With RACS, Maggie stood against violence and is rebuilding her life in safety

Maggie’s career as a sports journalist in Sierra Leone ended abruptly when her advocacy against female genital mutilation made her a target. After surviving a violent, targeted attack, she fled her home, eventually seeking refuge in Australia. But safety proved elusive. Her initial application for asylum was denied, leaving her homeless and vulnerable on the streets of Sydney. 

With the support of the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), Maggie appealed her case to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Her solicitor worked tirelessly to gather the evidence needed, and this time her claim for protection was accepted. For the first time, Maggie felt her story was believed. “I cried because Australia has believed my story. For once, I will be accepted in this country,” she said. 

I cried because Australia has believed my story. For once, I will be accepted in this country.

Maggie has since rebuilt her life and is using her experience to help others. Now employed by the Jesuit Refugee Service, she advocates for women and girls seeking protection, offering the same support that once saved her. Her journey highlights the essential role of legal advocacy in providing not just safety, but the opportunity for women to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. 

RACS provides life-changing legal assistance for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. Its ‘Women at Risk’ program helps a particularly vulnerable group of clients: women experiencing or at risk of gender-based or sexual violence.