Inspiring Lawyers Champion Rule of Law in Zambia

We spoke to two distinguished Zambian research advocates, Mweshi (Charmaine) Chibangulula and Rita Maxwell, Slynn Foundation fellows who embarked on a transformative three-week journey at London's Royal Courts of Justice.

“From a young age, I had a very strong sense of justice.” Mweshi (Charmaine) Chibangulula

The Slynn Foundation‘s prestigious fellowship programme once again opened its doors this year, providing an exceptional opportunity for two distinguished Zambian research advocates, Mweshi (Charmaine) Chibangulula and Rita Maxwell. Selected by the Zambian judiciary, they embarked on a transformative three-week journey at London’s Royal Courts of Justice.

Charmaine and Rita’s stories are a testament to the power of civic engagement and the rule of law in shaping communities and society. Charmaine, who transitioned from a military career to offer operational support to judges, and Rita, who started her career in psychology before pursuing her dream in law, have shown incredible dedication and resilience. In Zambia, where access to legal education is highly competitive, their achievements stand as beacons of hope and inspiration.

“From a young age, I had a very strong sense of justice,” Charmaine shared, reflecting on her journey. “Law was a natural career path for me.”

The fellowship went beyond professional development; it provided Charmaine and Rita with a new lens through which to view the world. Their experiences in London, from navigating the bustling city streets to discovering historical archives at The Times Library, were both eye-opening and inspiring.

“Walking in the corridors of these great courts, the courts that have given us the common law as we know it, is beyond us,” Charmaine expressed with heartfelt gratitude. “We are so grateful to the Slynn Foundation for this opportunity.”

Rita echoed these sentiments, expressing profound appreciation: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Anglo American Foundation for partnering with the Slynn Foundation. This experience has been life-changing, and we hope to implement what we have learnt to enhance our justice system back home.”

This fellowship program exemplifies how investing in passionate and dedicated young legal minds can create lasting change. The Slynn Foundation has not only uplifted these two inspiring women but has also ignited a wave of positive change within Zambia’s legal landscape. This initiative beautifully highlights the power of international collaboration in building robust legal systems and fostering a culture of justice and equality. As Charmaine aptly put it, “What you have started is a ripple, and there will be a ripple effect. We will be the agents of enhancing the rule of law and efficient justice delivery back home.”

“From a young age, I had a very strong sense of justice.” Mweshi (Charmaine) Chibangulula

The Slynn Foundation‘s prestigious fellowship programme once again opened its doors this year, providing an exceptional opportunity for two distinguished Zambian research advocates, Mweshi (Charmaine) Chibangulula and Rita Maxwell. Selected by the Zambian judiciary, they embarked on a transformative three-week journey at London’s Royal Courts of Justice.

Charmaine and Rita’s stories are a testament to the power of civic engagement and the rule of law in shaping communities and society. Charmaine, who transitioned from a military career to offer operational support to judges, and Rita, who started her career in psychology before pursuing her dream in law, have shown incredible dedication and resilience. In Zambia, where access to legal education is highly competitive, their achievements stand as beacons of hope and inspiration.

“From a young age, I had a very strong sense of justice,” Charmaine shared, reflecting on her journey. “Law was a natural career path for me.”

The fellowship went beyond professional development; it provided Charmaine and Rita with a new lens through which to view the world. Their experiences in London, from navigating the bustling city streets to discovering historical archives at The Times Library, were both eye-opening and inspiring.

“Walking in the corridors of these great courts, the courts that have given us the common law as we know it, is beyond us,” Charmaine expressed with heartfelt gratitude. “We are so grateful to the Slynn Foundation for this opportunity.”

Rita echoed these sentiments, expressing profound appreciation: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Anglo American Foundation for partnering with the Slynn Foundation. This experience has been life-changing, and we hope to implement what we have learnt to enhance our justice system back home.”

This fellowship program exemplifies how investing in passionate and dedicated young legal minds can create lasting change. The Slynn Foundation has not only uplifted these two inspiring women but has also ignited a wave of positive change within Zambia’s legal landscape. This initiative beautifully highlights the power of international collaboration in building robust legal systems and fostering a culture of justice and equality. As Charmaine aptly put it, “What you have started is a ripple, and there will be a ripple effect. We will be the agents of enhancing the rule of law and efficient justice delivery back home.”

Slynn President Lady Rose of Colmworth with Charmaine and Rita during a visit to the Supreme Court.

 

About Slynn Foundation: www.slynn-foundation.org

The Slynn Foundation is a UK based charity working with senior judges and justice institutions around the world to enhance the rule of law, and to improve professional understanding of human rights, mediation and legal practice. The Slynn Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for young, promising lawyers from overseas selected by our trustees from countries in which the Foundation has current projects, to spend time working in London at leading city firms and barristers’ chambers and sitting with serving judges. The 2024 Fellowship was funded by the Anglo American Foundation.