Manus woman Lois Stanley is the first female to graduate with a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).
Ms. Stanley initially wanted to be a teacher, but was encouraged to pursue a law degree. She studied part-time while working as a secretary at the UPNG Faculty of Law and eventually resigned to focus on full-time studies.
Ms Stanley’s journey was not easy as it came with many challenges, both personally and academically. She graduated with her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2003 and was admitted to the bar.
“I faced challenges in changing my surname from my husband’s surname to my father’s name due to his mental illness,” she recalled.
“In 2009, I received a scholarship from UPNG but had to leave due to issues with the supervisors. I worked for the Government for 10 years before receiving another scholarship from Constitution and Law Reform Commission.”
Ms Stanley also faced other setbacks, including the lack of qualified supervisors, which delayed her LLM program.
She added that her research topic focused on succession law, particularly the administration of deceased estates, customary and non-customary inheritance law.
Ms Stanley emphasized the importance of research in a developing country like Papua New Guinea and improving legal systems based on data.
“I encourage younger generations to pursue post-graduates studies, especially through research for the nation’s development whilst stressing on the need for data for backup reforms and improving legal reforms.”
It has taken 10 years for Ms Stanley complete her LLM program, and this milestone achievement is testimony to her resilience, sweat and tears.
Ms Stanley expressed her gratitude to God, UPNG, CLRC, her family and the government for their support throughout her long journey.