From Suffering to Success: Woman From Zimbabwe Escapes Unwanted Marriage & Poverty to Bag PhD in Law From UCT

A young African lady named Juliet Gudo who grew up in a refugee home has beaten all odds against her. She obtained a Ph.D. in Law at the University of Capetown in South Africa.

Juliet Gudo, a Zimbabwe had a very tough childhood growing up. She lost her both parents before she clocked 8 which made her move to stay with her grandmother who later died leaving her with family members who wanted to marry her off at the age of 12.

When she lost her grandmother, she migrated from Zimbabwe to South Africa as a minor and found shelter at a refugee center in Limpopo where she lived for eight years as reported by Women Power Africa.

In the course of living at the refugee home, a humanitarian organization collaborated with the home to make sure the children returned to school. This opportunity made Juliet who had lost nine years of schooling enroll back in Grade 11.

Juliet graduated from high school with distinctions and gained admission to the University of Limpopo, South Africa where she obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). After she graduated, Juliet proceeded to the University of Capetown for her postgraduate studies.

She earned her Masters in Law in Commercial Law (LL.M) from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She went on to apply for a doctorate degree and was accepted with several scholarships.

Now, she has obtained her doctorate degree in Commercial Law at the same University of Capetown. Sharing her achievements on Linkedin, Juliet mentioned that she has worked very hard to reach this point.

Juliet stated that her achievement is a symbol of hope for refugees, orphans, women, and young people in general. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Centre for Comparative Law in Africa, University of Cape Town.

“I knew education would liberate me from the consequences of my disadvantaged background; and when I got the opportunity, I just couldn’t let go,” she said.