Leading equality and social justice campaigner Talat Yaqoob has vowed to keep pushing for a fairer society, after she was awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University.
The Edinburgh activist, writer and consultant has championed numerous causes, particularly around women’s equality, anti-racism and anti-poverty.
Among Talat’s achievements saw her co-found the cross-party campaign group Women 50:50, advocating for fair representation of women across politics. In 2019 she was presented with the ‘Outstanding Women of Scotland’ award, and in 2021 she was appointed co-chair of the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls. She is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Between 2016 and 2020 Talat served as the director of Equate Scotland, an independent organisation hosted at ENU which focuses on advancing equality for women who work in the STEM professions, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
It was during this time Talat developed the popular ‘STEMinist’ campaign to bring visibility to women in STEM and their supporters. In 2019, she founded Pass the Mic, a directory of expert women of colour aimed at improving their inclusion and visibility, and also published the first-ever intersectional analysis of women working in STEM fields in Scotland.
Responding to her graduation, Talat Yaqoob said: “I am both surprised and grateful to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University.
“Whilst it is indeed an honour to be recognised for my small contribution to tackling social, economic, and political inequality, in a national and global landscape where progressive change is under attack and inequality is rising, we all must play our role in delivering a just society. This award renews my determination to do that.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside brilliant organisations, community groups, and activist. We make change happen by working together, and I look forward to continuing that across my career."
Presenting Talat’s doctorate, Dr Clare Taylor from ENU’s School of Applied Sciences said: “Talat is not only recognised for her exceptional contributions but also for the integrity and dedication with which she pursues her goals.”