By: Usman Fambuleh
Legal Access through Women Yearning for Equality, Rights, and Social Justice (L.A.W.Y.E.R.S) has celebrated its 29th anniversary of continuous impact in the legal profession, while formally welcoming newly admitted female lawyers at a grand soirée held at the New Brookfields Hotel on Friday, 13th February 2026.
The anniversary was commemorated under the theme: “From Commitment to Action: Female Lawyers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence in Sierra Leone.” The ceremony brought together judges, magistrates, senior and junior lawyers, as well as partners.
In her welcome and opening statement, Secretary General Davida Peacock Sawyerr (Mrs.) warmly welcomed members and newly called female lawyers to the Association’s 29th anniversary celebration. She said the organization was proud of the journey it has undertaken over the years in promoting justice and protecting the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone. According to her, the fight for gender equality and social justice is an ongoing struggle that requires collective effort and commitment. She stated that although significant strides have been made in advancing the rights of women, many challenges still persist in society. She added that issues such as sexual and gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal opportunities continue to affect women and girls.
In her address, the President of L.A.W.Y.E.R.S., Menisa Sesay (Ms.), spoke about the history, mission, and vision of the organization. She highlighted that the mission of L.A.W.Y.E.R.S is to empower vulnerable women and girls through free legal aid, advocacy, and law reforms for equality and justice. Ms. Sesay mentioned that despite the challenges, L.A.W.Y.E.R.S has remained steadfast and committed to its mission. She further encouraged members to remain united and proactive in addressing emerging issues affecting women in the legal profession and society at large.
On key achievements, she informed that the organization has delivered transformative trainings on gender bias, gender equality, and strengthening the justice sector for survivor-centered SGBV responses in Sierra Leone.
“As an organization, we envision a nation where every woman and girl enjoys equal rights, opportunities, and legal protection to fulfill their potential. We prioritize making our services accessible to all, recognizing that the inability to afford legal representation often hinders justice,” she said.
The work of L.A.W.Y.E.R.S is proudly supported by its members, partners such as Purposeful, FCDO, UNDP, EU, TROCAIRE, and key stakeholders such as the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit, among others. She also welcomed the newly admitted female lawyers into the noble legal profession and encouraged them to join in advocacy and the fight against SGBV, while upholding the values and vision of the organization.
The Honourable Justice Cosmotina Jarrett, representing the Chief Justice from the Judiciary, spoke on the theme of the celebration. She said the theme, “From Commitment to Action: Female Lawyers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence in Sierra Leone,” was both timely and necessary. She stated that commitment alone is not enough unless it is followed by practical and deliberate actions. She added that female lawyers play a critical role in ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence receive justice and protection under the law.
Justice Jarrett emphasized that the Judiciary remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of vulnerable persons. She encouraged female lawyers to approach their work with courage, integrity, and compassion. She further stated that unity among female lawyers will strengthen advocacy efforts and create greater impact in the fight against gender-based violence. She concluded by commending the organization for its 29 years of dedicated service and encouraged it to continue being a strong voice for justice and social transformation in Sierra Leone.
The Honourable Justice Glenna Thompson spoke on professional ethics and etiquette. She admonished the new female lawyers to maintain professionalism and ethical standards throughout their careers. She emphasized that the legal profession demands seriousness, discipline, and constant preparation. According to her, thorough case preparation builds both confidence and credibility in court. She further urged them to advocate with fairness and honesty in pursuit of justice. Justice Thompson also cautioned that the legal profession does not operate a pension scheme and advised the new lawyers to practice financial discipline and prudent savings for long-term security. “Practice without ethics crumbles and ethics without practice stalls,” she said. She encouraged young female lawyers to network ethically.
Sharing her personal experience, Michella Kadijatu Conteh (Ms.) reflected on her journey since being called to the Bar nineteen years ago. She acknowledged that the profession comes with challenges but also great rewards. She encouraged the new lawyers to strike a balance between their professional responsibilities and family life. She advised them to remain patient, consistent, and hardworking, stressing that perseverance is key to success in the legal profession.
Nicky Spencer Coker Esq. underscored the importance of pupillage and practical legal training. She described pupillage as a critical stage in a lawyer’s career that must be taken seriously. She urged young female lawyers to leverage their resilience and determination to excel in the profession. She encouraged them to learn diligently from their pupil masters, observe court proceedings closely, and build confidence in advocacy, noting that practical experience is essential to becoming a competent and successful lawyer.
Also speaking at the event, A.C.P. Joan Bull (Ms.) highlighted the importance of collaboration and institutional support in combating sexual and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. She stated that the police cannot win the fight alone without the support of committed female lawyers. She lamented that many victims continue to suffer in silence and require strong legal representation. According to her, improved policing strategies and policies are being implemented to strengthen the fight against SGBV. She welcomed the new female lawyers and urged them to uphold the good image of the profession, describing law as a calling that demands one’s very best.
Honourable Justice Bintu Alhadi spoke on the cordial relationship between female lawyers and the Bench, noting that the judiciary appreciates seeing more women actively advocating in court. She stressed that the legal profession is guided by strict procedures and rules and encouraged the new lawyers to carefully review their processes and documentation before appearing in court. Respect for court procedures, she noted, enhances professionalism and strengthens the administration of justice.
The celebration climaxed with the cutting of a commemorative cake and the official launch of preparations for the Association’s 30th anniversary. The well-attended event was described as memorable, reflecting the continued growth and influence of female lawyers in Sierra Leone’s legal landscape.
