2020
Matiha Said
- Age: 28
- | She/her/hers
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As young people from various demographics and backgrounds, our powerful voices and contributions to positive change have sometimes been controversial and unwelcome. Let us do all that it takes to make the world a better place for future generations, passing onto them a better and safer world for all.
- Matiha Said
Bio
Matiha Said was born and raised in Kenya. She received a post-graduate diploma in law from Kenya School of Law in 2020. As a volunteer Legal Aid Practitioner and Paralegal Training Instructor at African Prisons Project, Matiha develops training materials and notes on various topics for paralegal training, conducts training of paralegals in various prisons across Kenya, collaborates with legal aid clinics to provide legal aid to inmates, and carries out legal awareness sessions. Matiha is a member of the Muslim Lawyers Association.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
From early on in life, I have observed the many ways society distinguishes and restrains the abilities and capabilities of genders. My education and background in human rights has ignited my pursuit of gender equality in areas where such restrictions and perceptions have been harmful and to the detriment of one gender over another. My exposure to human rights education has shown me the many ways we can remedy injustices and fix the flaws of society’s perception of gender.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
Educating women on their legal rights and how to fight for their realization through legal aid clinics has been and still is one of my biggest achievements. The fact that these women have gone on to become agents of change in their own homes and communities is another reason I celebrate this win.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Leisurely reading, arts and crafts, and traveling.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Somali (Advanced/Native)
- Swahili (Advanced/Native)
- Somali (Advanced/Native)
Speaks On:
- gender equality and rights-based legal awareness
- family law and gender discrimination
- economic empowerment and family law cases
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Updated: Gilbert Appolis Award – Jean Pictet 2019
- Best ILC Commissioner and Draft Resolution – KeMUN
