Profile

Areas of interest

• Policy Analysis
• International Development
• Forced Migration
• Gender and Conflict
• Post-war Recovery

Biography

I pursued a strong interest in international development at the University of Manchester, and this was followed by a Master’s in Post-war Recovery Studies at the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit (PRDU), based at York. The Master’s degree led me to complete a doctorate which focused on a case of protracted displacement within north-west Sri Lanka. This research provided insight into issues surrounding IDP/host community relations, the impact of displacement upon gender relations and community structures, and the new roles available to women both as sources of livelihoods and of reconciliation and dialogue.

I have worked in Europe, South Asia and the Middle East, focusing primarily on gender and forced migration, but I have also been engaged in the related areas of post-war recovery, reconciliation and peace-building, development and microfinance. Prior to joining the Online Masters team, I have held positions as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Regional Human Security Centre, Amman, as part of a research project on the needs of Iraqi exiles and the challenges faced in responding to situations of urban displacement; and also Development Officer for Age Concern England, identifying and evaluating the outcomes of a regional development project, disseminating learning, while also working with regional Age Concerns to develop a robust and sustainable operational strategies and infrastructure.

I have experience of both face-to-face and online teaching, and thoroughly enjoy the engaging and dynamic nature of my role.

Publications

Conferences, workshops and publications

Watkins, L. (2009) ‘Dispersed Displacement: The challenges of response’, Paper presented at the International Conference for Peace and Reconciliation (ICPR), University of California, Los Angeles.

Watkins, L. (2008) ‘The challenges of delivering humanitarian assistance in an urban refugee setting: an examination of the human security needs of displaced Iraqis in Jordan’ , Unpublished paper presented at the International Association of Contemporary Iraqi Studies (IACIS), 3rd Annual Conference, SOAS, University of London, July 2008.

Watkins, L. (2007) 'The Human Security of Iraqis in Jordan: The Hidden Cost of the War', Workshop report, RHSC, Amman, Jordan.

Watkins, L. (2007) ‘Student placements overseas: the student perspective’, Unpublished paper presented at Teaching and Learning Conference, Forum for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, University of York, May 2007.

Watkins, L. (2005) ‘Misreading Needs: The Question of Capacity Building and Local Participation among Displaced Muslim Women in Puttalam District’, Civil Wars, 7/2, pp. 138 – 155

Watkins, L. (2001) ‘The Ultimate Empowerment? Capacity Building and Exit Strategies: Learning from the Experiences of Women in Puttalam District, Sri Lanka’, Unpublished paper presented at the Conflict, Development and Peace (CODEP) Network Workshop, December 2001.

Watkins, L. (2001) ‘Gender and Forced Migration’, Unpublished paper presented at the Women and Development Study Group, Development Studies Association, University of York, May 2001.

Watkins, L. (2001) ‘A Woman’s Place? The role of women in peace-building and reconciliation’, Unpublished paper presented at the Women, War and Peace Conference, International Alert and Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit, University of York, February 2001.