For centuries, women have wanted a seat at the table. For decades, women of color have wanted a seat at the table.
Challenging social constructs and mainstream ideologies, minorities and people of color have fought for their rights and equal representation in their societies. Women have proven that their role in this world exceeds the expectations that society has bound them with, since the beginning of time.
Excelling in workplaces, demanding recognition in the creative fields, and thriving in the business and academic worlds, women of color are not only a beacon of hope for future generations of young girls, but they are also the driving force of a new wave of confidence, inspiring immigrant kids and young women to embrace their heritage and find power in the color of their skin.
Entering the books as the youngest non-white and minority ethnic Crown Court judge is 34-year-old Sri Lankan-born Ayesha Smart. The young Yorkshire-based barrister has been selected to sit at the Crown Court as a recorder across the North of England.
The Crown Court is one of the three senior courts in England and Wales, dealing with the responsibilities of hearing all indictable offenses. Accordingly, Smart is required to sit in court as a recorder for a minimum of 30 days a year.
The newly appointed Crown Court judge’s laborious journey to make history as the youngest person of color from a minority in the UK to achieve such an accomplishment came at the cost of years of dedication, strenuous examinations, interviews, and the final approval from King Charles III.
Moving to Harrogate at the age of 14 with her family, Smart initially pursued a career in the medical field, receiving an undergraduate degree in medical sciences from the University of Leeds and thereafter finding work as a pathologist at the Harrogate District Hospital.
Her conversion to the study and field of law upon securing a pupilage ultimately called her to the bar in 2014. Since then, Smart has engaged in legal work in Yorkshire. Ayesha is currently employed at Exchange Chambers, where her main specializations are crime, clinical negligence, and regulatory law.
The news of her esteemed appointment brought to light the importance of deconstructing several orthodox thought processes, including the capabilities of women, the role that age has to play in skills and experience, and the busting of myths surrounding seniority, privilege and superior collegiate education, with regard to getting an appointment as a judge.
Commenting on her success via an interview with a British news platform, Ayesha Smart said, “I’m really proud of the achievement. As are my family. I remember my mum commenting when I got the appointment that it made her family’s move from Sri Lanka to the UK all worthwhile. As someone that has faced various prejudices in my life and career, it’s really positive to showcase that people of color and women can be just as successful as their white or male counterparts and that youth doesn’t necessarily mean ineptitude.”
Smart emphasized the significance of diversity within judiciary systems, claiming that the current system in place does not facilitate room for inclusivity.
“We want the composition of the judiciary to reflect the community and modern society we live in, and currently it doesn’t quite cut it”.
Adding a final remark, the barrister noted, “The appointment also helps in dispelling the myth that judges have to be more senior, come from a privileged background or gone to Oxbridge,” she continued. “I hope that people will be encouraged to apply when they feel ready to make that next step!”
