About | SEWN

SEWN aims to promote equitable systems within the international law, human rights and humanitarian sectors. SEWN’s approach is decolonial, feminist, and intersectional. Our work decentres established and entrenched concepts of donor/beneficiary and Global North/Global South relationships, contributing to systemic equity. We value all forms of knowledge, experience, and expertise equally; and aim to prioritise the experiences of communities and individuals who are traditionally excluded from centres of power and decision-making through responsive and relational engagement.

Meet The Team

Junli Lim

Chairperson & Co-Founder

Junli is an International Legal Consultant and lawyer focused on international human rights, humanitarian, criminal and refugee law; and is highly skilled at legal and policy research and drafting having worked at international criminal tribunals, NGOs, government, and academia. Throughout her career, she has worked on legal, social, and policy issues that disproportionately impact women, migrant and refugee communities. She is experienced with leading, developing and managing research projects with diverse teams. Junli is a Visiting Scholar at Fordham Law School.

Elisabeth Wickeri

Secretary, Treasurer & Co-Founder

Elisabeth is a lawyer and human rights advocate with 20 years’ experience implementing projects and programmes internationally, and brings strong research, analysis, and project management and evaluation experience to the team. Elisabeth focuses on securing international human rights in closed societies and authoritarian spaces, as well as countries in transition. She partners with local groups and activists on projects to support access to justice, and freedom of expression and association. She engages in research, capacity sharing, and has deep familiarity with multilateral legal fora. Elisabeth is Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham Law School, as well as Course Director for the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs and the Leitner Summer Human Rights Institute.

Mayada Elmaki

Legal Consultant

Mayada is an independent legal consultant and lawyer specialising in international human rights law, refugee law, and migrant rights. She has collaborated with civil society, government agencies, and international organisations in Sudan, South Africa, Great Britain, Libya, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Throughout her career, Mayada has undertaken various consultancies spanning diverse thematic and geographical areas while consistently centered on the empowerment and advocacy of refugees, migrants, and women. Mayada is committed to working for the most marginalised and vulnerable.

Who We Work With

We work with a range of organisations and individuals. From grassroots and community organisations, to national, regional, and international entities. Our projects have spanned Africa, Asia, and Europe across diverse thematic areas. Our clients and partners have included Evolution of Success, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), ProtectDefenders.eu, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), and the Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group (ULAG).

SEWN's projects are implemented with like-minded independent consultants whose values align with ours, and whose experience and expertise represent diverse communities across various thematic and geographic areas. We are always keen to partner with marginalised and under-represented individuals and organisations.