By Nomfundo Manyathi-Jele
The International Bar Association (IBA) has awarded its 2014 Outstanding Woman Lawyer Award to Zambian lawyer Dr Tukiya Kankasa-Mabula. The award is given in recognition of professional excellence, influencing other women to pursue careers in law and advancing opportunities for women within the legal profession. The award was presented at the 6th IBA World Women Lawyers’ Conference held in Paris from 8 to 9 May.
In a press release, Dr Kankasa-Mabula said: ‘I am overwhelmed and very humbled to be the recipient of the 2014 IBA International Woman Lawyer Award. When I look at the list of previous recipients of this prestigious award, what august company I find myself in! This has inspired me to do even more.’ She added that she was mindful that she was now a role model for many young women and that she endeavours to always conduct herself in a manner worthy of emulation. ‘The message I often impart to colleagues and younger lawyers is to never compromise our professional and personal integrity,’ she added.
According to the press release, Dr Kankasa-Mabula is the deputy governor administration of the Bank of Zambia, a position she has held since 2007. Prior to her present role she held the position of Bank Secretary at the Bank of Zambia (1998 – 2007), which combined the functions of general counsel, secretary to the board of directors and director in charge of public relations.
In October last year Dr Kankasa-Mabula was appointed female independent editor of Zambia’s Draft National Constitution and prior to that she held the position of a commissioner on the Zambia Law Development Commission where she contributed to the amendment of laws that disadvantaged women.
The IBA Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award is given biennially and past recipients of the award include:
Nomfundo Manyathi-Jele, nomfundo@derebus.org.za
This article was first published in De Rebus in 2014 (June) DR 13.
