Journey of Growth at SIPS: Unwavering Commitment to Gender Justice

Alicia Lee, from Malaysia, is a SIPS graduate of the 5th batch. With a rich background in psychology and nearly four years of experience working with women’s rights organisations, she was engaged in youth leadership, gender justice research, and community initiatives, including corporate partnerships to raise awareness of gender-based violence in Malaysia. Her decision to join the SIPS program was driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of how gender justice intersects with global systems of power and inequality, aiming to develop a multidisciplinary, globally informed perspective that she could connect to the realities of her own country and region.

During her time in SIPS, Alicia faced various challenges. She initially attended classes online while navigating immigration processes. Supported by the SIPS community, she was able to build lasting friendships, which helped her navigate both academic and personal challenges, including a deeply personal loss. Among her fondest memories, Alicia recalls the mentorship and support of professors who were integral to her growth. With their guidance, she was able to co-found the Soka University AKADEMIA Forum, which fosters dialogue on social justice, and engages with critical global issues in open and respectful ways. These experiences left a lasting mark, shaping Alicia’s approach to leadership, advocacy, and social change.

Alicia’s experience in the SIPS program has influenced her career as an independent gender justice researcher, sharpening her critical approach in examining how power and resources are distributed. It enables her to approach her work with a participatory, community-centred perspective that connects local realities with wider global systems. She now applies these skills to ensure that the research and programmes she supports are equitable, inclusive, and truly beneficial to the communities she works with.

To current and prospective SIPS students, Alicia encouraged, “Not everyone will experience SIPS or the university in the same way, so it’s up to you to shape your student life. Join activities that excite you, and if nothing does, create something of your own. Most importantly, let your values and beliefs guide your choices. It’s an investment that pays off when you can look back and see how much you have grown since your first day in the SIPS program. The effort you put into building your own path will make your time here meaningful and uniquely yours.”