Mahlatse Ramoroka, 30, kicked off her career at United Nations Women as an intern with the Independent Evaluation Office before working at the Centre for Economic and Social Rights (CESR). These were the formative experiences that led her to becoming a researcher and international development practitioner today. Having worked in human rights, gender equality and political economics, Mahlatse is driven to use her skills to see a just, equitable and inclusive society, and where minority groups can be part of the decision-making processes that relate to economic equity, inclusivity and non-discrimination. At the CESR, Mahlatse co-authored an article titled Legacies of Apartheid: South African Austerity Perpetuates the Inequalities of Decades Past and she contributed to the fact sheet on South Africa: Austerity in the Midst of Inequality Threatens Human Rights. In her work at United Nations Women in New York she was involved in the coordination and promotion of accountability regarding gender equality and the empowerment of women at the global, regional and country levels. Mahlatse is working on another publication to build more literature on women, peace and security.
Master’s in International Political Economy and Development, Fordham University, New York, USA.
BA Honours in Political Science, University of Pretoria
BA in Political Studies, University of Pretoria
I am particularly proud of the series of knowledge pieces I contribute towards in the research body of the United Nations, focused on non-traditional sectors. I have contributed the following knowledge products:
Handbook on gender mainstreaming for gender equality results;
Gender analysis in non-traditional sectors: Climate and disaster risk finance and insurance;
Gender analysis in technical Areas: Digital inclusion;
Gender analysis in technical areas: Digital inclusion; and
Brief on gender, ageing and disability
With the Centre of Economic and Social Rights (CESR), I co-authored a piece titled Legacies of Apartheid: South African Austerity Perpetuates the Inequalities of Decades past. I also contributed to the fact sheet on South Africa’s Austerity in the Midst of Inequality threatens Human Rights.
Through these contributions, I have gained a nuanced understanding and knowledge of national and international policies, treaties and frameworks and their connectedness to issues such climate change, human rights, conflict, education, and food security, amongst many others. In addition, I have learned the significance of leveraging both quantitative and qualitative research skills to contribute effectively to emerging knowledge and research on different development discourse.
Yes, there is a community of mentors who have truly journeyed with me. My mentors have held me to a standard of excellence. By serving as an accountability structure and in some instances believing in me, my offering and skills set way more than I did, they have truly pushed me and helped me realise my wildest dreams.