A campaigning mother who lost her Aberdeen University student daughter to suicide has been awarded an honorary degree.
Fiona Drouet’s eldest daughter, Emily, took her own life following what her family describe as a “sustained campaign of physical and mental abuse by a fellow student”.
Mrs Drouet has been campaigning against gender-based violence in colleges and universities since she died five years ago.
She created the charity EmilyTest to make sure that colleges and universities recognise abusive behaviour, provide support to students, and put in place the right procedures to take action.
In 2021, the charity launched the world’s first gender-based violence charter for colleges and universities to tackle domestic violence, with support from the Scottish Government.
Degree dedicated to daughter Emily
Mrs Drouet received her honorary degree from The Open University at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall with over 600 students.
She said: “Emily didn’t get the chance to be awarded her degree and so I am delighted to be accepting this honour, not just for me, but for my wonderful and dearly missed daughter too.”
In 2020, Mrs Drouet was given an MBE which she also dedicated to Emily’s memory.
‘Very proud’ to be recognised
Mrs Drouet, added: “The Open University is synonymous with equality and inclusivity, and renowned for treating people with dignity and respect while challenging inequality – values that we hold very dear at EmilyTest.
“We are very proud to be recognised for our work in gender-based violence prevention, intervention and support in universities.”
She was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of the University alongside campaigner for refugees and asylum seekers, Sabir Zazai.
Conversation