“Seek out mentors at every stage of your career, build a strong network of supportive allies, and never underestimate the power of your voice.”– Awa Gai
Awa is a feminist human rights lawyer specialising in women’s rights and gender justice. She is enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia. Awa has made significant contributions to women’s rights, notably founding “She Awards Gambia”, her country’s first and largest women’s awards platform, celebrating women and inspiring girls. Previously, Awa supported The Gambia’s transitional justice process, working with Democracy International. She is currently a Waging Justice for Women Fellow at the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa under the Clooney Foundation for Justice initiative.
Awa holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, where she received a graduate placement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Her LLM thesis focused on enhancing access to justice for women in The Gambia. She is a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow and a She’s the First Fellow (2021-2024).
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
Awa’s passion for the legal profession was ignited during her high school years when she served as Head Girl. Witnessing and confronting the injustices faced by women and girls in her community, particularly related to practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, was transformative for her. She realised that legal advocacy could bring about systemic change, which led her to pursue a law degree. Today, the fulfillment she derives from this profession comes from leveraging the law as a powerful tool to promote women’s rights and advocate for those marginalised by societal norms.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
A truly exceptional lawyer today must possess empathy, resilience, and a human rights approach. They should be able to navigate complex legal landscapes while remaining sensitive to the lived experiences of the people they serve. Young professionals can cultivate these attributes by seeking mentorship, engaging in diverse legal experiences, and maintaining a commitment to continuous learning. It is also essential for them to actively challenge and confront bias within the legal system to create a more inclusive environment for all.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Awa is currently focused on expanding her initiative, “She Awards Gambia”, which celebrates women from various sectors in The Gambia, including women in law, and highlights their contributions. This initiative aims to inspire young women and girls to pursue their dreams and create a supportive community of role models. She hopes this initiative will inspire a new generation of young women to advocate for justice and equality, advancing rights for women and girls in The Gambia and beyond.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Awa has been profoundly influenced by figures like Fatou Bensouda, the former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, whose success as a fellow Gambian woman inspires her. Her late mother, a true powerhouse, instilled in her the confidence to pursue her dreams. A book that has significantly shaped her perspective is “Decolonization and Afro-Feminism” by Sylvia Tamale. This book is boldly argued and beautifully written by one of Africa’s leading feminist lawyers, who has been an incredible force in the African feminist movement.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find Their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
To young legal professionals, Awa offers this advice: seek out mentors at every stage of your career, build a strong network of supportive allies, and never underestimate the power of your voice. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remember that your unique perspectives are invaluable. The legal field may be daunting at times, but your passion and commitment can drive meaningful change.
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Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
