Student Insights: Writing a Dissertation

We spoke to recent graduate Candace Williams about the process of writing her dissertation entitled ‘Life, death and in-between for the ‘Black maternal’ – How can we understand birthing trauma from an intergenerational perspective?’
 

How do you feel about winning the Wilma Cowther Prize?

I am honoured to receive the Wilma Crowther Prize for my dissertation. I sought to give voice to Black women from Britain’s African Caribbean communities who have experienced birthing trauma. My aim was to bring attention to this overlooked issue within academic circles, thus, shedding further insight on this important subject matter.  

Candace Williams and her dissertation

What was my inspiration?   

I was first made aware of this issue through watching Channel Four’s dispatches documentary ‘The Black Maternity Scandal’ that investigated birthing trauma for Black women in Britain. I was aware that inequalities in birthing outcomes for Black women persisted in the United States, however, I was shocked at the prevalence of this issue within the United Kingdom, particularly as Britain is a welfare state. Therefore, I was inclined to investigate the biopsychosocial factors that lead to differences in birthing outcomes for Black women in Britain.  
 

How did I construct my dissertation? 

After watching the documentary, I investigated the ongoing research which is being conducted in this area. This was accomplished through engaging with online Black maternal campaigning groups and conducting further reading in the summer between my second and third year. Attending FiveXMore’s Women’s Health Summit, in September 2023, further fuelled my passion for this topic. The mix of personal stories and expert insights I gained through attending this conference highlighted the need to discuss this issue. 

I discovered that inequalities in birthing outcomes for Black women in Britain was first documented in public health records in the year 1994. However, through reading further literature and conducting my own qualitative research, it was evident that birthing trauma has existed for Black women in Britain prior to this date. Thus, my research spanned across several decades of Black birthing accounts, where similarities and differences in birthing narratives were discussed.  

I'm incredibly grateful for the support I received along the way. My amazing community of family and friends inspired me not to give up. Their encouragement reminded me that my work has purpose and significance. I am thrilled that my efforts have been recognised in such a monumental way. 
 

What advice would I give to other students who are thinking of writing their dissertations?

Three key pieces of advice I would give are:  

Start early. I began my research in the summer between my second and third year, allowing me the time to explore the topic deeply without feeling rushed. This approach helped me to do the subject justice. 

Your voice is a powerful tool, use it. As a young Black woman, I aimed to bring a fresh and distinctive perspective to academia. Studying Human Sciences gave me the freedom to draw from interdisciplinary backgrounds to explore this subject matter in a unique way and integrate stories from my community. I encourage students to do the same when choosing their dissertation topics. 

Above all, enjoy the process. Writing a dissertation is a wonderful opportunity to explore a topic that matters to you and one which you find interesting. While it may seem daunting at first, embrace the freedom writing your dissertation offers.