An interview with AdvocAid’s first Frances Claudia Wright scholar – Ms. Umu Kulthum Sesay.
Photo: Umu Kulthum Sesay at the launch event of the Frances Claudia Wright Scholarsip
Hey Umu, how are you? I already know you but our readers do not so please introduce yourself.
I am well Rebecca. So Umu is a 24-year-old student currently enrolled at the Sierra Leone Law School. I hold a Bachelor of Law degree from Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone and I have a keen interest in advocacy, especially for women, girls, and minority groups, and I am also a serial entrepreneur.
Why did you choose to study Law?
Being a lawyer has always been the career I was looking forward to having. This desire comes from my personal indulgence in wanting to help others, but what excites me the most is the need to excel and continue to improve both my practical and intellectual skills as a lawyer. Lawyers are expected to have a fair idea of everything, hence, the need for continuous learning.
I understand that you are currently enrolled at the Sierra Leone Law School. How is it going?
It’s quite a challenging academic experience like never before, but my studies are progressing well. The course, however, like many law schools worldwide, is structured to be rigorous, daunting, and exhaustive. I am trying to survive!
What was the one thing you were looking forward to in law school, and have you experienced it?
I looked forward to being tutored by some of the finest legal minds that have been in the profession, studying modules such as professional ethics and advocacy that are relevant in real life, and being in a community of like-minded people who get to be my colleagues.
Looking at the legal education you have received and your current law classes, do you think legal education in Sierra Leone needs to have a feminist lens or is it fine the way it is?
Yes, I think there is much need for the infiltration of feminism into our legal education and profession. This is because I have seen and experienced gross disregard and belittling behaviors for women and their rights, even among lawyers.
You are the first Frances Claudia Wright scholar – how do you feel and what does this mean for you as an individual carrying on the legacy of Frances Claudia Wright?
It is humbling and gratifying for me to be honored in the name of Frances Claudia Wright, the very first Sierra Leonean woman to be called to the bar and to practice in Sierra Leone. I feel very privileged and touched to know that there is a network like this that aims to support women and girls in their educational pursuits. I am humbled!
Why do you think it is important for the justice system to have women lawyers that are focused on taking up the fight for justice and equality of women?
It is evident that women in Sierra Leone continue to be subject to violence and gender-based discrimination. Although this is blatant in most areas and less obvious in the legal profession nonetheless invidious.
It is important to have female lawyers challenge issues of equality and strive to eradicate discrimination based on sex because full equality between men and women remains largely aspirational and more needs to be done to ensure equal respect for both genders.
What do you admire most about AdvocAid?
I truly admire everything about AdvocAid and your work in ensuring that our rights, as women, are advocated for, guaranteed and protected.
What is the one thing that you look forward to experiencing at your work with AdvocAid?
I look forward to working with and being mentored by inspirational women that are working there or have worked there.
So enough with the serious questions… I want our readers to know more about you other than Umu the Lawyer.
What are the 3 things that have improved the quality of your life? I can think of a lot of things but the top three things are; praying, lots of reading books, and good company.
What is the most interesting thing you have read or seen this week? The most interesting thing I read this week was an article from Twitter about Guinea-Bissau criminalizing children begging on the streets.
What is the one song that you keep playing on your playlist? Blinded by your grace – Stormzy
What are you reading or watching right now? I am currently reading my Civil Procedure notes.
Tell me 3 things that are on your bucket list? Exercising, a long beach day walk, and registering a business.
What is the most Sierra Leonean thing about you? The most Sierra Leonean thing about me is my accent.
What would people be surprised to know about you? I am a terrible dancer but used to be very good.
Umu it’s great to have you join the AdvocAid family and we cannot wait for you to finish your studies to come work with us. I encourage people to look forward to reading the blogs you will publish with us to share about your experience taking on this journey.
Interview by Rebecca Mweru Kabejja