Empowering women in law: the inspiring journey of Seshni Moodley

In a world where legal jargon often alienates the very people it is meant to protect, Seshni Moodley stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment.

As an attorney of the High Court of South Africa and a PhD candidate at the University of South Africa, Moodley has dedicated her career to making law accessible to everyone, particularly women and young people.

Her journey from KwaZulu-Natal to becoming a prominent advocate for women's rights and digital law is both inspiring and transformative.

Raised by parents who instilled values of discipline, compassion, and purpose, Moodley grew up with a strong appreciation for education and service.

"My upbringing taught me that knowledge is power, and I have made it my mission to share that power with others," she says.

After completing her schooling at St Benedict’s, she pursued her LLB at the University of the Free State, followed by an LLM in Human Rights Law, focusing on the protection of women’s sexual and reproductive rights.

Moodley’s academic journey opened doors to international human rights research and community-focused legal work.

In June 2024, she established an internship programme within her firm to empower aspiring attorneys and law students, providing them with hands-on practical exposure.

"Investing in the next generation of legal professionals is crucial," she asserts.

"We need to ensure that the voices of the future are heard and that they are equipped to advocate for justice."

Her work today intersects various fields, including legal practice, women’s empowerment, digital law, and public education.

Moodley is particularly passionate about using social media as a tool for education.

"Social media has been instrumental in bridging the divide between legal knowledge and everyday people," she explains.

By translating complex legal concepts into accessible guidance, she aims to ensure that everyone has the information they need to protect their rights.

Moodley’s commitment to education extends beyond social media.

She frequently appears on platforms like Lotus FM, where she discusses human rights, digital security, and legal protections.

"These platforms allow me to amplify knowledge and empower individuals who might otherwise remain unprotected," she states.

Her ability to engage with the community through various channels has made her a trusted source of information and support.

However, Moodley’s journey has not been without challenges.

She faces the emotional weight of sensitive cases, particularly those involving gender-based violence or digital exploitation.

"Balancing empathy with legal precision requires constant emotional discipline," she admits.

Additionally, as a young woman in a male-dominated profession, she has often had to assert her credibility and command respect.

"I believe that excellence, consistency, and integrity are the keys to overcoming gender biases in the legal field," she notes.

Despite these challenges, Moodley remains focused on her mission.

She is proud of her academic contributions to human rights and women’s rights, including published research on North Korea and reproductive justice.

Her legal education initiatives - both online and through radio - have empowered countless women and communities across South Africa.

"I want to ensure that my work translates into real-world change," she emphasises.

Looking ahead, Moodley has ambitious plans for 2026.

She aims to expand her impact in three key areas: digital rights and cybersecurity, women’s rights advocacy, and youth empowerment. "I am developing research-driven public resources to educate communities on digital safety and online abuse," she explains.

Additionally, she intends to use her PhD findings to influence policies on gender justice and assist victims of gender-based violence through effective legal deployment.

Moodley’s dedication to her community is evident in her belief that knowledge should not exist in isolation.

"Academia must drive social transformation," she asserts. Her commitment to uplifting others is a guiding principle in her life and work. "To young women entering the legal profession, I say: you belong here. Your voice, your story, and your perspective are needed in law," she encourages.

As she continues to carve her path, Moodley remains steadfast in her belief that the legal profession becomes stronger when women support women and when young people are empowered with knowledge, opportunity, and courage.

"Our paths may not be readily available to us, but it’s important that we recognise our power to carve our own paths," she says.