Double Celebration for UKZN Student and Staffer
UKZN staff member and Master’s student in Theology Ms Belinda Crawford is celebrating two major accomplishments.
She has published her first book titled Liberation in Irrelevant Spaces and been invited to present at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York.
At CSW69, which takes place between 10-21 March at the United Nations headquarters, she will speak on: “A Framework for Transformation: Non-Resistance as a Path to Equal Justice”, which addresses trauma healing in the gender-based violence (GBV) sector.
Crawford’s presentation will draw from her book, which explores the lived embodied experience of GBV, emphasising personal resilience, societal transformation, and holistic healing.
Her autobiographical narrative integrates academic insights and real-world applications to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Said Crawford: ‘My book focuses on healing through reclaiming agency rather than resistance using energy to create spaces of bravery, somatic restoration, and advocacy. It is a testament to personal transformation and a blueprint for societal change, urging individuals and communities to confront systemic inequities while nurturing their wholeness.’
CSW is the principal global body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women. Established in 1946, it is instrumental in documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world. During its annual two-week session, representatives gather to discuss progress and gaps in the implementation of policies that seek to achieve equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Crawford’s presentation will focus on the non-resistance approach as a transformative strategy for addressing trauma and fostering healing, both individually and societally, while advocating for equal justice by discussing the role of restorative justice in addressing GBV. She hopes to inspire action by encouraging policymakers, activists, and institutions to integrate holistic, trauma-informed practices into their work to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
Crawford notes: ‘The invitation provides a platform to advocate for the integration of healing into justice systems, moving beyond punitive measures to equally prioritise survivor recovery. Justice cannot exist where liberation is absent, and healing is the key to unlocking that liberation.’
While this is a personal achievement, Crawford is keen to collaborate with the University community on related projects and can be reached at crawfordb@ukzn.ac.za
Crawford graduates in May with a Master’s in Theology qualification.
Words: Jennene Naidu
Photograph: Supplied
