Shudufhadzo Nethanani, UNIVEN second-level LLB student
As UNIVEN celebrates Women’s Month, we shine the spotlight on women like Shudufhadzo, who are breaking barriers and making their mark in male-dominated fields like law. With her passion for justice and her determination to succeed, Shudufhadzo embodies the spirit of resilience and empowerment that defines the women we celebrate this month. Despite the challenges that women in law often face, Shudufhadzo’s story shows that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, women can thrive in this field and make a meaningful impact.
Shudufhadzo’s academic journey has been intensely challenging but incredibly rewarding. She has learned from lecturers who are not only academics but also seasoned legal practitioners, offering invaluable practical insights. Despite the challenges she has faced as a woman student in a male-dominated field, Shudufhadzo has overcome them by being thoroughly prepared and mastering what she does. “Confidence comes from competence,” she says. UNIVEN’s supportive ecosystem has been fundamental to Shudufhadzo’s success. The approachable nature of lecturers, the law library, and student counselling services have all contributed to her academic success. Through her studies, Shudufhadzo has acquired a robust set of skills, including critical thinking, research, and argumentation. She has also developed resilience and a deep-seated value for ethical integrity and social justice.
Shudufhadzo’s message to young girls and women is simple: “Your voice is needed. do not let anyone convince you that any field is beyond your reach. Education is your key to independence, influence, and impact.” Upon graduation, Shudufhadzo plans to complete her practical legal training and write the board exams to be admitted as an attorney, with the long-term goal of becoming an advocate.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
