in local initiatives that promote environmental awareness and community advancements. In particular, I volunteer at school libraries, reading clubs, and environmental events – nurturing a love for learning and encouraging people, both young and old, to be good stewards of the environment.
I also love spending time out in nature – walking, gardening, or simply watching it. It helps me clear my mind and reconnect with the environment, which ties beautifully into my passion for climate and sustainability.
Any tips for research students new to London Met?
If you are a new research student at London Met I would encourage you to embrace the journey fully – both its challenges and its rewards. I have learnt that a PhD is not just about producing a thesis; it’s about growing as a thinker, writer, and human being too! Make the most of your supervisors. They are there to guide and challenge you – be open, communicate regularly, and take their feedback as a chance to refine your ideas.
I’ve found that strong mentorship is one of the greatest strengths of London Met, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Do your best to get involved in the research community whenever you can.
Join the PGR Society, attend seminars, workshops, and social events. You’ll learn a lot from your peers, and you’ll realise that you’re not alone – everyone is navigating similar challenges. Lastly, stay connected to your “why”. There will be difficult days, but remembering your purpose will keep you inspired.
"My research is about shifting the narrative. From seeing women as victims of climate change to recognising them as leaders of resilience and transformation."
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