Getting to know Intern Fátima Sal

by Sumayya Usmani

Research Staff Events intern Fátima Sal met with our writing intern Sumayya Usmani to chat a little about PhD life, her memories of home and the inspiration behind her PhD in International law.

Fátima’s childhood reflects on her career choices, her passion for international law and deep compassion for humanity. As part of the African diaspora in Lisbon, understanding her cultural background was key to getting to know Fátima a bit better.

Tell me a little about your hometown, childhood memories, and cultural background. My parents are Fulani, a nomadic ethnic group found across different parts of Northeast and Northwest Africa. I was born on the west coast of Portugal, and my mother moved to Lisbon after she became a widow at a young age. I grew up in an orphanage and boarding school in Barreiro, south of Lisbon. Growing up around many children, there was laughter, but also a lot of grief. The one redeeming feature of boarding school life was the sense of community, loyalty, and compassion.

As a child, I was wild by nature and culturally peculiar too. My mother was known as the best braiding stylist, so I adorned beautiful hairstyles, with beads, and colourful scarves intricately entwined in my braids. And when I grew tired of the braids, I would shave my head! I cherished those intimate bonding moments with my mother.

Growing up Muslim in a predominantly Christian, former Portuguese colony had its challenges. This is to say, I was not part of the “colour palette” of my peers, or of the church, and certainly not part of the prevailing beauty standard. These differences made me grow up as an outsider, a perpetual nomad—both culturally and in spirit.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a PhD in International law? During my Master’s at SOAS, one of my professors from the Law and Postcolonial Theory module noticed my writing interests and the contributions I made in class. They remarked that I would find greater fulfilment by giving continuity to my academic pursuits, which naturally meant considering a PhD. Their encouragement planted the seed that pursuing further research could be both a rewarding and meaningful path.

Was there a specific moment or influence that led you down this path? One pivotal moment came during my involvement with the Ebony Initiative at SOAS, a network designed to guide and empower Black scholars towards doctoral studies and meaningful career pathways. After attending one of their seminars, I felt certain that I wanted to pursue a PhD. Yet, the path ahead felt uncertain, particularly in terms of the financial means to make it a reality.

Fortunately, with the unwavering support of my professor and the Ebony Initiative I’ve found my way here through financial and personal obstacles. As a self-funded PhD candidate, I feel grateful for these opportunities that have solidified my passion for my research.

What gets you excited about your field? Jurisprudence excites me because it dares to see law not as a rigid monolith but as something living, something breathing—an intricate dialogue between the past, present, and the imagined future. It is a study that examines what law is and what it aspires to be, urging us to challenge and uncover the human stories within. It invites us to question how justice is defined, as well as embracing a conversation with philosophy, ethics, politics, and society. Holding a mirror to law's foundations, jurisprudence encourages us to reimagine the system, reminding us that law, like life itself, is always evolving.

This is very inspirational – I’d love to understand why this specific research area matters to you? My PhD research holds a deep personal significance. It focuses on my nomadic community that challenges entrenched concepts of freedom and liberty, ideals often presented as universal by international institutions. This brings together my passion for politics, legal policy, and history, while critically examining the contradictions inherent in universal principles. The opportunity to write about justice and fairness is a privilege and an intellectual delight.

Beautiful! Let's switch gears a bit - what do you like to do when you're researching? I find solace in the outdoors, taking reflective walks that help me clear my thoughts and regain perspective. Reading beyond my field - I find inspiration in the writings of Toni Morrison, Carl Jung and Maya Angelou. Music is another hobby as it centres me. These small but meaningful pursuits provide balance allowing me to return to my work with renewed focus, clarity, and energy.

What drew you to this internship program specifically? What do you hope to gain from this experience? I was drawn to this program because of its innovative approach to researcher development and its emphasis on fostering a positive and collaborative research culture.

At the same time, as a self-funded PhD student, I applied out of necessity to support myself financially—to cover rent, bills, and basic needs. This internship offers me the chance to develop essential skills, gain valuable experience, and sustain myself during this critical stage of my academic journey. I hope to leave the program with strengthened professional prospects and a meaningful contribution to the research environment.

It’s been wonderful getting to know Fátima. We wish her the best of luck in the internship and through her postgraduate journey.