Vee Kativhu

Dr. Varaidzo Kativhu is a British-Zimbabwean girls' education activist, international speaker, author, and social media personality known for her work in youth empowerment and equitable access to education. Kativhu became the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Oxford's LMH Foundation Year program. Despite being advised against applying to Oxford University at age 16, she became the first student from her school to attend the institution. She earned a bachelor's degree from Oxford, pursued a master's in international education policy at Harvard University, and later completed her PhD research on education leadership at Claremont Graduate University in California.

While at Oxford, Kativhu launched a YouTube channel to share her experiences and encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue higher education. Her content includes university tips, book reviews, and discussions with activists, including appearances by Malala Yousafzai. Through her digital platform, which has more than 500,000 followers, Kativhu advocates for diversity in higher education and addresses issues such as imposter syndrome and academic empowerment.

Kativhu founded the academic empowerment platform Empowered By Vee to promote diversity and bridge the gap between academic ability and self-confidence. Her Empowerment Workshop Model delivers skill-based workshops to students from marginalized backgrounds worldwide.

Her book, "Empowered: Live Your Life with Passion and Purpose," offers practical advice for young people on education, self-belief, and overcoming disadvantage. Kativhu has served as a LinkedIn Changemaker, TEDx speaker, and BBC Teach presenter. She has delivered keynote addresses at education events with organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, Education For All Foundation, World's Largest Lesson, and Global Partnership Education.

Kativhu's accolades include the Diana Legacy Award, Rare Rising Star Award, and Diversity Champion Award from the University of Oxford. She has been recognized as a British Vogue Force For Change and named among BBC's 100 influential Women. Kativhu is the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford. She has been appointed as a Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations, a GPE Youth Leader, and a Youth Advisory Board Member for Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation. Kativhu is also an ambassador for All Hands and Hearts, United World Schools, CAMFED, and GirlUp Zimbabwe. Through advocacy, digital storytelling, and grassroots initiatives, Kativhu works to advance educational access and opportunity for young people globally.