A Journey in Social Work: Survivor, Activist, Social Worker - In conversation with Dr Muzvare Betty Hazviperi Makoni.

The first in the series of inspiring conversations and updates on Royal Holloway social work alumni, this is an invitation only event.

The Department of Social Work is delighted to host our very special and internationally acclaimed alumnus Dr Muzvare Betty Makoni. Five years on from completing her MSc in Social Work at Royal Holloway, Dr Makoni will share her experiences as a survivor, activist and social worker in conversation with Prof Anna Gupta and Dr Louise O’Connor.

A lifetime activist against gender inequality, gendered violence and FGM (female genital mutilation), Muzvare founded Girl Child Network Worldwide in 1998. Her work has supported thousands of women and girls internationally and continues to this day. Recognised as Ashoka Fellow since 2007, in 2011, Newsweek named Muzvare as one of the 150 women who shake the world. She has received multiple awards including the 2007 World Children’s Prize, which she received alongside Nelson Mandela. Muzvare’s work has been the feature of an award-winning documentary Tapestries of Hope and she is the author of an inspiring autobiography and poetry book.

Since qualifying as a social worker in 2016 Muzvare has continued to combine social work with activism and advocacy. Amongst her many activities she has expanded her Girls’ Empowerment work, she is a specialist adviser in court cases related to gendered violence and forced marriage,  serves on Crown Prosecution scrutiny panels and is a member of the School of Law and Social Sciences Advisory Board at Royal Holloway.  Muzvare believes her MSc in social work has enabled her to extend her critical skills in advocacy and support work to social work, practice education and working with black and minority ethnic social work students.

We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for our social work community to hear first-hand about Muzvare’s journey from survivor to activist and social worker. Inspiration is guaranteed!  Invitations will be circulated to current students, alumni and practice educators.  We look forward to you joining us on 23 March in a fitting celebration of World Social Work Day.

Prof Anna Gupta & Dr Louise O’Connor