Susan Waigwa

Susan Waigwa serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Linguistics and Communication at the University of Birmingham, conducting critical research aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals for gender equality and health equity. Her work bridges linguistic analysis with clinical health interventions to address systemic vulnerabilities in women's healthcare.

Her primary research foci include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Health Education, Childbirth Trauma, and Care Pathway Development. Waigwa pioneered the evidence-based SAFE model for FGM education and investigates sociolinguistic dimensions of FGM discourse in England, demonstrating how communication frameworks impact prevention efficacy. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates nursing, public health, and linguistic theory to develop culturally responsive clinical tools.

Analysis of her 2018-2025 publications reveals strategic evolution from foundational systematic reviews on FGM interventions toward applied model development (SAFE model, 2024) and maternal trauma solutions (2025). Her methodology consistently employs qualitative frameworks within large-scale collaborations, generating policy-impacting outputs referenced in clinical guidelines and government reports. Recent work shows expanding scope into childbirth perineal trauma management while maintaining FGM prevention as a core thread.

Waigwa's research demonstrates substantial real-world impact despite no formal awards being documented. Her 2018 systematic review achieved 47 Scopus citations, 502 downloads, and influence across 7 policy documents, while the 2024 SAFE model study garnered news coverage and 13 academic reader captures. The 2025 perineal trauma protocol has already attracted clinical interest with 15 institutional downloads.

Though student mentoring details are unreported, her collaborative projects—such as the 8-author 2025 BMJ Open study—suggest active research team leadership. Commissioned reports like the 2023 University of Birmingham FGM prevalence study indicate externally funded research engagement, though specific grant mechanisms remain unspecified in available materials.