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Meet Roda, one of our Aziz Foundation scholars from the 2024-25 cohort. Find out more about her journey to UCL, her experience of applying to the scholarship and the opportunity it has given her.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a dedicated human rights advocate who has built upon my extensive experience in the field to establish Riverlight: a non-profit organisation focused on legal and policy reform, community impact, and the eradication of gender-based violence. My work is centred on amplifying the voices of survivors, leading human rights campaigns, and producing research reports that drive legislative change. I collaborate with prominent UK organisations, lawyers, and academics on critical campaigns to advance these causes. Riverlight’s campaigns have featured in the media, such as The Guardian and The Independent. My latest campaign ‘Project: THRIVE’ is focused on creating meaningful long-term policy changes for survivors in the education and employment sectors, in order to create equalising opportunities.
I’m currently pursuing an MA in Human Rights at UCL to deepen my understanding of international law, legal frameworks, and the politics surrounding them. This advanced study has strengthened my ability to apply international law in the pursuit of local justice while sharpening my case law analysis skills. These skills have been invaluable to my work at Riverlight, enhancing my ability to drive legal and policy reform.
Tell us about your experience of applying for the Aziz Foundation scholarship
Applying for the Aziz Foundation scholarship was a straightforward process. Their website provides guidance on each stage, including the application, personal statement, and interview tips, which answered all my questions and made the process seamless. I received an interview invite relatively quickly, allowing me to share my work in greater depth. The conversation was engaging, and I appreciated the chance to articulate my vision and work.
After being awarded the scholarship, I attended an induction event, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow scholars and gain deeper understanding into the foundation’s mission.
What opportunities has it given you?
Being able to focus on my studies without the burden of tuition fees has been invaluable. The foundation is incredibly supportive and regularly checks in with their scholars. They also create valuable opportunities for networking and professional development. It’s clear that they are genuinely invested in our success.
What attracted you to UCL?
I was particularly keen to study at the department of Political Science and School of Public Policy at UCL due to their reputation for conducting specialised world class research and promoting a dynamic learning environment. Furthermore, the active engagement of the department with global policy communities, civil society, the media, and the public is truly inspiring. I knew this would enrich my academic experience and expose me to diverse perspectives in the field of political science and public policy from a human rights perspective.
Furthermore, UCL's reputation as a world-leading institution, consistently ranked among the best globally, made it an obvious choice for me. The main Bloomsbury campus, where my programme is based, is in a beautiful part of central London.
What aspects of your studies do/did you enjoy the most?
I really appreciate how the master’s programme takes a holistic approach to human rights, covering law, practice, theory, and politics. In our International Law module, we study legal frameworks in depth, while the Doing Human Rights Work module allows us to apply this knowledge in practice, such as writing a human rights report using international law to engage state obligations for a specific cause. We also explore the theoretical foundations of human rights, and one of the final modules, politics and practice, we navigate the political debates that shape this field.
The modules naturally build on one another, providing a well-rounded understanding of human rights. Additionally, the range of optional modules has been enriching, allowing us to tailor our studies to our interests beyond human rights.
What advice would you give prospective students coming to UCL?
Choose a subject you're truly passionate about, it makes the learning experience far more engaging and fulfilling. Most importantly, enjoy your time at UCL! It goes by much faster than you expect, so make the most of your time here while you can.
What are your future ambitions and how do you think that being a UCL student will help you get there?
My future ambition is to continue my work with Riverlight, expanding its reach and impact. I plan to drive impactful legal and policy reform to advance human rights, particularly in the areas of gender-based violence and protections for vulnerable populations.
The interdisciplinary approach of my masters at UCL has expanded my understanding of international law, state obligations, and political structures, all of which are essential for effective advocacy.
Describe your time at UCL in three words
Stimulating, Inspiring and Rewarding.
About the Aziz Foundation
The Aziz Foundation was established in 2015 by the Aziz family with the objectives of reducing inequality in education and addressing the social challenges faced by British Muslims. The foundation provides financial and professional support to aid career advancement and empowers recipients to bring positive change to their communities, industry and society as a whole.