Gender Disparity In Judicial Appointments Raises Concerns In Gombe

The recent appointment of judicial officers in Gombe State has sparked concerns over gender disparity, as no women were included in the list of newly sworn-in judges.

A female lawyer and activist, Barrister Martha Daniel, highlighted the issue, noting that among the five magistrate judges and 46 area court judges inaugurated, not a single woman was appointed.

Daniel emphasized the urgent need for women to take on leadership roles within the justice system, stressing that women should not be relegated to the background but instead be encouraged to seize opportunities in the judiciary.

Her concerns come amid Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s swearing-in of new judges to address manpower shortages in the state’s judiciary. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to:
Strengthening the judiciary
Ensuring judicial autonomy
Modernizing the justice system through digital transformation

Observers note that gender disparity in judicial appointments is a widespread issue across Nigeria. Addressing this imbalance, they argue, requires collaborative efforts from the government, judicial service commissions, and civil society organizations.

Despite the governor’s assurances, Daniel insists that women’s participation in leadership, particularly in northern Nigeria, remains a long-standing challenge. She called for capacity-building programs and initiatives to break societal barriers preventing women from attaining key positions.

“I urge women, especially those in the justice system, to rise up and take charge in bridging the gender gap in Gombe State’s judiciary,” she stated.