
The Scholarship
The Scholars
Jill Samukimba
Zambia & University of Cape Town, 2018
A multidisciplinary woman. Born and raised in Zambia, teenaged in Ghana, and adulted in South Africa, I have been exposed to a world which has made me appreciate diversity and value personal experiences that shape individuals’ interaction with the world around them. Through this exposure and my personal lived experiences, I have become a transformative leader with a deep commitment to healing and empowerment for lifelong impact, especially for vulnerable youths, children and women.
Academically, I am a Sociologist specialising in the sociology of family life and customary practices in Africa. My longitudinal PhD study on non-resident fatherhood explored how resources, relationships, and cultural beliefs sustain father involvement over time. As someone who also strongly views herself as a Gender & Human Development Scholar and Advocate for family-centred social policies, my journey and purpose are not just academic; it is personal. Drawing from my own lived experiences and qualifications, I am on a mission to combine academia and social impact to transform the lives of vulnerable youths, children and women. I strive to channel my story into purpose-driven research and leadership that seeks to uplift those often left unheard.
With a keen interest in the sociology of family life and customary practices in Africa, my research over the years has explored themes of unmarried fatherhood and African customary practices — areas often rich in complexity, culture, and silent stories. I believe that by understanding family structures, social dynamics, customary practices and cultural traditions, we can build more inclusive, empathetic, and effective solutions. My mission is to bridge the gap between research and real-life transformation. I advocate for systems that nurture resilience, dignity, and opportunity — turning trauma into triumph and loss into leadership. Whether through research, mentorship, or advocacy, I am committed to shaping spaces where orphaned youths and marginalised communities can rise, thrive, and lead.

