Maître Saran Keïta Diakité: an Influential Voice for Women’s Rights, Justice and Governance

I am Maître Saran Keïta Diakité, a Malian lawyer specialized in family law and co-founder of the Keïta Law Firm. Admitted to the Mali Bar since 1985, I have built my career around a constant commitment to family justice and the protection of fundamental rights. Through my work as a lawyer, I have contributed to defending the rights of women and families, while also participating in collective reflection on the evolution of the law and the legal profession, notably as a member of the Council of the Mali Bar Association.

Beyond my legal practice, I am also engaged in the institutional life of my country. I currently serve as a member of the National Transitional Council (CNT), where I hold the position of Vice-Chair of the Commission on Constitutional Laws, Legislation, Justice, Human Rights and the Institutions of the Republic. In this role, I contribute to legislative work and reflections on institutional reforms in a national context of transition, with the aim of strengthening the rule of law and the institutions of the Republic.

My engagement also continues within civil society, particularly on issues related to women’s rights, peace and security. In December 2011, I was elected President of the Women, Peace and Security Network of the ECOWAS Space/Mali (REPSFECO-Mali), before being re-elected for a second term in April 2015. Since July 2017, I have also chaired the Board of Directors of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding in Mali (WANEP-Mali), contributing to initiatives aimed at promoting peace and preventing conflicts.

My involvement in civil society reflects a long-standing commitment to women’s rights and their participation in peace dynamics. I served as Vice-President of the Association of Malian Women Lawyers (AJM), where I also acted as Mali focal point for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, as well as for the Maputo Protocol. I was also a member of the Steering Committee of the regional coalition SOAWR (Solidarity for African Women’s Rights). I currently serve as President of the Association of Malian Women Lawyers.

Throughout my career, I have participated in numerous seminars and conferences in Mali and internationally, contributing to discussions on women’s rights, human security and the role of civil society in promoting peace, security and development. My areas of expertise also include the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and youth radicalization.

A graduate of the National School of Administration (ENA) and holder of a Master’s degree in private law obtained in 1984, I have for several decades maintained a constant commitment to the rule of law, gender equality and peacebuilding in Mali and across the region.

This story was collected and written by Dieneba Deme, Communications Officer (Mali), as part of the regional campaign Justice in Action: Breaking Barriers in West and Central Africa.