On October 14th the OBA Constitutional, Civil Liberties, and Human Rights Law Section, in conjunction with the OBA Women Lawyers Forum, will be hosting a CPD event titled “How the Equality Effect and 160 Girls Are Making Human Rights ‘Real’ in Africa.” Why should section members attend and know more about this fantastic organization? We’ll let the driving forces behind the Equality Effect answer that question themselves:
“An inherent sense of anger that burns me to the core” – The Leadership Perspective
This was Fiona Sampson’s answer when asked what inspired her, as the executive director of the Equality Effect, to turn an idea on punishing perpetrators of sexual assault against young girls in Africa into a reality a few years ago. Recognizing this as a unique chance to get involved with international human rights, Kim Bernhardt, a Toronto human rights, labour and employment lawyer, and the current chair of e2’s board of directors, joined the cause thanks to previous affiliations with Fiona Sampson at Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF).
Anger?
Fiona: These girls are experiencing violence with rampant impunity, and knowing that the law is available but isn’t working, is what made me want to do this.
What inspires you the most about what you have achieved so far?
Kim: [Seeing that] the law can make a huge difference in people’s lives. On the day that the petition was filed in the 160 girls case, one of the 11 applicant girls started a chant against her assailants in court. She was taken aback by the fact that the police that had once harassed her were now scared of her. Calling it the best day of her life, she even exclaimed “wow I want to be lawyer too!” The work we do is far from done, but instances like these make us feel proud to have inspired what can be possible.
What should our section’s lawyers know about the event and why should they attend?
Kim: It’s an incredibly interesting tale. It is for lawyers one of the most interesting learning experiences of how constitutional law can be brought to life, and the incredible life fulfillment that you as a lawyer can get to use that knowledge and their profession for something higher. I dare anyone to not walk away with the feeling that they want to do more.
Fiona: People often hear about these issues and feel overwhelmed I think, and unsure about what they might do to help. This event will help people understand that working cooperatively makes things happen. They’ll hear the stories directly and including from the African lawyers on the panel which is a rare opportunity. The work is really transferrable, the lessons are applicable in Canada, and we’re hoping to inspire people to develop an interest in and support for the equality effect’s work.
It represented all the reasons I went to law school” – The In-House Perspective
Sasha Hart is a young, dynamic lawyer who acts as the sole staff lawyer for the Equality Effect. Sasha credits her prior overseas volunteer work and, more specifically, attending events similar to the upcoming October 14th discussion, to having led her to become involved with international human rights work at such an early stage of her career. “We are presenting an example of how Canadian lawyers can be involved in important and precedent setting human rights work on the international stage – and we always welcome those who are inspired by this work to join forces with us!”
What’s your advice for any younger attendees who are interested in your practice area?
Sasha: There was an event that I attended in law school where I met Fiona and heard her speak about the organization’s work. I knew right away that I wanted to get involved because it represented for me all the reasons I chose to go to law school. So I followed up with Fiona about volunteer opportunities. I’ll definitely always be glad I attended that event! I would encourage law students to look out for these types of events– showing up at an event is a good first step, but going beyond that and being proactive in finding out how you can get involved is important..
As the only in house legal counsel, what keeps you motivated in this hectic day-in day-out job?
Sasha: My longstanding history with the organisation, watching it grow and seeing the direct outcomes of the work is incredibly rewarding. Also, having met the girls and our grassroots partners through the field work is endlessly motivating—all of that stays with you. I’ll always be motivated by our vision and mission – which is about making the law work for women and girls. We’ve seen a lot of success but there is more to be done, and some of the most exciting work surrounding implementation of the “160 Girls” decision begins now!
It's not just discussion, it's action - The Volunteer Perspective
Managing a growing roster of volunteers is no easy task. Jessica Bolla and Kathryn Beck, Claims Counsel at LawPRO and an associate at Fasken Martineau respectively, share their perspective as co-chairs of the Legal Research Committee, on what keeps them going in their capacities delegating key legal research work to volunteer lawyers and students.
What inspires you the most to stay involved as volunteers with the Equality Effect?
Kathryn: The work really resonated for me. The fact that the organization is run leanly means all resources go directly into the work. And that also means that volunteer involvement makes a real difference. It’s a very empowering project. I’m blown away at the speed at which things have advanced – and they just keep moving forward.
Jessica: It is not just discussion, it is action. And what has been accomplished through that action is staggering. With that comes both opportunity and responsibility. I feel that responsibility and, frankly, gratitude for being able to participate in the project. Kathryn and I see how each legal research volunteer’s contribution moves the organization forward in its goals. It is incredibly motivating.
Why is this an important issue for lawyers such as you to know about and be involved with?
Kathryn: There's sometimes an urge to disengage because you feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of strife there is in the world. But involvement with an organization like the Equality Effect shows that you can actually make a difference in people’s lives. It doesn't mean you can do everything, but you can make a difference.
Jessica: At the end of the day it’s a human issue. The fact that women are treated this way every day is something that should concern all of us. The Equality Effect has shown us that we have the tools to do something about it and that something really can be, and has to be, done about it!
About the Author
Richa Sandill is the newsletter editor for the Constitutional, Civil Liberties, and Human Rights Section.