‘Transformative’ result as Thera Dai elected the first-ever female President of the Mozambican Bar Association

The election of Thera Dai as the new President of OAM, the Mozambican Bar Association, is an “historic and significant milestone” and “significant victory” for gender equality and Mozambican women, and for strengthening the independence of the legal profession in Mozambique, say lawyers, observers, and local politicians.

A senior corporate and regulatory lawyer at Couto, Graça e Associados, a member of international law firm CMS, Dai emerged from a field of four candidates to succeed Carlos Martins as President of OAM for the 2026-2026 term. She becomes the first woman to lead the Mozambican Bar Association since it was first established in 1994, reportedly winning the election held on Thursday - with the ballot counting running into Friday morning - with 783 votes, compared to 463 votes for Stayleir Marroquim, 414 votes for Pedro Macarringue, and 108 votes for Samuel Hlavanguane. 

“With deep gratitude in my heart, thank you to all who have walked with us,” shared the President-Elect yesterday. “This is not just a victory: it is a renewed commitment to each Lawyer, to our Order, to society and to the future of justice in Mozambique.”

Paying tribute to her fellow Presidential candidates, Dai noted that Marroquim, Macaringue, and Hlavanguane had enhanced the election process, and that their ideas would not be left behind but continue to be heard, valued, and integrated. 

“For the first time, a woman has reached this position, marking forever the history of Mozambican law,” says Dai, while noting that her election was a collective rather than individual achievement, and a symbol of courage, resilience, and change. “This victory belongs to all of us and represents the future that begins to be written today.”

Following the "unprecedented, historic, and transformative” milestone, Dai said that the new phase for the OAM should be based on a “stronger, more ethical and united” legal profession, serving citizens, justice, fundamental rights and the rule of law.

Fellow Presidential candidate Stayleir Marroquim congratulated Dai for her victory, expressing the desire that the Bar Association preserve its independence, get closer to lawyers, and know how to respond firmly to the real problems of the profession.

Dai was also heartily congratulated by lawyers and leaders from Mozambique and beyond. Ossufo Momade, leader of Mozambique’s opposition party, noted Dai’s election as President of OAM held special symbolism as it occurred during the month dedicated to Mozambican women. It represented not only the recognition of Dai’s own professional merit, but also “a significant victory” for the competence, perseverance, and leadership ability of Mozambican women. 

“This moment provides an incentive to continue promoting the active participation of women in decision-making spaces, contributing to building a more just, balanced and inclusive society,” shared Momade on social media. “I am convinced that your leadership will make a relevant contribution to strengthening the rule of law, consolidating justice and valuing the law in Mozambique… guided by courage, integrity and a firm commitment to the Mozambican people.”

Dai began her career in 2009 at Furtado, Bikha, Loforte, Popat e Associados, after earning her law degree and a postgraduate certificate in corporate governance from the Instituto Superior de Ciências e Tecnologia de Moçambique (ISCTEM). She also taught commercial law at ISCTEM, before joining Couto, Graça e Associado in 2011. 

An accomplished lawyer with an extensive range of areas of practice, Dai’s areas of expertise include Corporate, Investment, Exchange Control, Natural Resources, Public Law, Property Law, Tourism, Aviation, Telecommunications, and Agriculture. 

Couto, Graça e Associados celebrated Dai’s election as President of the Mozambican Bar Association as a historic milestone, saying it highlighted Dai’s "outstanding professional journey” while also honoured the firm, reinforcing its “commitment to integrity, leadership and the development of the law in Mozambique”.