Press Statement | Lawyers for Human Rights congratulates National Director Nabeelah Mia on being named among the Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2026

Date: 02/10/2026


Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) proudly congratulates our National Director, Nabeelah Mia, on her inclusion in the Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2026 in the Civil Society category, a prestigious recognition celebrating women whose leadership, vision and commitment are transforming South Africa and making a lasting difference in their communities.

This year’s recognition carries particular significance. As South Africa marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, the Mail & Guardian’s Power of Women honours contemporary leaders whose work continues the pursuit of dignity, equality and justice. The women featured represent a diverse group of visionaries whose contributions are driving social progress, innovation, economic growth and sustainable development, often beyond the spotlight of everyday public attention.

Nabeelah’s inclusion among these distinguished leaders reflects a career dedicated to advancing human rights and protecting the dignity of those whose voices are too often violated or overlooked.

Appointed National Director of Lawyers for Human Rights on 1 April 2026, Nabeelah brings to the role extensive experience gained through her leadership of LHR’s Penal Reform and Detention Monitoring Programme.

A respected human rights lawyer, Nabeelah’s work has focused particularly on torture prevention and the protection of the rights of persons deprived of their liberty. Her leadership has strengthened efforts to promote humane detention conditions, improve independent oversight of places of detention, and ensure that the constitutional promise of dignity extends to all people, regardless of their circumstances.

Nabeelah holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Law and Psychology and an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Cape Town, as well as a Master of Laws from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she graduated fifth in her class.

Her career has spanned private practice, public interest litigation, policy advocacy and constitutional law. Before joining LHR, she worked at Webber Wentzel, served as a Policy Development and Advocacy Fellow at Sonke Gender Justice, conducted research at the South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law,  practised in the environmental and mining justice sectors and served as a law clerk to Justice Nonkosi Mhlantla at the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

“Nabeelah’s recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, legal expertise and principled  and courageous leadership.  Throughout her career she has combined legal excellence with a deep sense of justice, ensuring that the rights of some of the most vulnerable members of society are protected and advanced. This recognition reflects not only her personal achievements, but also the vital role that civil society leaders play in strengthening constitutional democracy and advancing social justice in South Africa.”  – said Kayan Leung,  Deputy Director of Lawyers for Human Rights.

As National Director, Nabeelah continues to lead Lawyers for Human Rights in advancing its mission to promote and protect human rights through strategic litigation, legal advocacy, research and community engagement.

Her inclusion in the Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2026 recognises not only an exceptional legal career, but a sustained commitment to ensuring that the promise of South Africa’s Constitution reaches those who are most vulnerable. At a moment when the country is reflecting on the legacy of the women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, Nabeelah’s work stands as a reminder that the pursuit of dignity, freedom and equality remains both unfinished and essential.

For more information and enquiries, please contact :

Kayan Leung (LHR) | Kayan@lhr.org.za

Mpho Makhubela | Mpho@lhr.org.za

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