SheLeads: Rozina Somani

Rozina Somani has been a professional nurse for 25 years. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing from the University of Toronto with a Collaborative Specialization in Global Health (CSGH). Her field of study is “Critical approaches to health and health outcomes” and her PhD research focuses on violence against nurses in the healthcare sectors. This study aims to provide a researched-based, implementable reporting system that records and mitigates workplace violence suffered by nurses. Within the healthcare system, nurses are often most vulnerable to workplace violence. Rozina is uniquely qualified for this study due to her history, experience, and work towards combating violence against nurses.

After completing her PhD, Rozina plans to extend her scholarly work at a policy level - her goal is to develop protocols and structured interventional programmes that combat violence in the health sectors. She is also looking forward to enhancing her capacity as a nurse educator, to integrate more evidence-based strategies in the nursing curriculum that address global health issues. She will also provide mentorship and guidance to women who seek higher education. Her personal experience demonstrates that higher education is an asset towards addressing complex issues, developing higher competency, and enhancing leadership skills.

Rozina is involved in both professional and voluntary work. She was honoured to be appointed as a member of the Academic Board at the University of Toronto from 2018-2019, and she is also an active member of the Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH). From the platform of Ismaili Nurses Alliances, she assists internationally educated nurses who are facing nursing licensure issues in Canada. Additionally, she devotes her services to Bait-ul Ilm as the Vice Principal for Health and Safety at the East York centre.

Rozina has strong leadership, academic, and research skills. Her research and scholarly focuses are closely linked with many organizations around the globe, including the World Health Organization, Public Service International, and International Labour Office. Her highly developed teaching skills will be beneficial to any academic institute. Rozina positions herself as a bridge between developing and developed countries, and tries her best to be a role model for women from developing countries.