Maputo – Lawyer Thera Tobias Dai has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected President of the Mozambican Bar Association in the institution’s 32-year existence, winning Thursday evening’s election with 783 votes to succeed outgoing president Carlos Martins.
Dai defeated three other candidates in the election, with Stayleir Marroquim receiving 463 votes, Pedro Macarringue obtaining 414 votes and Samuel Hlavanguane collecting 108 votes.
Reacting to her election on Sunday via her social media accounts, Dai described the result as an “unprecedented, historic and transformative” milestone for the Mozambican legal profession, saying it was a collective achievement rather than an individual one. 
“For the first time, a woman has reached this position, marking forever the history of Mozambican law. More than an individual victory, it is a symbol of courage, resilience and change,” she said.
Dai said the new phase of the Mozambican Bar Association should be built on a “stronger, more ethical and united” legal profession that serves citizens, justice, fundamental rights and the rule of law. “This victory belongs to all of us and represents the future that begins to be written today,” she said.
A graduate of the Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Mozambique, Dai is a senior lawyer with more than 17 years of experience, practising primarily in corporate law, investment, foreign exchange control, natural resources, public law and property law. Within the Bar Association, she has built an active institutional career, taking part in initiatives and debates on the advancement of the legal profession, the defence of professional privileges and the strengthening of the rule of law.
Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane was among those who congratulated Dai on Sunday, describing her election as a historic milestone for the independence of the legal profession. “This historic victory reinforces renewal and independence within our country’s legal profession. Success in your mission,” Mondlane wrote on his Facebook page.
Renamo president Ossufo Momade also extended congratulations, pointing to the significance of the election taking place during the month dedicated to Mozambican women, marked on 7 April. “Not only recognition of her professional merit, but also a significant victory for Mozambican women, their competence, perseverance and leadership ability,” Momade said, adding that the moment should encourage greater participation of women in decision-making spaces and contribute to building a “more just, balanced and inclusive society.”
Momade expressed confidence that Dai’s leadership would strengthen the rule of law, consolidate justice and advance the legal profession in Mozambique, wishing her “a successful mandate guided by courage, integrity and firm commitment to the Mozambican people.”
