– As FeJAL President earns master’s degree from Cuttington University
As Liberian women consider reasons to effectuate their way through the judicial spectrum of Liberia, over eight of them (women) have been admitted to the Supreme Court Bar of the Republic of Liberia, alongside twenty-two male lawyers. The admission ceremony took place at the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill in Monrovia, where the newly admitted lawyers took their oath before the Chief Justice of Liberia.
Among the women admitted are BOWOULO KELLEY, SAIFUAH GRAY, JOSEPHINE KETTOR, KORPO TOMAH, NADIA KAMARA, HARRIET WILSON, DEDDEH ZAZA, Sedia Wollor, Emma Sumo, and several others who have broken barriers and made strides in the legal profession in Liberia.
This comes as a vivid fact that the addition of these women to the Supreme Court Bar highlights the increasing diversity and representation within the legal community in the country.
The other lawyers admitted include Others are DARREN DOMAH, ALVIN YELLOWAY, ABRAHAM NYOUNWAY, LAWRENCE TOMAH, JAMES KABA, WILLIAM SAYGAH, AUGUSTINE WILLIAMS, ALIVE JALLOH, PAUL HARRY, DEDDEH ZAZA, JOHNSTONE MCGILL, ROBERT FREEMAN, MAC SAIE, POWELL DUAHN, JOSEPH TEGII, TARLO WEHYEE, BEYAN MULBAH, ADOLPHUS TAYLOR, TALERY WILIES, GARRISON YEALUE,, MAYALAN BROWN, WILSON GARPEH and JULIUS ADDY among others.
The Supreme Court of Liberia is the highest judicial body in Liberia. The court consists of the Chief Justice of Liberia, who is also the top Judiciary official, and four associate justices, who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The justices hold court at the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill in Monrovia.
The admission of these lawyers to the Supreme Court Bar signifies a new chapter in the legal landscape of Liberia, as they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the highest judicial body in the country.
The newly admitted lawyers are expected to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity as they serve the people of Liberia through their legal practice. The Supreme Court Bar plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens, and the addition of these talented lawyers will undoubtedly strengthen the legal system in Liberia.
Article III of the Constitution of Liberia stipulates judiciary as one of the three branches of government that ought to be equal and coordinated based on the principle of checks and balances. The court was originally authorized by the 1839 Constitution of the American Colonization Society signed on 5 January 1839, while subsequent constitutions continued to authorize a supreme court, with the 1984 Constitution as the most recent version.
Meanwhile, Lisa T. Diasay, the President of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL) is being revered as she has exacerbated the apt strives of several ardent Liberian women, by becoming the only female to graduate (Class of 2024) with a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Development from Cuttington University in Bong County.
The achievement, which took place on Sunday, June 15, 2024, has been overwhelmingly embraced by many as it is considered a crucial accomplishment not only for Diasay personally but also for women across Liberia. Lisa Diasay, who’s also the CEO of Women’s TV Liberia, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance in balancing her academic pursuits with her professional responsibilities since yesteryears and she remains committed to said endeavor.
For years, her successes and appetite for achieving greatnesshave served as a stimulant for other young women in Liberia who aspire to pursue higher education and break gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Cuttington University, founded in 1889 as Cuttington College by the Episcopal Church of the United States (ECUSA), is the oldest private, coeducational, four-year, degree-granting institution in sub-Saharan Africa. The institution conferred degrees on a total of 765 students, with Diasay standing out as the sole female recipient of an MSc in Sustainable Development.
Sustainable development is a critical issue in Liberia, a country facing numerous environmental and social challenges. It’s a vivid fact that Diasay’s specialization in this field equips her with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the country’s efforts toward achieving a more sustainable and equitable future.
Studies have shown that empowering women through education not only benefits individuals but also has broader societal impacts, including economic growth and social progress. With more than a decade of professional experience in Electronic, Print, Online Media, and Media development, among other fields, Ms. Diasay has consistently been at the forefront of media innovation and women empowerment. Education has consistently held a paramount position in Lisa’s life. In 2009, she achieved graduation honors from the Carver Mission Academy in ELWA, Paynesville, emerging as one of the top students in her class.
Throughout her academic journey, she consistently secured a place on the honor list and earned various prestigious ranks within her alma mater. Following her high school education, Lisa pursued her passion for journalism, characterized by profound storytelling, and the empowerment of local voices by enrolling in and successfully completing courses at the Jireh School of Journalism in Monrovia.
Pursuant to her zest for greater and professional knowledge, in 2017, Lisa meritoriously earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from African Methodists Episcopal University (AMEU) and received a Certificate from the Coca-Cola Innovation Institute as a distinguished scholar and President. Ms. Diasay holds numerous professional diplomas and certificates in areas such as Public Procurement, Records Management, Peace and Conflict Prevention, and media development. Additionally, she is a young diplomat affiliated with the Kofi Annan Living Memorial Program.
Determined more than ever before to face the trappings of an increasingly competitive job market, Ms. Diasay is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development at the Cuttington University School of Graduate and Professional Studies. In this brief yet intensive period of study, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors.
Lisa’s academic foundation equips her to address her professional endeavors with a profound appreciation for the complexities inherent in sustainable development and its intersection with human rights.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Lisa has shared her professional experience with several institutions, including King’s FM, UNMIL Radio, Insight News, FrontPageAfrica, One Star News Network, Monrovia Times, The Africa Probe Newspaper, among others. She has also provided consultancy services to various institutions.
As a proactive measure to advance the achievement of Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on gender equality and equal participation, Ms. Diasay has leveraged her media expertise to create Women’s TV-Liberia, the sole online women’s television platform in Liberia. This initiative is dedicated to empowering women, amplifying their narratives, and championing gender equality. Through Women’s TV-Liberia, Lisa has been instrumental in challenging established gender norms, patriarchal systems, and actively advocating for the rights of women and minorities.
Beyond her work in journalism and media, Lisa Tenneh Diasay is a passionate climate justice activist. She recognizes the urgent need to address environmental issues and their impact on human well-being. Through her advocacy efforts, she seeks to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and the need for collective action to combat climate change. Her work in this field has earned her accolades and made her a prominent voice for environmental conservation.
