Biography
Jalila is the first female lawyer, human rights activist, and feminist leader from Pakistan’s ethically persecuted Hazara minority. She provides free legal aid to women, children, and minorities who cannot afford legal representation. She works for the rule of law and democracy, as well as speaking out against all forms of discrimination, such as enforced disappearances, custodial torture, and gender-based violence, not only in her profession, but also in the public spaces.
Women play a vital role in the legal profession; if given equal chance, they will achieve the primary goal of advancing gender equality and creating a fair system. Being the first female lawyer in my community, facing multilayered challenges in a patriarchal settings, I want to inspire female lawyers to enter the field, reclaim their spaces, and fight the male-dominated bar. Platforms like Women in Law Initiatives are vital for building solidarity and addressing the female lawyers’ issues.