From Law to Research: A Journey of Purpose

Prof. Bohler-Muller didn’t start out intending to be a lawyer. She initially dreamed of becoming a journalist, fascinated by politics and South Africa’s transformation in the post-apartheid era. Her father, however, encouraged her toward law—a path that opened new horizons.

Her studies deepened into a doctorate in law (LLD), where she focused on the philosophy of law—its origins, limits, and its role as an institution itself. Over time, she shifted from teaching law to conducting research, with a strong conviction that sound policy must be evidence-based.

At the HSRC, she leads work that translates rigorous research into practical recommendations for policymakers. “Decision makers need not listen to us,” she notes, “but we do it anyway—because evidence matters.”

Ethics as a Way of Life

Throughout her career, Prof. Bohler-Muller has carried one guiding principle: ethics and integrity above all.

Ethics, she explains, go beyond compliance or institutional codes. They are a way of living one’s life in a manner that avoids harm, champions fairness, and contributes to the common good.

She emphasizes values such as:

• Transparency and accountability in governance.
• Objectivity and fairness in research.
• Human rights and social justice as non-negotiable pillars of democracy.

In her feminist work, she often refers to the ethic of care—a responsibility not just for individual justice, but also for community wellbeing and ecological stewardship.

Strong Institutions: More Than Structures

What exactly is a strong institution?

According to Prof. Bohler-Muller, institutions are not just buildings, policies, or frameworks. They are living systems, made strong—or weak—by the people within them.

South Africa offers both cautionary tales and success stories. Despite facing corruption scandals, the resilience of constitutional institutions like the Auditor General and the Public Protector shows that values and integrity can safeguard democracy.

But when individuals within institutions prioritize personal gain over public service, even the most well-designed structures falter. “Institutions survive when people are strong enough to resist manipulation,” she explains.

Ubuntu and the Cultural Roots of Governance

One of the most profound insights from this episode is how culture shapes governance. In South Africa, the philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because you are, and you are because I am”—serves as a foundation for democracy and human rights.

Ubuntu reminds us that:

• Personal gain should not come at the expense of community wellbeing.
• Human dignity is relational, not individualistic.
• Governance must reflect interdependence and care.

This communitarian approach underpins South Africa’s constitution, which is unique in enshrining not only civil and political rights, but also socioeconomic rights—to food, healthcare, shelter, and education.

Human Rights, Gender Equality, and Social Justice

A central theme of Prof. Bohler-Muller’s work is the inseparability of women’s empowerment and strong institutions.

• Institutions that fail to protect women’s rights—by ignoring sexual harassment, tolerating gender-based violence, or excluding women from leadership—are fundamentally failing society.
• Empowering women is not just a matter of fairness; it drives economic growth, democratic stability, and social resilience.
• Intersectionality matters: race, class, and gender shape women’s vulnerabilities and opportunities differently across contexts.

At the Women20 (W20), she has worked tirelessly to build consensus among diverse nations on issues such as:

• Climate justice and sustainability
• Closing the digital divide
• The care economy
• Entrepreneurship and financial inclusion
• Gender-based violence and femicide
  
  

Despite ideological differences, she celebrates that W20 has consistently reached consensus, proving that shared priorities can unite nations for gender equity.

Research, Policy, and Ethical Evidence

As a scholar and research leader, Prof. Bohler-Muller stresses that evidence must guide policy. But research itself must be ethical:

• Researchers must seek informed consent, avoiding extractive practices.
• Data must be collected through rigorous methodologies—surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews—applied scientifically and tested repeatedly.
• Communities are not data points; they are partners, and researchers have a duty to avoid harm and contribute positively.

She warns against covert or manipulative research, arguing that transparency and accountability are essential for trust in both science and governance.

International Diplomacy and the Global South

Representing South Africa in BRICS, W20, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Prof. Bohler-Muller has seen firsthand the challenges of multilateral negotiation.

While ideological divides exist—between hyper-liberal, profit-driven states and those prioritizing social welfare—she finds hope in the ability to reach common ground on issues like jobs for women, leadership opportunities, and even recognizing gender-based violence as an economic issue.

South Africa’s role, she argues, is to amplify African and Global South perspectives, ensuring that international governance reflects diverse worldviews rather than privileging a few powerful states.

Climate Justice and the Just Energy Transition

The episode also highlights the pressing issue of climate change. For Prof. Bohler-Muller, the debate between economic development and environmental protection is a false dichotomy.

“A dignified life cannot mean polluting the environment because it’s convenient.”

She advocates for a just energy transition: moving away from coal and fossil fuels while ensuring that workers and vulnerable communities are not left behind. This requires:

• Reskilling and upskilling workers.
• Investing in new industries and innovation.
• Embedding environmental justice in constitutional and governance frameworks.
  
  

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

✨ Strong institutions depend on strong people. Laws and frameworks matter, but values and integrity make them real.
🌍 Ubuntu is a governance philosophy. Community, care, and interdependence must guide institutions.
👩‍⚖️ Women’s empowerment is central. Disempowered women lead to disempowered societies; equity drives resilience.
📊 Ethical research builds ethical policy. Evidence-based governance must be transparent, rigorous, and community-centered.
🤝 International cooperation is possible. Even diverse nations can find consensus when they focus on shared priorities.
🌱 Climate justice is inseparable from social justice. A just transition ensures no one is left behind.

Building Ethical and Inclusive Futures

Prof. Narnia Bohler-Muller’s journey—from law and philosophy to research, policy, and international diplomacy—offers a blueprint for ethical governance and strong institutions.

Her message is clear: institutions are not static structures—they are shaped daily by people, values, and culture. For democracy and social justice to thrive, we need individuals and communities who are self-aware, principled, and committed to the common good.

In her words, “If we become more self-aware, we become more responsive to others.” That awareness is the seed from which strong institutions, resilient societies, and just transitions can grow.