PAST INTERNS | Gender, Health and Justice Research Unit

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Michelle De Jong
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the GHJRU. I worked on interesting projects in fields that were new to me, such as LGBTI activism in Southern Africa, issues relating to minority stress and social determinants of health. This allowed me to build on and expand my existing skills. I worked with more experienced, passionate researchers who were open to sharing their knowledge with me and supporting me both while I was working in the unit and since then. Interning with the GHJRU provided me with opportunities to work as part of a team and to learn about some of the logistical, legal and ethical issues research units need to deal with. The GHJRU is a wonderful place to work with highly skilled, friendly and warm people to learn from and get to know."
Phebe Kraanen
"The fast passing time at the unit has given me the opportunity to get a sense of academic life, doing analysis and working on exciting topics such as forensic psychiatry, the interpretation of law and psychiatry, the complex nature of South Africa, and organising a Silent Protest for raising concern of sexual violence. The internship strengthened my knowledge about the country and history of colonialism, given me food for thought about my position as a European visitor, and gave me insights that will be useful for the career I am about to pursue."
Sydney Hicks
"Interning at GHJRU was a great experience both inside and outside the office. I had the opportunity to learn about issues I'm passionate about in a different cultural context, which nuanced my ideas about addressing them. Having the opportunity to grow in knowledge and appreciation for the people of South Africa also allowed me to reflect on what kind of work I can do to help the women and communities of colour back home in the States."
Marie Lunau
"Interning at the GHJRU was a useful and good research experience. It has been a pleasure to meet and work with such inspiring people. South Africa's social and political climate has been very influential and it has challenged me in ways I have never been before. I feel especially grateful for that experience."
Adam Kirschner
"Interning with GHJRU helped me to learn important research skills that will assist me in the future. It gave me an opportunity to hone my passion for gender based violence prevention and victims advocacy. I worked on projects ranging from researching sexual violence in women's prisons and intimate partner violence in Southern Africa to outlining sexual assault and harassment policy at the University of Cape Town. The research I did at GHJRU was the perfect complement to the counseling and other non-profit work I did around sexual violence in Cape Town. Whatever I work on next, I know that I will always be able to use my knowledge from GHJRU and reflect fondly on my time there."
Agatha Nyambi
"Interning at the GHJRU provided me with the opportunity to really learn and grow as a researcher. I was provided with support and guidance from the brilliant individuals working at the unit. My time there also reignited my interest in the issues around gender and health and I hope to carry this interest and passion with me as I progress in my career."
Samantha Malunga
“During my time at the GHJRU, I was given the opportunity to strengthen my research skills and work under brilliant researchers at the forefront of their field. My keen interest in the sexual and reproductive health rights of adolescents was applied to a Ford project that I worked on over the 6 months that I was at the Unit. While working on this project I felt I was given the chance to push myself and rise to the challenge. In doing so I grew as an academic, a researcher and as an activist. It was an honor and a privilege to learn under the guidance of the Unit’s researchers for such an extended period.”
Swati Sah
"Working at the GHJRU was an incredible experience. I was able to interact with intelligent, driven, and encouraging women on issues I'm really passionate about. Being at GHJRU really convinced me to stay within the women's health research field."
Sarah Torrico
"While at the Unit I was able to work with and learn from some of the most respected researchers in the field. Under them, I was able to grow as a researcher as well as gain an appreciation for the specific social climate of South Africa and several neighboring countries. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the guidance that I found at GHJRU."
Valérie Grand Maison
"Working at the GHJRU allowed me to develop research and advocacy skills within a driven multidisciplinary team. It inspired me to pursue a career in research and women's rights."
Sarah Spencer
"My six months working with the GHJRU has proven to be an unparalleled experience, one which allowed me to engage in a variety of issue areas and research projects. This diversity of work has expanded my understanding, my skills, and the scope of my interests. Above all else, however, was the quality of the mentorship that I received while at the Unit - empowering me to work independently while remaining available to provide guidance when it was desired and never making me feel like an intern but, rather, a colleague."
Rosanne Anholt
“My internship at the GHJRU gave me the opportunity to discover and develop my interest in gender-related issues. During my time at the unit, I explored the role of the South African healthcare system in identifying intimate partner violence. These and the other projects have given me invaluable insights into gender inequality and gender-based violence in South Africa and beyond. It has been a fascinating experience and an absolute pleasure to work with such knowledgeable and passionate people in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”
Anna Brown
“My internship consolidated my interest in gender-related issues as they intersect with the vast, disproportionate, and under-resourced disease burden that hinders development across Sub-Saharan Africa. It was a great opportunity to be under the tutelage of foremost experts in this cross-disciplinary field.”
Emily Colpitts
“Interning at the GHJRU afforded me an unparalleled opportunity to be involved in socially responsive research on gender justice. I really enjoyed my time at the Unit and it was a great learning experience!”
Daphne Cruz
“The GHJRU offers a theoretical and practical approach to addressing GBV issues in post-conflict countries. Thanks to the support, guidance and encouragements of (the) team members, my internship experience at the Unit helped sharpen my skills and complete my academic knowledge.”
Gina Schulz
“My internship was a huge opportunity for me to witness the interaction of gender and the law, people and the law, in a different context and on multiple levels. It was one of the better decisions I've ever made.”
Nida Abbasi
“The Unit undeniably heightened my understanding of gender-based violence and its global implications, while also fostering a supportive, dynamic and inspiring work environment.”
Swantje Tiedemann
“I really enjoyed my time at the unit and I hope that all the experiences that I had the opportunity to gain will help me in the course of finding a similar job in Germany.”
Gabrielle Inglis
“Working at the GHJRU was very satisfying because the links between policy and action were strong, with the Unit’s work leading to real change for women in South Africa.”
Jenna Chai
“My work at GHJRU helped me to develop invaluable analytical skills based on a multidisciplinary perspective. My experience at GHJRU was not solely an opportunity for me to learn about South Africa’s legal framework on sexual and reproductive health rights; most importantly, it prepared me for research, policy, and advocacy work where my analytical skills will come to good use. The work environment and people are wonderful as well!”
Laura Huss
“I thoroughly enjoyed and value my time spent at the Unit. The support and mentoring I received from the Senior Researchers and Director allowed me to grow and transition from a graduate student to a professional in the field of gender, criminal justice, and advocacy.”
Sarah Lee
“My time at the Unit was foundational in shaping my belief that interdisciplinary research is integral to advancing change. I also was inspired by the incredibly dedicated staff at the Unit. Currently, I am a medical student at NYU and am a life-long advocate of women's rights issues.”
Terri-Ann Thompson
“The Unit was the best environment in which to learn about gender-based violence. The staff is really passionate about the work they do and that passion is contagious!”
Katherine Austin-Evelyn
“Working at the unit really opened my eyes to the intersections between public health, gender studies and the social sciences more broadly. It was an extremely enriching experience and environment which formed the basis of my transition to this field.”
Enumale Agada
“The GHJRU afforded me an amazing opportunity to study the intersections of culture, health, and gender, solidifying my interest in these topics and offering first-hand experience that I have referred to on a regular basis. This experience was undoubtedly one of the most formative and meaningful I have ever had.”
Shelby Boxenbaum
“I really enjoyed my time at the Unit as it allowed me to view gender-conflict from an international perspective. I found my colleagues to be extremely encouraging and inspiring and Iam grateful to them for giving me the academic freedom to write candidly about the Sexual Offenses Act.”
Elizabeth Galezio
“My time at the Unit was engaging and inspiring - I was able to delve into serious legal research about sexual offences while being mentored by experts in the field.”