A study of the GBV experiences of male and female students on a university campus residence ended well for Ms Charnell Naidu when she graduated from UKZN with a cum laude Masters in Education degree. 

Naidu found students knew their constitutional rights in the areas of dignity and respect regardless of their race, sexual orientation and gender and were willing, more than ever, to speak out about human rights violations.

Discussing highlights of her study, Naidu said: ‘Sources in the research were willing to speak about this scourge in the hope UKZN moves towards eliminating all forms of GBV and creates safe campuses.’’

Her goal is to obtain a PhD in Gender Education, which she is currently studying for. ‘I am passionate about issues around gender equality and in particular GBV which is a national scourge that needs to be eradicated. There is no place in society for this form of social injustice against the weak and vulnerable.’

Naidu advised other students to: ‘Persevere. You are on an amazing journey. Do your best, take your time, do it right and you won’t fail.’