'It is an honour and a privilege to be educated'

A graduate who was the first woman in her family to go to school has earned a master's in human rights.

Gurvin Chopra, whose parents fled religious persecution in Afghanistan, graduated from the University of Bristol.

She said it was a "privilege to pursue an education".

Ms Chopra's parents – Jaspal and Waryam Chopra – were forced to leave their home country in 2000 by the Taliban because of their Sikh religion.

Although neither went to school and cannot read or write, they encouraged Ms Chopra and her two younger siblings to work hard at school.

"In their youth my parents weren't really allowed to participate in education," Ms Chopra said.

"My grandfather died young and my dad had to work, and there was a cultural element of what a woman's place was.

"I've found education really empowering in breaking away from that, developing a voice and helping the people around me."

After finishing her law undergraduate degree in 2023 at the University of Bristol, for which she received a bursary, Ms Chopra went on to study her master's and on Tuesday she graduated in front of her family, friends and tutors.

Congratulating the graduating class, she said: "In Afghanistan, women and girls have been denied the right to an education, the right to be seen and heard.

"As the only educated woman in my family, it is an honour and privilege to have earned my master's in human rights law."

Professor Michele Acuto, the University of Bristol's pro vice-chancellor for global engagement, conducted the graduation ceremony.

Prof Acuto said: "My heartfelt congratulations to Gurvin for the many incredible things she has already achieved, and for her outstanding service to the student community too.

"She has demonstrated the kind of 'global civic' leadership we aspire to in our strategy, and is an inspiration to us all."

After finishing her year-long service as a students' union officer, Ms Chopra said she plans to work with charity The Beathard Project before becoming a human rights lawyer.

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