🎓 Education

Michelle earned a PhD in Philosophy from Rhodes University (2022), focusing on distributive justice and the scarcity of resources. She holds an LLM (2017) from the University of Stellenbosch, specializing in socio-economic rights and health care access. Michelle also obtained an LLB from Rhodes University (2015) and has completed numerous certifications, including courses in economic rights, children’s human rights, and law and development. Her academic qualifications support her interdisciplinary approach to legal and ethical challenges in health and resource distribution.

💼 Experience

Michelle has held various academic and consultancy roles, including a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Fort Hare (2022-2024) and lectureships in ethics and philosophy at Rhodes University and Nelson Mandela University. She has worked as a legal consultant for NGOs, offering advice on social justice and access to socio-economic rights. Additionally, Michelle has contributed to strategic litigation on forced sterilization and other human rights issues, including submissions to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, and worked with various health equity initiatives.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Michelle is a Senior Fellow of the Tekano Atlantic Fellowship, a leadership program promoting health equity in South Africa. She has received accolades for her contributions to legal research, particularly in socio-economic rights and health law. Michelle also worked closely with Professor Sandra Liebenberg, contributing to her position on the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. She has been involved in high-level consultancy, including drafting submissions for the United Nations and contributing to the National Health Insurance White Paper.

🔬 Research Focus

Michelle’s research centers on the intersection of political philosophy, law, and health rights, particularly focusing on the issues of resource scarcity, access to health care, and distributive justice. Her PhD explored the conceptualization of scarcity and its impact on resource distribution, specifically regarding medicines and food. Her post-doctoral work delves into practical applications of these theories, emphasizing access to medicine and the utilization of the right to science in Africa. Michelle’s research integrates legal, ethical, and economic perspectives on health equity and social justice.

Conclusion

Michelle Brotherton (du Toit) is a highly qualified and influential researcher whose work has had a meaningful impact in areas such as health equity, international human rights law, and socio-economic rights. Her comprehensive approach to political philosophy, health care systems, and resource distribution positions her as an invaluable contributor to both academic discourse and social justice initiatives. Her leadership within initiatives like Tekano, and her active participation in international human rights advocacy, underscore her dedication to transformative change. Michelle’s academic and professional achievements make her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with the potential for even greater contributions through expanded interdisciplinary collaborations and international outreach.