AFDEM: How long have you been in Liberia?

YM: I have been in Liberia since the 10^th of December 2005 and I am based in Gbarnga, the second capital city of Liberia.

YM: My work involves training members of the judiciary, police and corrections unit (prisons) on local and international law, human rights issues. I also create awareness on general human rights and the law to the community as well as on specific issues such as women’s rights. My work is very, very practical, I am a field officer so I am mainly working directly with members of the community as well as local government authorities. I am also working directly with local NGOs for capacity building and international organisation. I organise workshops, trainings on relevant issues.

AFDEM: What's you typical day like?

YM: My typical day starts at 8.30am. I drive to my office for administrative issues for about 30 minutes. From there I visit the police stations to check on the suspects that have been arrested. I will be checking to see if the police have not detained suspects beyond the statutory period of 48 hours, the conditions of the police cells, assist the police with issues regarding charges or any issue of the law or any other assistance they require. From there I proceed to the magistrate court and or Circuit Court. Sometimes I sit on cases and assess how they are being conducted and most times I am reminding the magistrates or city solicitor of certain cases that have also exceeded the statutory limit without being taken to court. Lastly I visit the prison to assess the number of detainees, their conditions and if they have been taken to court. From there usually I have meetings with other protection agencies on any protection issues that are pertinent. Some days I have joint monitoring visits whereby myself and other protection agencies visit various courts, institutions such as orphanages or schools to ensure they are not abiding by certain legal provisions or regulations that regulate them and also to monitor their

AFDEM: Any experiences you wish to share with other AFDEM female candidates?

YM: There are not enough females out there doing the job I do and it’s not because of lack of qualified candidates. Potential candidates may be intimidated by the harsh conditions one faces in such a posting. It can be difficult working in post conflict areas due to lack of infrastructure and other pleasures of life one may be accustomed to. I however encourage other women to apply, at the beginning it is tough, however it is an experience that makes you stronger and an experience that makes you appreciate more the small things that you take for granted when you are in your home country. Additionally the challenges and hardships are overshadowed by the overwhelming satisfying feeling one gets after having assisted someone who was in a position of need.

AFDEM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

YM: I probably will still be doing legal/human rights work. That is my vocation.

SAFDEM: Any advice for people aspiring to work in the humanitarian or peace support field? : Do not be fooled, it is a tough environment, but like I said it makes you stronger. You have to be tough and be able to ready to face challenges. You must also be ready to go beyond your mandate sometimes and not only apply your professional abilities when dealing with your intended beneficiaries but also to have emotional intelligence and know how to deal with people in a humane and caring manner. About the Author: Yvonne Masarakufa is a AFDEM candidate working as a Human Rights Office--United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).