AFRICA | A determined Nigerian-British woman named June Eric-Udorie, has defied the odds to earn a bachelor’s degree in Gender, Sexuality & Feminist Studies from the prestigious Duke University in the United States—despite facing homelessness and abuse.
June, a Nigerian descent born in the United Kingdom, took to Twitter to celebrate her achievement, reflecting on the incredible journey that led her to this moment.
“If you had told me in 2015, when I was homeless and sleeping on friends’ bedroom floors, estranged from my entire family, that I would graduate from @DukeU, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she said.
She recalled squatting with friends, sleeping on the floor, and navigating life without the support of her family. She also endured abuse, making the road even tougher.
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“The journey has been hard—surviving abuse but finding freedom. But I did it, and I’m so proud,” she said.
Beyond her academic success, June has been a passionate advocate for social justice. She edited “Can We All Be Feminists?”—a collection of essays highlighting the struggles of individuals who have felt disconnected from mainstream feminism.
The book emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in redefining feminism for the 21st century. June is also a , a journalist and blogger for The Guardian and New Statesman.
At Duke University, she also trained as a doula (a person who can support you through pregnancy, labor, and birth) to address inequities in birth outcomes among African-American women, demonstrating her commitment to creating positive change in marginalized communities.
June’s journey of resilience has not gone unnoticed. She was recognized by the BBC as one of its “100 Inspirational and Influential Women” in 2016.
Looking ahead, June plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work, continuing her mission to uplift and advocate for others.
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