From Tajikistan to York: Finding My Leadership Style in the UK’s First Human Rights City

Hi everyone! My name is Muiz, and I am an international student from Tajikistan. I’m studying an MA Applied Human Rights at the Department of Politics and International Relations.

I’m also student representative for my department and an international student ambassador. If you’re currently holding an offer to study at York, congratulations! I wanted to share a bit about my journey so far to give you an idea of what to expect. From eye-opening workshops to a life-changing placement.

Redefining Leadership

Let me start my story with a recent highlight from my second semester. I had a chance to participate in a two-day interactive workshop on Leadership in Peacebuilding and Human Rights.

First, I want to extend a huge thanks to Dr. Eric Hoddy and Professor Nina Caspersen for organizing such an impactful event! After a demanding exam period, I’ll admit my brain wasn’t totally eager to dive into heavy discussions. However, the title was so appealing that I signed up at the last minute.

Breaking down preconceptions of leadership

Honestly, my expectations were shaped by what we usually see on mainstream social media. Motivational speeches about how to influence, dominate, control, or just “be strong.” But from the first moment, everything in the room was designed to the participants’ needs and inquiries. We didn’t wait long before finding ourselves immersed in exemplary real-life context scenarios. It was amazing to see how almost everyone had a different understanding of leadership. The facilitators also didn’t correct us or tell us the “right” way. Instead, they taught us that every one of us was right and that there are different styles of leadership that can be used in different contexts.

The most important lesson I learned is that we always have to make decisions, and based on the context, the decision process is going to be different. Whatever decision we make will come with trade-offs.

Crisis simulation

Another memorable moment for me was during a crisis simulation. Nic Hailey (Executive Director of International Alert) shared a real-world scenario. We then played different leadership roles to navigate the crisis together and find a solution for an organization. What I learned is taking a step back to actively listen and maintain your composure is critical. Rushing to conclusions in the heat of the moment can often make a stressful situation much worse. Later that day, it was incredible to watch a live executive coaching session where Nic was coached through a real, upcoming organizational decision right in front of our eyes. Nic also wasn’t just handed the easy answers too. He was guided with careful questions to clear the blurriness, see the situation clearly, and make a decision with total confidence.

But the most memorable moment for me was when we had to discuss our wishes for the future. We split into pairs for three minutes and each took turns to speak. My coursemate said his biggest wish was to travel around his home country to see the mountains, sea, and all the beautiful nature. But he isn’t able to because of the conflict and war that has been going on there for many years. That was striking and very emotional for me. I had never thought about how lucky and blessed I was in my life.

 A Community That Empowers You

The leadership workshop was just one of many opportunities that the Department of Politics and International Relations offers. From my very first day, the open spaces for dialogue, the debates, and the diverse reading materials confirmed I was exactly where I needed to be. The culture here is incredibly inclusive. You are always encouraged to critique, discuss, and engage comfortably.

Beyond the modules, the Department and the Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR) offer fantastic workshops and seminars with NGOs, human rights defenders, and professionals from diverse fields. The Department also provides opportunities for volunteering, internships, and part-time jobs. I’ve been working as a part-time research assistant at CAHR. This has allowed me to attend conferences and network with academics globally. The experience pushed me far beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to think creatively. Being surrounded by professionals pushed my boundaries and helped me develop my confidence and individual academic voice.

 

Taking Theory into the Field: South Africa

One of the key reasons I chose York for studying human rights was the project placement module. Taking theory and immediately applying it in the field is an an exceptional experience. I was incredibly honored to receive a scholarship from CAHR to do my placement in Cape Town, South Africa, working with the Women’s Legal Centre. It was an unforgettable way to learn through action. It has also been an amazing way to build directly on my previous practical working experience in gender issues. It’s an incredible environment for hands-on learning. Beyond the professional growth, I gained lifelong friends and unforgettable memories of Cape Town. This placement didn’t just boost my practical skills, it completely reshaped how I viewed activism. It gave me a profound sense of what it means to be a human rights defender in the real world.

 

Life in York

The city of York is a very lovely and beautiful place to study. For me, it’s the perfect environment to learn, experience the vibrant student life, and dive into history. York is also the UK’s first Human Rights City. The diversity, inclusiveness, rich culture, and mixture of student, tourist, and local life make it a wonderful place to gain knowledge. Outside of academic life, my favorite activity is walking all around the city historic walls. I definitely recommend it. But what makes York truly special for me is the people. The CAHR staff and professors aren’t just lecturers, they feel like friends and family. They support us in all possible ways. They’re there for us, and include us equally in all aspects of the academic environment. I truly felt a sense of belonging here.

 

My Future Plans

This life-changing, one-year master’s degree wasn’t only about gaining knowledge. It was a year full of experience. It is really pleasant to look back and appreciate all the beautiful moments, and not just the stressful exam periods. Most importantly, what I gained here is hope for my future. Hope that no matter what I do, I will do it with dignity, responsibility, love, and care.

I am more than confident about my future. Yesterday I was talking with my mother, and she was asking if I am looking for a ‘good-paying job’ after graduation. Honestly, I do look for good-paying jobs, but I am also not stressed about it. I want to follow my values and principles to make a meaningful impact. I’m hopeful about going back to my home country, to my small town, and work for the better of the community.