Sher Muhammad
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Demonstration against the Russian invasion in Ukraine, February 27th, 2022
The social scientist Dr. Sher Muhammad was funded twice by the Max G. Huber Scholarship of the DAAD-Stiftung. He spent both stays at the Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies at Humboldt-Universität Berlin. His research area includes the question of whether the women's quota in the Pakistani parliament will improve the situation of women in Pakistan. He also investigates the role of women as change agents in hybrid regimes and the role of right-wing populism in women's rights.
His reports on the two research stays are available here (please scroll down to the bottom for the first report):
Sher Muhammad's second grant in 2024
„I am profoundly grateful to the DAAD Stiftung for granting me yet another opportunity to undertake a three-month research fellowship at the Transdisciplinary Gender Studies Center, Humboldt University, in collaboration with the Berlin Graduate School of Muslim Cultures and Societies at the Free University of Berlin. Receiving another DAAD Stiftung scholarship has been an incredible honour and a significant boost to my academic journey. The DAAD Stiftung has consistently supported my research endeavors and inspired me to aim higher.“
The social scientist Dr. Sher Muhammad conducted research at the Humboldt University of Berlin, funded by the Max G. Huber Scholarship of the DAAD Foundation. His area of research included gender equality issues in his home country of Pakistan.
Here you can read his report:
Pakistani society is characterized by several gender inequities and prejudice. I was unsettled by witnessing such injustice, which prompted me to begin my career in a non-governmental organization working for women's empowerment.
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development Bangkok Thailand, a regional human rights organization that advocates for human rights and sustainable development in Asia, invited me for a training session in 2006 that inspired me to embrace gender studies as my preferred discipline. I strongly believe that gender equality is vital as it fosters healthier communities, enhances economic strength, and cultivates more peaceful societies.
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Sher Muhammad at Work
Subsequently, upon entering academia, I persisted in this endeavor through teaching and research. In 2013, I had the opportunity to comprehend the European gender equality paradigm by finishing a master's level course at the University of Oslo, Norway. German universities have excellent gender studies research institutions and my choice of the Centre for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies at Humboldt University Berlin has this inspiration.
Being one where I had the opportunity to do my research visit. It is notable since my mentor, Dr. Andrea Fleshenberg, served as a DAAD long-term professor at a Pakistani institution for three years and she has research expertise on women's political representation in Pakistan.
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Sher Muhammad at the Humboldt University and in front of the Humboldt Forum
During my previous fellowship visit in 2021/22, my Mentor, Dr. Andrea Fleshenberg, and I worked on a project to submit a proposal for publication of a special journal issue on women's political representation in Asia. My research focuses on Pakistan, but I am keen to expand my research by including comparative case studies from other Asian countries.
Asia encompasses unconsolidated democracies, hybrid governance structures, and political systems characterized by recurrent cycles of transitions between democratic liberalization and military coups or re-authoritarianism, as well as (post-) conflict environments and illiberal, right-wing neo-populist regimes.
The contributors to this special issue seek to facilitate further trans-regional research and studies on the effects of political and institutional volatility, the diminishing or closing spaces for gender equality initiatives and activism, and the influence of right-wing populism on women's sustainable substantive political representation and performance. We examine how retrogressive tendencies and volatile circumstances affect women as political actors and change agents.
We recognize that this transpires in a region characterized by significant diversity and corresponding gendered disparities in political engagement throughout Asia. This special journal issue is expected to be published next year, marking an important milestone in my academic career.
I am currently working as an Associate Professor, and I hope that this academic pursuit will help me advance to the next level of professorship.
While in Berlin, I always attempt to begin my university studies in the morning, leave in the afternoon, and then spend some time seeing the city. I enjoy spending time at The Pariser Platz Starbucks, which has one of the best historic views of the Brandenburg Gate available to tourists. Walking through picturesque Treptower Park has always been a wonderful experience. On weekends, I enjoy meeting up with my buddies.
This three-month fellowship involved researching and contributing to scholarly publications with reputed SAGE publishers. I am thrilled that four of my entries were accepted for the SAGE Encyclopaedia of Gender and Politics, which will be published in the summer of 2025.
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Sher Muhammad at the Library
During this visit in 2024, I was thrilled to reconnect with Germany, a country my friends jokingly call my "second home," as this was my sixth visit. Eventually, German will also be a second language. I cherish every opportunity to be here, not just for research and learning from diverse academic environments but also to be part of the vibrant multicultural landscape of the Berlin.
Whenever I visit a country, I enjoy exploring its many cities. During this tour, I explored Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, as well as Bonn, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dresden, and Potsdam; nevertheless, the most remarkable experience was at Eltz Castle (German: Burg Eltz), a medieval fortress situated in the hills above the Moselle River, between Koblenz and Trier, Germany.
This time, I also had the privilege of visiting several institutions in Europe, including the University of Trieste in Italy, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Goethe University Frankfurt, the BUA Postdoc Academy Berlin, the Centre for British Studies at Humboldt University, the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) Berlin, and the School of Creativity and Democracy in Barcelona, Spain.
Each visit enriched my experience through participation in academic events, such as workshops, conferences, and lectures. The Autumn School on Citizens' Assemblies in Barcelona, Spain, has provided a remarkable opportunity for intellectual engagement, allowing for the acquisition of practical skills and insightful knowledge aimed at initiating a novel approach to deliberative democracy within my institution.
This concept is particularly innovative for individuals from the Global South, such as Pakistan. Over the course of two days, I had the privilege of listening to both international and local experts discuss best practices and case studies while collaborating with fellow professionls and civil servants, fostering a rich environment of collective learning.
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Sher Muhammad with his colleagues
Berlin remains a beautiful, multicultural city but also has some issues for people from other countries, especially finding accommodation, as I faced this problem during my previous visit. Fortunately, this visit was remarkably smooth compared to my previous ones. Accommodation was not an issue this time, thanks to a German friend who arranged for me to stay with her colleague.
Living with this teacher was a unique experience—his house was filled with books on various topics, making it a perfect haven for a researcher. Engaging in intellectual discussions with him was always delightful and thought-provoking. He has been working as a consultant for an educational firm and listed Pakistan many times, and we have had interesting discussions frequently.
Ich möchte Ihnen für meinen Aufenthalt in Berlin danken, bei dem ich einige Kontakte zu Einheimischen knüpfen konnte. Dies erleichterte mir in meinem besonderen Fall die Wohnungssuche und ermöglichte zahlreiche Zusammenkünfte mit deutschen Freund:innen in unserem Zuhause. Die Zeit, die ich in Gesellschaft von Freund:innen verbracht habe, und die interessanten Gespräche und Denkanstöße, die dabei zustande kamen, waren ein fantastisches Erlebnis.
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Sher Muhammad at a book launch and in front of Eltz Castle
Thank you for my earlier visit to Berlin, during which I was able to establish some connections with locals. In this particular instance, it helped locate accommodations, numerous meetings with German friends, and a few get-togethers at our residence. Enjoying the company of friends at home and engaging in thought-provoking conversations over a wide range of subjects was a fantastic experience.
Additionally, I made an effort to overcome the feelings of isolation I had during my previous visit by attending social events and connecting with contacts in Berlin. I hosted a BBQ for my previous visit's contacts, had breakfast with a German school teacher and my host, and was even invited to a school party by a friend. It was a great opportunity to see different events and meet her colleagues. All in all, it was a fantastic experience.
I consistently endeavor to engage in intriguing events during my time in Berlin. The Rave The Planet Parade was a techno parade and electronic dance music festival held on August 17, 2024, in Berlin, Germany. During this event, I encountered compelling slogans: Make Love, Not War; Love is Stronger; Advocating Peace and Disarmament Among Humanity; and Equal Status for Electronic Music Culture. The annual Festival of Lights occurred in Berlin from October 4 to 13, 2024. The festival's theme was "Celebrating Freedom," commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's collapse. The light display at Brandenburg Gate created a stunning atmosphere.
One aspect of Germany that impresses me is its efficient public transportation system. This time, I experienced the €49 Deutschland ticket, which allows unlimited travel nationwide. I also noticed innovative advancements at Berlin train stations, where screens display real-time data on train occupancy, enabling passengers to choose less crowded compartments. Such innovations save time and reduce stress, demonstrating Germany's commitment to improving public services.
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Sher Muhammad at University of Trieste
I am immensely thankful to the DAAD-Stiftung and all the individuals who have supported me throughout this journey. I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to my mentor, Dr. Andrea Falesheberg, for her unwavering encouragement and support throughout my academic journey. Her motivation and guidance serve as indispensable resources in my scholarly endeavors.
The assistance provided by Managing Director Dr. Gabriele Jähnert of the Transdisciplinary Gender Studies Center at Humboldt University has proven invaluable throughout the duration. I am deeply grateful to her for graciously accepting my application as a Visiting Research Scholar for the second time. I look forward to returning to Germany—my "second home"—and continuing my academic endeavors in this inspiring environment.
The assistance provided by Managing Director Dr. Gabriele Jähnert of the Transdisciplinary Gender Studies Center at Humboldt University has proven invaluable throughout the duration. I am deeply grateful to her for graciously accepting my application as a Visiting Research Scholar for the second time. I look forward to returning to Germany—my "second home"—and continuing my academic endeavors in this inspiring environment.
As of November 2024.
Sher Muhammad's first grant in 2021/22
"Learning how to be alone and content is the most valuable lesson one might acquire in Berlin. It's not just about feeling lonely and homesick; it's also about making the most of your own time."
Through a Max G. Huber Scholarship, Sher Muhammad was able to conduct a research project at the Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies (ZtG) at Humboldt University in Berlin, which he complemented with many of his own experiences.
In the following, he talks about these:
I have been tempted to apply for this prestigious research fellowship by the various conferences, workshops, and short courses (six in total) I have attended in Germany prior to the commencement of the fellowship. That's why I wanted to apply for this Short Term Research Fellowship once I finished my doctorate. My research at the Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies (ZtG), University of Humboldt Berlin, Germany was made possible by a Max G. Huber Short Term Research Scholarship from the
DAAD-Stiftung. It makes me very happy that the academic relationship I established with PD Dr. Andrea Fleschenberg 15 years ago, when she was in Pakistan as a DAAD long term professor, has continued and even led to this research cooperation. My stay at the Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies (ZtG), University of Humboldt Berlin was an incredible educational opportunity for me since it provided me with access to a wealth of resources that I would not have had back in Pakistan.
My study's overarching objective was to investigate how the growing number of women in Pakistan's parliament influences the political representation of 'women's interests' during parliamentary processes (debates on draft bills / legal initiatives, either as private member bills or government bills) and legislative outcomes. For this purpose, the case study of Pakistan, one of the first countries worldwide to introduce a gender quota system, was selected to test critical mass theory for a Global South study (a desideratum in the state of the art in terms of empirical studies as well as theorizing), employing a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with female legislators along with an in-depth analysis of the proceedings of three legislative periods: the 12th (2002-07), the 13th (2008-13), and the 14th (2013-18) – given the reintroduction of reserved seat provisions in 2001/2.
Sincerely, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my mentor, PD Dr. Andrea Fleschenberg, for all the advice and guidance I received at the Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies in Berlin. While I was employed by the ZtG, Dr. Gabriele Jähnert, Manager of the Centre for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies, was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance. My deepest gratefulness goes to Amy Visram and Claudia Kuester, who have been there for me whenever I've needed assistance or run into problems at work.
While in Berlin, I had the chance to participate in a number of international seminars and conferences in Belgium, Hungary, Paris and Italy where I presented my research. This was a fantastic opportunity to gain insight from the experience of others. As a result of this short term fellowship, a strong future scientific cooperation emerged.
While I learned a lot about German culture during my time in Berlin, there were two experiences in particular that left an indelible mark on me. Firstly, while I was attending a conference at the University of Kassel, I sat in on one of the sessions and saw a woman who was attending the session while holding her baby in her lap. This experience was literally "mind changing” and showed to me that in German educational institutions, the learning is so flexible and pleasant yet in the educational culture of my country, it seems impossible that a mother would bring her child to an international conference. This experience unfolds the importance of flexibility in learning that made it a joyful rather than a boring affair.
The second one was of an elderly lady I used to see every day on my way to the office, nodding down on the pavement just below a bridge. The intense cold didn't stop this elderly lady from reading a book while she lay under a blanket. The avid reading culture in Germany was a sight to behold.
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left: Mother and baby at a conference in Kassel; right: Homeless lady reading
After Russia attacked Ukraine, thousands of people flocked to the streets of central Berlin, an event that helped elevate the country's profile. A wide range of ages participated in the demonstrations, including many families with young children. This showed a clear demonstration of the German people's aversion to war and devotion to peace.
Overall, Germany's public transportation system is excellent, and I applaud the German government for its innovative response to rising oil prices by instituting a new 9 Euro fare. It was a German service called the 9-Euro-Ticket (editor's note: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/suche/faq-9-euro-ticket-2028756; only in German), and it allowed passengers to ride local and regional trains and buses across the country for just nine euros a month. The tickets were valid for June, July, or August 2022. The offer was made in anticipation of a worldwide energy shortage in 2021–2022. I see this as the true welfare state paradigm.
Finding a place to live has been the most challenging part of moving to Berlin. To be perfectly frank, I have no idea why this is the case; nonetheless, after speaking with numerous locals, I have concluded that the main cause is the ever-increasing population of Berlin (editor's note: at that time especially because of refugees) and the consequent shortage of housing. From what I've seen, being of Asian descent can also make it difficult to settle in Berlin. I’ve had to change apartments several times, which has given me the chance to get to know people from all walks of life and professions. Living with two German women has been a highlight of my time in Germany; one of them is a journalist with an interest in Pakistani culture and politics, and we have had many lively discussions over cups of coffee in the kitchen. I'm happy that we're able to maintain this kind of relationship with one another. In addition, I used to share a house with a philosophy and German language instructor who was really concerned about the predicament that Pakistani women find themselves in. Even more, she presented me with a book as a gift. In Pakistan, such kind of lifestyle simply isn't an option. This type of housing situation has the potential to teach foreigners about German social and cultural norms and foster long-lasting friendships.
That men and women in Germany do equal amounts of housework, including cooking and cleaning, is an admirable social norm. After living in Berlin for six months, I am now in a position where I am able to cook for myself and clean my room in addition to assisting my family. This is a significant change for me as a man who comes from a South Asian society, where we depend on our female family members for cleaning and cooking.
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Mr. Muhammad in his office
Living in Berlin has been difficult for me because of the loneliness I've experienced here. Learning how to be alone and content is the most valuable lesson one might acquire in Berlin. It's not just about feeling lonely and homesick; it's also about making the most of your own time. Since the city and university were both under COVID restrictions for the first two months of my stay, I spent much of my time alone. Whenever I needed to clear my head, relax down, or get rid of some negative feelings, I went for a stroll or a jog around the city.
After completing this fellowship, I was able to obtain a promotion to the position of Associate Professor, the pinnacle of academic achievement and the fulfilment of a lifelong aspiration for any research scholar.
A proposal for a special journal issue on “Asian Women Parliamentarians Swimming against the Tides of Political Ruptures, (Post-) Conflict, and Authoritarianisms” (working title), was developed during my time at Center for Transdisciplinary Gender Studies (ZtG). Having completed the proposal for my role as Guest Editor alongside PD Dr. Andrea Fleschenberg and Ella Prihatini, PhD, Lecturer, Binus University, Indonesia, I intend to return to Berlin this summer to complete the task, which will contribute greatly to the existing body of knowledge on women's political representation in Asia.
My research would not have been feasible without the generosity of Mr. Huber's family. I tried to visit the Huber family in person to express my thankfulness, but unfortunately was unable to do so. However, I am grateful to Stefanie Lohmann of the DAAD-Stiftung, who sent a gift I had brought from Pakistan to the family. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Huber's family, who provided the financial support that made my trip to Humboldt University of Berlin possible.
In the journal "International Quarterly for Asian Studies (IAQ)" is a book review by Mr. Sher Muhammad on the volume Substantive Representation of Women in Asian Parliaments edited by Devin K. Joshi und Christian Echle.
Editor's Note: The DAAD-Stiftung is honored that one of its scholars with such a special field of research gives a unique individual insight into his scientific and personal impressions.
As of December 2022.
