Dr Samantha Spence
Dr. Samantha Spence is an Associate Professor of International Human Rights and Social Justice, as well as the Course Director for International Relations, Postgraduate Law, and Working with Children, Young People, and Families at University of Staffordshire, UK and brings extensive teaching experience in higher education. She also serves as the Deputy Chair of the UK National Working Group on Spiritual and Ritual Abuse.
Her research focuses on critical feminist theory, international human rights, and the rights of women and marginalised communities, particularly in addressing harmful practices. A strong advocate for collaborative approaches to end gender-based violence, she actively promotes partnerships with men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls. Her commitment to transformative social change emphasises the importance of involving all members of society in dismantling harmful gender norms and practices.
Over recent years, Sam has collaborated with the United Nations, advocating against abuses tied to harmful practices. As an essential member of an international working group, she contributed significantly to the UN Human Rights Council's adoption of the Resolution on the Elimination of Harmful Practices Related to Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks in June 2021. She has since been invited multiple times to the United Nations in Geneva, most recently presenting evidence at the Expert Consultation on Harmful Practices organised by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in July 2022.
She is deeply engaged with issues specific to India, where her work on witchcraft accusations and harmful practices investigates the impacts of caste, superstition, and gender-based violence. Her ongoing research in India has enhanced her understanding of how deeply rooted socio-cultural beliefs perpetuate the marginalisation of vulnerable groups. Sam holds a Visiting Professorship at REVA University, Bangalore, where she collaborates on research and advocacy against harmful practices in Indian communities. She also serves as the International Lead for the Violence Against Women and Girls Hub and is an active member of the Centre for Crime, Justice, and Security at Staffordshire University, UK. In addition, she sits on multiple international advisory boards dedicated to ending harmful practices and advocating for women’s rights.
