Samantha Spence

Dr. Samantha Spence is an Associate Professor and Course Director for Postgraduate Studies at the Staffordshire University Law School, with a Visiting Professor role at REVA University, India. She specializes in International Human Rights Law, Feminist Theory, and the oppression of marginalized groups, particularly focusing on women's rights and harmful practices. Her research contributed to landmark UN Resolutions, including the 2021 Resolution on Witchcraft-Related Harmful Practices and the 2022 Pan-African Parliament Guidelines on Ending Witchcraft-Linked Violence.

Education includes a PhD from Lancaster University ('Witchcraft Accusations and Persecutions as a Marginalisation Mechanism of Women'), an LLM (Research) from Edge Hill University, and a First-Class LLB in Law. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and member of the Socio-Legal Studies Association.

Her work bridges academia and practice, combining legal scholarship with direct engagement in UN policy-making, parliamentary advocacy, and international advisory roles. Key contributions include expert consultations at the OHCHR and collaborative efforts to institutionalize protections against harmful practices globally.

• Professional Achievements: UN Resolution co-authorship, Pan-African Parliament policy influence, multiple international advisory roles.
• Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
• Grants/Advising: Leads CILEx Higher Apprenticeships at Staffordshire University and supervises students across academic levels.
• Research Teams: International Working Group on Witchcraft-Related Human Rights, WHRIN Collaborations.