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Education, work above all
- By Rajni Padaruth
- Published 23rd May, 2008
- Women's Voice
- Unrated
“My parents have inspired and encouraged me to work hard. They have always advised me to stand on my feet and to achieve. And this is what I believe in. Education and professional development have always been a crucial part of my life. In fact, I always had the determination to do something. Above all, right from a very young age, I believed that learning is infinite,” Deveena says.
This young woman lawyer talks passionately about her education and professional life . Both, she says, come above everything else. “Work is my passion and my reason for living. Without work, I am incomplete and unfulfilled. I have a commission to fight for human rights and fight for the difference between right and wrong regardless of a person’s creed, sex or race. Law is not an intimidating mass of technical rules; it is bursting with human interest, a complex and constantly evolving process,” she adds.
Deveena says there is an increasing amount of competition in the legal profession with the advent of new lawyers called to the Bar each year. “Scope for female lawyers is evolving although there is discrimination due to the mentality of the society that we live in. Generally speaking, I believe that determined women of character, expertise and commitment can do very well and should have no problem establishing themselves in the legal profession on an equal footing with their fellow lawyers.”
Education
Deveena had her basic education in the UK. It was only when she was about to do her School Certificate that she came to Mauritius and joined the Queen Elizabeth College, in Rose Hill. After that, she returned to the UK where she first did her LLB before going for a post graduate in Legal Practice at the College of Law, in London. Then she completed the Bar Professional Practice course at BPP Law School, London in 2002,
and ever since, she never looked back. She got training in various legal aid law firms in London and also worked there for some time. She specialized in criminal law, family law and immigration law. She also spends her time at Legal Aid Work to help the poor and the needy.
She thinks that one's education, family life and social background are very important in determining one’s perception of things. “I do not think that people nowadays believe more in men than women in the legal profession. Gender doesn’t determine a person’s capability at all.
Competence, skill, experience, specialisation, flair and talent are all essential ingredients to determine a person’s capability.”
Inspiration
Deveena recalls: “I still remember those days when I was quite young and drawn to public speaking, mooting and debating clubs at the University. It was a new and very good experience for me. I have also been inspired by some senior counsels in Mauritius, like Yusuf Mohammed and Rama Valayden, from whom I have obtained a wealth of experience and learnt how to work in the Court.
“Life at the Bar, on a legal level, has taught me to listen patiently , read carefully, think, speak and write concisely, and on a personal level to develop a realistic sense of perspective about one's brief time in this world,” she says.
Deveena believes women have become more emancipated in the society. In the past few years, they have acquired equal status as men in Mauritius. They have the right to vote, right to work on the same positions as men, earning the same pay as men.
She points out there is a political and social environment in Mauritius where women are treated equally and also encouraged to join politics. “We have also seen women ministers in our Cabinet. These are clear signals that our government is encouraging the emancipation and empowerment of women. In future, a woman can be the Prime Minister of Mauritius,” Deveena says.
This young woman lawyer talks passionately about her education and professional life . Both, she says, come above everything else. “Work is my passion and my reason for living. Without work, I am incomplete and unfulfilled. I have a commission to fight for human rights and fight for the difference between right and wrong regardless of a person’s creed, sex or race. Law is not an intimidating mass of technical rules; it is bursting with human interest, a complex and constantly evolving process,” she adds.
Deveena says there is an increasing amount of competition in the legal profession with the advent of new lawyers called to the Bar each year. “Scope for female lawyers is evolving although there is discrimination due to the mentality of the society that we live in. Generally speaking, I believe that determined women of character, expertise and commitment can do very well and should have no problem establishing themselves in the legal profession on an equal footing with their fellow lawyers.”
Education
Deveena had her basic education in the UK. It was only when she was about to do her School Certificate that she came to Mauritius and joined the Queen Elizabeth College, in Rose Hill. After that, she returned to the UK where she first did her LLB before going for a post graduate in Legal Practice at the College of Law, in London. Then she completed the Bar Professional Practice course at BPP Law School, London in 2002,
She thinks that one's education, family life and social background are very important in determining one’s perception of things. “I do not think that people nowadays believe more in men than women in the legal profession. Gender doesn’t determine a person’s capability at all.
Competence, skill, experience, specialisation, flair and talent are all essential ingredients to determine a person’s capability.”
Inspiration
Deveena recalls: “I still remember those days when I was quite young and drawn to public speaking, mooting and debating clubs at the University. It was a new and very good experience for me. I have also been inspired by some senior counsels in Mauritius, like Yusuf Mohammed and Rama Valayden, from whom I have obtained a wealth of experience and learnt how to work in the Court.
“Life at the Bar, on a legal level, has taught me to listen patiently , read carefully, think, speak and write concisely, and on a personal level to develop a realistic sense of perspective about one's brief time in this world,” she says.
Deveena believes women have become more emancipated in the society. In the past few years, they have acquired equal status as men in Mauritius. They have the right to vote, right to work on the same positions as men, earning the same pay as men.
She points out there is a political and social environment in Mauritius where women are treated equally and also encouraged to join politics. “We have also seen women ministers in our Cabinet. These are clear signals that our government is encouraging the emancipation and empowerment of women. In future, a woman can be the Prime Minister of Mauritius,” Deveena says.
