Association Burkinabè de Fundraising

Peer support for women lawyers

Media Defence is calling for applications from female lawyers based in sub-Saharan Africa to take part in a peer support programme, which is aimed at lawyers with a demonstrated interest in digital rights, as well as independent peer learning and peer support with other female lawyers. .

The peer support programme will be the first initiative of its kind in their new Empowering Women in Digital Rights Advocacy project. Media Defense aims to provide a platform for newly trained women lawyers to build their expertise and confidence, and receive support on a range of issues relevant to women lawyers.

The peer support programme will be designed as a one-to-one programme - an experienced lawyer will be matched with a newly trained lawyer, taking into account their interests and background.

Objectives Women lawyers

Media Defense provides legal support to independent journalists, bloggers and media outlets and aims to help build and promote a strong network of lawyers. In this context, the peer support programme will provide a platform for women lawyers in sub-Saharan Africa to discuss relevant issues independently and to make connections.

• The objectives of this peer support programme are :
  • To provide a platform for independent discussion of the legal and personal challenges that are particularly relevant to women journalists and lawyers, such as professional growth and networking, career and relevant business litigation experience;
  • Building a digital rights network for women lawyers;
  • Supporting and developing working relationships between women lawyers interested in digital rights and freedom of expression online

Eligibility criteria Women lawyers

• Participants will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
  • The peer support programme is open to women lawyers working and living in sub-Saharan Africa;
  • Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of freedom of expression, digital rights, internet freedom and/or related issues;
  • Previous involvement in one of Media Defence's litigation operations;
  • Candidates must be fluent in English;
  • Women lawyers can either work in private practice or work for or be affiliated with NGOs promoting the right to freedom of expression in East Africa through litigation. Exceptionally strong applications from lawyers who have not yet undertaken work on freedom of expression, but who have experience in other human rights cases and who have a strong interest in undertaking work on freedom of expression will also be considered;
  • Potential for future collaboration with Media Defence; and
  • Commitment to ongoing engagement with the network of digital rights lawyers in the region.

A maximum of 24 participants will be selected. Media Defence is committed to equality and diversity and will therefore take into account gender, age and country of origin when selecting participants. Due to the gender disparity in previous events and programmes, this event is exclusively for women lawyers.

For more information, please visit Peer support programme .