Laila Kadiwal

Laila Kadiwal serves as an Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Education, Practice & Society at the UCL Institute of Education, University College London. Her academic work bridges critical theory with practical applications in international education contexts.

Dr. Kadiwal earned her DPhil from the University of Sussex, an MSc in Higher Education from the University of Oxford, and completed the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities through SOAS University of London and the Institute of Ismaili Studies. Prior to her UK appointment, she taught for 12 years in diverse educational settings across India.

Her research employs a decolonial lens to investigate racism, identity weaponization by authoritarian actors, and knowledge production politics in education and international development. Working across India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and the UK, she examines education's role in conflict zones, refugee experiences, climate injustice, and minority rights. Notable contributions include developing the Theatre of the Privileged decolonial pedagogy and the 'india and me: engage.reflect.act' public education program that engages with grassroots movements addressing intersectional injustices.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent scholarly output focused on decolonial education approaches, critical consciousness development, and resistance to authoritarianism, particularly in South Asian contexts. Her work demonstrates methodological diversity, incorporating semi-structured interviews, participatory approaches, visual analysis, and conceptual frameworks.

As co-director of Best Foot Music, Dr. Kadiwal extends her academic work into community practice through an intercultural organization collaborating with displaced and refugee artists in the UK.

With extensive international teaching experience, she has supervised over 550 students from 46 countries. At UCL, she leads MA modules including 'Education and Development in Asia' and 'Education in Muslim Communities,' while also serving as a visiting lecturer at institutions including the University of Sussex, University of Brighton, King's College, and universities in Sweden and China.