Thera Dai Becomes First Woman OAM President

Thera Dai is the President-elect (bastonária) of the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM) and will assume the Chairmanship of the institution with effect from today, which will be the first time in the 32 years of the association's existence that a woman will head the institution, the organization said.

The Bar Association says in a statement that the new president's inauguration will be held at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital. It is time to renew that commitment to uphold the Rule of Law, justice, democracy and basic freedoms, that above the differences inherent in the democratic electoral process, our common duty of serving the legal profession and Mozambican society takes precedence," says the Bar in the statement, which urges lawyers to take part in the inauguration act.

Thera Tobias Dai was elected to replace Carlos Martins as the bar association's leader for the 2026-2029 triennium in April.

Thera Dai is a Senior Lawyer with over 17 years of professional experience, and holds a law degree from the Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Mozambique (ISCTEM), where he specialized in corporate law, investment, foreign exchange control, natural resources and public law, as well as real estate law.

Key Highlights:

• Historic Milestone: First woman to lead the Mozambican Bar Association
• Experienced Leader: Over 17 years of legal experience
• Key Focus: Rule of law, human rights, and lawyers' rights

In the Mozambican Bar Association, she developed a dynamic career both at institutional and organizational level, engaging in initiatives and discussions on the promotion of the legal profession, defense of professional prerogatives and strengthening of the Rule of Law in Mozambique.

Since 2009, Thera Dai has been a practicing lawyer and registered with the Bar since 2011. She will be leading an organization that now has 3,373 registered lawyers, of which 2,204 are male and 1,169 female.

During her interview with Lusa in May, she spoke of the “still critical and worrying” situation for human rights in the country and said that “there is a need for effective action by judicial bodies in order to achieve greater accountability”.

“Judging by the latest episodes we have had in recent years, [the human rights situation in Mozambique] is still critical, but it is important that we manage to secure effective action from the organs of administration and justice to ensure the protection of human rights and accountability,” she said.

She also insisted that the institution had to be clear about the stand it takes and defend its members as October 19 would be the Day to Combat Violence against Lawyers from this year, she added. This day is dedicated to the memory of Elvino Dias, who was killed during the country's political turmoil at the time of the elections in 2024.

As the first woman to lead the Mozambican Bar Association, Thera Dai's appointment marks a significant step for gender representation in the country's legal profession. Her leadership is expected to focus on strengthening the rule of law, protecting lawyers' rights, and advancing justice and accountability in Mozambique.