THE Open University in Scotland has awarded honorary doctorates to three individuals for their significant contributions to society.
Women’s rights activist Fiona Drouet, campaigner for refugees and asylum seekers Sabir Zazai and women in business champion Professor Lynne Cadenhead were all honoured with doctorates for their outstanding work.
After her daughter took her own life after being subjected to abuse by a fellow student, Drouet founded EmilyTest to campaign against gender-based violence in colleges and universities. In 2021, the charity launched the first-ever gender-based violence charter for colleges and universities to tackle domestic violence.
Drouet said: “The Open University is synonymous with equality and inclusivity, and renowned for treating people with dignity and respect while challenging inequality – values that we hold very dear at EmilyTest. I am delighted to receive this degree.”
Human rights activist Sabir Zazai has dedicated his life to improving the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. After growing up in war-torn Afghanistan and moving to the UK in 1999, Zazai became a leading figure in the campaign for justice for refugees and asylum seekers and was appointed chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council in 2017.
Zazai said: “I’m delighted to receive this award which is a recognition of the fantastic work and dedication of my colleagues at Scottish Refugee Council.
“As I accept this honour, women and girls across Afghanistan are denied the chance to access even the most basic education. I’d like to dedicate this award to them and ask that we remember the fight of Afghan girls for education.”
A former Unicef chair, Lynne Cadenhead has served on more than 30 boards to promote business development and gender equality across Scotland. Through her work as chair of Women’s Enterprise Scotland, she has championed many women-owned and women-led businesses.
She said: “It has been a privilege throughout my career to be able to make a contribution to women in business and enterprise ... and I am passionate about paying forward what others have shared with me over the years.”
