Mariya Ali

Mariya Ali is a Visiting Professor at the School of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Oxford Brookes University. Her career bridges social work practice, policy-making, and research in child welfare and human rights.

Education:

• BA Social Work
• MA International Child Welfare
• PhD Human Rights

Her research focuses on integrating Islamic legal principles (Al-Maqasid Al-Shariah, Maslahah) with child protection frameworks to challenge honor-based cultural norms. She has published on this interdisciplinary approach and presented at global conferences, including topics on workplace compassion and adversity-driven creativity.

Professional Affiliations:

• Registered Social Worker with Social Work England
• Advisory Board Member, Child Redress
• International Consultant for UNICEF (since 2006) and Adam Smith International (since 2021)

Dr. Ali has held leadership roles in the Maldives government (Deputy Minister for Health and Family, Under Secretary for Social Policy) and contributed to the institutionalization of the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC).