We sat down with UP alumna Mahlatse Ramoroka to learn about her inspiring journey in international development, and advocating for human rights and gender equality.

Mahlatse Ramoroka (30) is yet another University of Pretoria (UP) alumna who is making significant strides in society. An advocate for international development, human rights and gender equality, her commitment to fostering a more just, equitable society has earned her a place among the 2024 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans, in the Governance category.

Ramoroka works for the United Nations Women, and says her passion for human rights was sparked by observing the long-term impact of human rights violations, from poor socio-economic conditions and political exclusion to gender-based discrimination and violence, and psychological trauma. In the early days of her career, global events and movements, such as the #MeToo campaign, further fuelled her interest in addressing these global inequalities and human rights issues.

Ramoroka holds a BA in Political Studies and an honours degree in Political Science from UP, and credits her academic journey for laying the foundation for her career.

“My first formal academic introduction to the UN as a diplomatic and international political institution was through my second-year class at UP on international relations,” she says. “Through this class, I was exposed to the UN’s role in maintaining peace and security, developing diplomatic relations, and promoting better standards of living and social progress. This was probably one of the initial experiences that allowed me to ideate quite strongly about joining the international civil service.”

Ramoroka moved to New York to pursue a master’s in International Political Economy and Development, at Fordham University. A month after the move, she started her internship at UN Women with the Independent Evaluation Office before working at the Centre for Economic and Social Rights. She describes this experience as both demanding and life-changing.

“The lessons learned and skills developed, both technical and soft, were truly transformative,” she says. “I credit these opportunities with affording me the chance to discover a diverse set of experiences and room to explore a niche area early on in my career.”

A significant contribution during her early career was her work on a parallel report and fact sheet to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights during South Africa’s first review of its human rights obligations. This extended to a co-authored article, ‘Legacies of apartheid: South African austerity perpetuates the inequalities of decades past’. The article provides observations and recommendations on how the government can ensure that resources are generated, allocated and spent in accordance with human rights obligations.

“I hope this work will guide and inform policy-making conversations and decisions that will contribute to the preservation of South Africa’s democracy,” Ramoroka says.

Driven by stories of injustice and inspired by the economic prosperity of societies closest to achieving gender equality, Ramoroka remains committed to advocating for a just, equitable and inclusive society. She is particularly motivated by her encounters with women who face gender-based disparities, from unequal pay to exclusion from leadership and lack of access to healthcare.

“With every reported and unreported story of injustice, something in me is moved to continue advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights, especially the rights of women and girls,” she says.

As South Africa observes Women’s Month, she shares a message to young women who are aspiring to make a difference in human rights and international development.

“Pursue higher education, learn an international language or two, take up internships and volunteer work, get a mentor, and build and nurture networks. I believe that these steps are crucial for anyone looking to build a career in international development and diplomacy.”

Looking ahead, Ramoroka hopes to continue expanding her knowledge and experience in international development, while contributing to the diplomatic relations and policy interests of South Africa, the SADC region and Africa at large. She also hopes to support other young people in navigating this space by providing mentorship and sharing resource tools that are at her disposal.