Varaidzo Vee Kativhu (Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, 2017) has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bradford in recognition of her educational activism and empowerment work. She received her degree at a ceremony in Bradford on 18th July.
In her address to graduands, Vee spoke passionately about the challenges she faced as a young girl adjusting to life in the UK after her family migrated here when she was 6, and how her love of reading and determination to be able to communicate fuelled her passion for learning.
She outlined the beginnings of her academic empowerment platform, Empowered by Vee, and how she discovered during her time at Oxford that she could use the digital world to help challenge stereotypes and to break down barriers for access to education.
Dedicating her Honorary Doctorate to her mother, Loveness, Vee cited the support of her family as a crucial element in her success to date – which has seen her receive awards including the UK Prime Minister’s Point of Lights Award, a Diana Legacy Award and a place in the BBC 100 Women 2023 list.
Speaking about her honorary degree, Vee said: "I feel over the moon to receive such a prestigious award and to be the youngest honorary degree recipient in the university. I cannot wait to continue on with my work and show the world the power of education and letting girls learn!"
You can watch Vee receive her honorary degree via the University of Bradford’s YouTube channel (link below).
