Soniya. A.M. is a researcher working at the intersections of gender, disability, and care, with a strong grounding in qualitative research. Her work focusses on the everyday lived experiences of persons with disabilities, particularly how gender, care, and sexuality shape their lives.

Her doctoral research examines the organisation of care within BUDS rehabilitation centres (BRCs) in Kerala, exploring how intellectual disability is understood and how gender shapes everyday routines, responsibilities, and relationships.

Her MPhil research focussed on the socio-cultural and familial contexts of women with physical disabilities in Kerala. She has also been involved in field-based studies, including research during the COVID-19 period that examined women’s survival strategies and community-based networks in times of crisis in Balussery, Kerala. The study was conducted in collaboration with local women’s groups, with an emphasis on making the research accessible beyond academia.

She has submitted her PhD in Gender Studies at the University of Hyderabad and is awaiting her viva voce examination. She also holds an MPhil in Gender Studies from the same university and an MA in Women’s Studies from the University of Calicut.

Her areas of interest include gender and disability, care work, local self-government and inclusive development.