International Women’s Human Rights Defender’s Day holds a special place in our hearts as a feminist
organisation that is founded by women, led by women for women. It is a day dedicated to recognising the
struggles and triumphs of women worldwide who courageously defend human rights. Observed on November 29,
this significant day marks the ongoing battle for gender equality and justice for women. As we celebrate the
progress made, it’s crucial to acknowledge the women who have dedicated their lives to advancing the cause of
women’s human rights. One such inspiring figure is Sabrina Mahtani, a feminist lawyer whose unwavering
commitment to advocating for the rights of incarcerated women in post-conflict Sierra Leone has left an indelible
mark on the landscape of human rights activism.

Sabrina Mahtani’s journey as a feminist lawyer began with her internship at the Special Court, where she played
a vital role in monitoring the Pademba Road Prison in Sierra Leone. This experience exposed her to the harsh
realities faced by incarcerated women – a group often marginalised, with no legal representation and forgotten by
society. Witnessing their plight ignited Sabrina’s passion to champion their cause and challenge the systemic
marginalisation faced by incarcerated women which led her and three other women to co-found AdvocAid, a
feminist organisation in Sierra Leone providing access to justice, education and empowerment for women and
girls in contact with the law.

What sets Sabrina apart is her unwavering belief in the transformative power of the law. Her own childhood
experiences, where one of her family member’s release from prison was attributed to his access to legal
representation, reinforced her conviction that lawyers can be powerful instruments of change. This belief
resonates deeply with feminist lawyers, underscoring the significance of our role in advocating for justice and
equality.

Sabrina’s work has illuminated the inextricable links between women’s incarceration, gender-based violence,
poverty, and discriminatory laws. Through her advocacy, she has demonstrated that by recognising and
addressing these connections, we can effectively intervene to reduce these societal problems, contribute to the
evolution of a gender-responsive justice system and take action to end the over-incarceration of women
worldwide. Sabrina’s dedication to raising awareness of these issues has been instrumental in advancing feminist
and human rights agendas.

She is also the curator of Women Beyond Walls, a movement building platform amplifying voices to end the over-
incarceration and over-criminalisation of women worldwide. Sabrina also hosts the WBW podcast, where the
real-life stories of women with lived experiences of the justice system are amplified.

Beyond her impactful work, Sabrina has been a generous mentor, always willing to share her knowledge and
insights. Her commitment to empowering the next generation of feminist lawyers has further shaped the journey
of many, highlighting how fusing one’s profession with passion can lead to tangible, real-life impacts in the lives of
the women and girls we advocate for. Sabrina exemplifies how mentorship and empowerment are key
components of creating lasting change in the field of human rights.

As we celebrate International Women’s Human Rights Day, let us reflect on the profound impact of women
human rights defenders like Sabrina Mahtani. Her dedication to justice, her ability to connect personal
experiences to legal advocacy, and her commitment to empowering others have left an enduring legacy.
Sabrina’s work serves as a reminder that the fight for women’s human rights is ongoing, and it is individuals like
her who inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and working towards a more just and equal world for all.