Susannah Pickering-Saqqa

Dr. Susannah Pickering-Saqqa is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Childhood and Social Care, University of East London. Her research focuses on development NGOs, poverty dynamics, volunteering, and social justice, with particular emphasis on gender issues and community engagement. She holds a PhD from the University of East London (2015) examining why Northern development NGOs work with domestic poor populations.

Research Focus: Her interdisciplinary work spans:

• Development NGO strategies and domestic programming
• Poverty and power dynamics in global and local contexts
• Gender studies including Muslim women's economic vulnerability
• Innovative methodologies like theatre-based data collection
• Volunteer engagement and sustainability frameworks

Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent works (2017-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on NGO operations, poverty interventions, and gender equity. Key themes include organizational adaptation of INGOs working domestically, critical analysis of development paradigms, and community-centered solutions to inequality. Methodologically, she employs qualitative approaches and participatory research.

Professional Engagement: She maintains active collaborations with organizations including Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam, and Bond, translating research into practical resources for the nonprofit sector.