From refugee to jurist: Justice Chizumila’s trailblazing path for women’s rights

Justice Ambassador Tujilane Rose Chizumila’s remarkable journey from refugee to esteemed judge embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day. Overcoming early hardships of displacement and barriers in a male-dominated field, she harnessed these experiences to fuel her commitment to human rights and justice. Her advocacy in the judiciary has significantly advanced women’s rights across Africa, championing transformative legal frameworks and education. Her story inspires resilience and leadership, proving that one’s past does not define the future, but strengthens it, paving the way for a fairer legal system and a more inclusive society.

Read on in this Exclusive Interview with The Arusha News Journalist/Researcher SUKHDEV CHHATBAR…

Justice Chizumila (left) and other Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, during a courtesy call to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Dar es Salaam in 2022.

QUESTION:

Could you share some of the most significant challenges you faced during your early years as a refugee and how these experiences shaped your aspirations and career path towards diplomacy, law, and justice?

ANSWER:

My early years as a refugee were undoubtedly filled with immense challenges: Displacement, uncertainty, and the struggle to find stability in a foreign land. Some of the most significant obstacles I faced included:

1. Loss of home and identity
   Being uprooted from my homeland meant leaving behind familiarity, culture, and a sense of belonging. It was a journey into the unknown, where survival was the immediate priority. This loss, however, fueled a deep empathy when I grew up for displaced populations and a commitment to ensuring others wouldn’t have to endure the same suffering.
2. Access to basic needs and education
   Securing food, shelter, and education was not always guaranteed. Initially, when we arrived in Tanzania and were put at Keko flats (in Dar es Salaam) with other refugees from different countries, we were queuing up for food and sleeping on mats. Mind you, we had just arrived from New York, where my late father, Prof. Gomo George Michongwe, was a Malawian diplomat. So there were moments when hope seemed distant, but thanks to my father, education became my lifeline. The experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education, shaping my later work in child rights, literacy programs, and return-to-school initiatives.
3. Discrimination and social exclusion
   As a refugee, facing prejudice and exclusion is common to many, but I was lucky—I only encountered a language barrier from my primary and secondary schoolmates who believed I was just being arrogant for not speaking Kiswahili because we had come from America. They believed every African speaks their national language. However, the prejudices and exclusions I witnessed growing up highlighted the systemic inequalities that marginalized groups endure. Those experiences instilled a strong sense of justice in me, leading me to pursue roles in law, human rights, and advocacy for vulnerable communities.
4. Legal and bureaucratic barriers
   Navigating asylum systems, legal documentation, and work permits was a constant challenge. It made me realize the importance of policy and governance in ensuring fair treatment for refugees and other displaced persons. This insight later guided my diplomatic and judicial career, focusing on legal frameworks that protect human rights.
5. Psychological and emotional struggles
   The trauma of displacement and uncertainty about the future took an emotional toll. Overcoming these struggles required resilience and adaptability, qualities that later became essential in my roles as an Ombudsman, Judge, and advocate for mental health programs, especially for youth.

Q: Throughout your journey from a refugee, a diplomat to a distinguished African Court judge, who were your role models or sources of inspiration? How did they influence your career decisions and your approach to justice?

A:

Several individuals and experiences profoundly shaped my career path, values, and approach to justice. My role models and sources of inspiration came from various spheres, including personal experiences, historical figures, and mentors who embodied resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice. These include:

1. My late parents and community elders – Despite facing adversity, they instilled in me the values of resilience, integrity, and service to others. Their sacrifices and wisdom shaped my sense of duty toward vulnerable communities.
2. Refugee women and children – Witnessing their struggles and unwavering determination gave me a deep sense of responsibility to advocate for their rights. Their strength reinforced my belief in justice as a tool for empowerment.
3. Miriam Makeba – Fondly known as “Mama Africa,” she was more than just a legendary musician—she was a fearless advocate for human rights, justice, and the dignity of African people. Makeba’s life was marked by exile, just as mine was shaped by the experience of being a refugee. From her, I understood that justice is not only found in courtrooms but also in the ability to speak truth to power, whether through law, diplomacy, or public service. Makeba’s distinctive African attire was more than fashion—it was a statement of identity, resistance, and cultural pride. Her attire has inspired me to carry my heritage with me from the age of 11 when my father first introduced me to her music albums in New York, no matter where I am in the world.
4. Kofi Annan – His leadership at the UN, particularly in peacekeeping and human rights, guided my diplomatic aspirations. My exposure to Annan’s leadership taught me that diplomacy and legal frameworks must work together to ensure lasting peace and protection of human rights.
5. Senior Diplomats and Judges – While serving as a diplomat and later as a judge, I was fortunate to work alongside individuals who upheld ethical leadership, judicial independence, and fairness. Their mentorship sharpened my understanding of diplomacy, law, and governance.
6. Colleagues in UNHCR, UNICEF, and Save the Children – Their passion for humanitarian work reinforced my commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly refugee women and children.

Q: As a woman who has risen to a prominent position in a field often dominated by men, what barriers did you encounter and what key actions or attitudes helped you overcome these obstacles?

A:

I faced numerous barriers, but key among them were:

• Gender bias and stereotypes – Women in leadership, especially in law and diplomacy, are often scrutinized more than their male counterparts. There was constant pressure to prove my competence beyond the usual expectations.
• Lack of representation – Early in my career, there were very few women in high-ranking diplomatic or judicial roles, making it difficult to find mentors or role models.
• Resistance to women’s leadership – In both international and local settings, decision-making spaces were often dominated by men who were reluctant to share power.
• Work-life balance expectations – As a wife, mother, grandmother, and professional, there was always the challenge of balancing career and personal responsibilities.

Justice Chizumila greets President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe (right), during an Africa Court sensitisation visit to Harare.

Key actions and attitudes that helped me overcome them were:

• Excellence and competence – I focused on mastering my field, ensuring that my work spoke for itself. This earned me respect even in male-dominated spaces.
• Mentorship and support networks – I sought out and became part of professional women’s networks, where I found solidarity and guidance. Later, I mentored young women, passing on the lessons I had learned.
• Courage and persistence – I did not let rejection or obstacles deter me. Each challenge became a motivation to push forward.
• Advocating for women’s inclusion – Beyond breaking barriers for myself, I consistently worked to open doors for other women, ensuring policies and spaces became more inclusive.

Most of all, it was resilience, strategy, and unwavering commitment.