On June 26, 2025, while conducting archival research on gender and constitutions in Kew, London (more on this soon), I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Alix Frank-Thomasser, President of the Women in Law Initiative, for a live Q&A. In 2023, I received the Women in Law-Austria Justitia Awards in the International Academic category for my work in advancing women’s rights and women’s issues in law.
We had a great conversation as part of the InstaTalk series about my journey into law, the inspiration behind my work, and the advice I have for aspiring female lawyers. If you’d like to watch our full conversation, you can do so here.
As I reflect on our chat, I realize that my answers all revolved around a few core themes that have shaped my path. I’m excited to share a bit more about what I’ve learned, especially as I celebrate my birthday this month.
Finding Your Village
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that no one succeeds alone. In our Q&A, I mentioned that I have a “village,” and I truly believe that building a strong support network is essential for women in the legal field. This isn’t just about finding mentors—it’s about building a community of colleagues, loved ones, and friends who understand the demands of your profession.
This village is where you can turn for advice, share your wins, and lean on for support during setbacks. For me, that has meant having colleagues who will listen when I’m struggling with a tough case or mentors who can offer strategic guidance on a career move. It also means having friends and family who remind me to unplug and take a breath. The legal world can be demanding and, at times, isolating. Having people who get it—and who are in your corner—makes all the difference. Your village is crucial to helping you maintain that all-important work-life balance.
As I shared in a chat with Völkerrechtsblog, Satang Nabaneh & Sissy Katsoni, Chatting with Satang Nabaneh, in 2022, when asked who I would ideally want to find waiting for a meeting outside my office, my answer remains the same: my tribe.
For me, the term “village” is more than just a metaphor; it’s a concept deeply rooted in my African/Gambian heritage. It is a reflection of a communal way of life where everyone has a role in nurturing and supporting one another. This is the essence of my tribe—a small but incredibly impactful and resourceful group of friends from around the world. These are the people who will show up for me, no questions asked, and whom I can rely on for everything.
Our shared passion for advancing human rights, particularly for women and girls, makes every conversation meaningful and enriching. It’s how we challenge each other to ask more of ourselves and our work. But beyond our professional connections, this group exudes friendship, goodwill, joy, and love. There’s truly nothing I would rather find waiting for me.
A Deep-Seated Passion for Justice
My journey into law was sparked by a deep-seated belief in justice and a desire to be a voice for those who might otherwise go unheard. This passion ignited in me early; I’ve been a child rights activist since the age of eight. Growing up, I was always drawn to stories of advocacy and the power of the legal system to create positive change, particularly for vulnerable populations. The idea that someone like me could be part of drafting laws and making the justice system better truly solidified my path.
However, as someone who entered academia at a very young age, I’ve also experienced firsthand the systemic issues we must confront, including discrimination, sexism, mansplaining, and sexual harassment. Urgent, responsive action is needed to address the significant gender and racial bias that women in academia constantly face. A crucial part of this work is refocusing academic resources to advance social justice and racial equity.
As I shared with Global Voices in a piece about my work, How a legal scholar from The Gambia is bridging academia and advocacy.’ I’ve always seen myself as an “activist scholar”—someone committed to bridging the gap between academic research and community advocacy. This commitment to public scholarship means ensuring my work is accessible and relevant to the activists and organizations on the ground. The law isn’t just a profession; it’s a profound commitment to justice.
While there wasn’t a single “aha!” moment that led me here, I did see firsthand how overwhelming and inaccessible the legal system can seem without proper guidance. Seeing this struggle underscored my conviction that the system often fails those who lack the knowledge or resources to navigate it. My work is fueled by the chance to elevate and amplify the voices of those affected by the legal system, ensuring it works for them. This passion for justice is the driving force behind everything I do.
The Power of Continuous Learning
The law is constantly evolving, and a crucial part of becoming an outstanding lawyer is committing to continuous learning. This means staying curious and adaptable, always seeking to deepen your knowledge and understanding. The legal profession benefits immensely from diverse voices and new approaches. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo or bring a fresh perspective to a problem.
Beyond staying current with legal changes, this theme also applies to our personal and professional growth. We should always be learning from our experiences, both good and bad, and from the people around us. I truly believe that intellectual rigor, combined with the humility to know you can always learn more, is a key component of a successful career in law. It’s about approaching every challenge with a mindset of growth and adaptability.
Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned the importance of being kind to yourself. The legal profession can be demanding, and it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to be perfect. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Learn from setbacks without letting them define you. Building a strong support system—that village I talked about—is a critical part of this. It’s a reminder that your health, happiness, and peace of mind are paramount. Remember that you are human, and it’s okay to not have it all figured out.
For me, the law isn’t just a profession; it’s a profound commitment to justice. My hope is that my journey inspires other young women to pursue their own paths in advocacy—to “step into their power, challenge societal norms, create alternative spaces, or assert their presence in spaces where they may not have traditionally been welcomed.” If I can help even one person do that, I will have truly succeeded.
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