During this episode of The Powerhouse Project, we highlight Magdalena (Maggie) Casey, an up-and-coming civil litigator with a focus on employment, human rights, and labour law, who shares insights into her background and professional journey.
Drawing from her experiences living in diverse regions, Maggie recounts how these experiences shaped her commitment to human rights advocacy. She delves into the complexities surrounding the reporting of human rights violations and stresses the significance of unified efforts to address these issues.
Maggie also explores the hurdles individuals face when seeking access to justice and emphasizes the necessity of speaking out against injustices. Furthermore, she examines the intersection between labour laws and anti-discrimination regulations, shedding light on the specific challenges women confront within the legal field.
Throughout the conversation, the pair discuss the various obstacles women encounter in professional settings, including feelings of imposter syndrome and doubts about their capabilities. They also touch upon the balancing act between career and family responsibilities, underscoring the importance of mentorship and support networks.
Notably, Maggie highlights the invaluable perspectives and strengths that women bring to the legal profession, as well as the crucial role allies play in advancing human rights causes.
The conversation culminates with advice for the younger generation, stressing the importance of remaining authentic and resilient in the face of systemic pressures.
Takeaways
Living in various countries has the potential to shape perspectives and ignite a commitment to human rights activism.
There exist significant obstacles in reporting human rights violations, ranging from financial constraints to cultural barriers.
Effective change and the addressing of systemic issues often require collective action and speaking out.
The intersection of labour law and anti-discrimination legislation is instrumental in fostering fair and inclusive workplaces.
Women pursuing careers in law encounter challenges such as bias, underestimation, and gender stereotypes.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(01:23) The Influence of Living in Different Countries
(07:27) Challenges in Reporting Human Rights Violations
(09:26) The Need for Collective Action
(10:47) The Barriers to Accessing Justice
(13:15) The Importance of Speaking Out
(15:21) The Intersection of Labour Law and Anti-Discrimination Laws
(23:31) Imposter Syndrome and Doubt
(25:19) Proving Yourself and Overcoming Barriers
(27:34) The Challenges of Balancing Work and Family
(29:06) The Importance of Mentorship and Support
(32:52) The Strengths and Perspectives of Women in the Profession
(37:35) Being an Ally and Advocating for Human Rights
(39:03) Advice for Younger Self
