About Sixtus Onyekwere

Sixtus is an international development researcher with growing expertise in gender studies. His work primarily focuses on the intersection of conflict and natural disasters with gender-based violence, with a particular emphasis on violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is also dedicated to research and impact evaluation in the broader development sector, specifically focusing on the effectiveness of development aid programs in the region.

Currently, Sixtus is pursuing a PhD in International Development at the University of Portsmouth, UK, fully funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP). His doctoral research evaluates the effectiveness of government, community, and NGO-led prevention and response measures for VAWG before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to his doctoral studies, Sixtus is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth. He is also actively involved in research initiatives at the university, serving as a board member of the Centre for the Advancement of Equality, Gender, and Inclusion Studies (AEGIS). In this role, he contributes to research efforts, coordinates digital communications, and supports partnerships, events, and project planning.