Women Judges: Spearheading Change In Justice Delivery
The Annual South-West Zonal Workshop of the National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria (NAWJN) kicked off with a resounding call for breaking leadership barriers in the legal profession. Hosted at the Marriott Hotel, G.R.A. Ikeja, Lagos, the event brought together a distinguished gathering of women judicial officers and senior female Lawyers.
Chaired by Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC, CFR, President of NAWJN, the workshop centered on the theme “Breaking the Leadership Barriers for Women in the Legal Profession,” representing a pivotal moment in addressing gender disparities within the legal sector.
The event commenced with a welcome cocktail, fostering networking opportunities among attendees and heads of courts from Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun State, graciously hosted by the Chief Judge of Lagos State.
In his opening remarks, Chief Judge Kazeem Alogba affirmed the absence of gender disparity within the Lagos State Judiciary, emphasizing meritocracy as the cornerstone of appointments and promotions. He reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for women, stating, “The door has always been open in Lagos Judiciary for women.”
President of NAWJN, Justice Kekere-Ekun, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging persistent barriers hindering women’s ascent to senior judicial roles despite notable achievements. She underscored the necessity of concerted efforts to eliminate such obstacles, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in shaping the nation’s judicial landscape.
Addressing the significance of women’s representation in court, Hon. Justice Olutoyin Ipaye, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, emphasized the need for increased female participation to enhance the legitimacy of judicial proceedings and ensure equitable justice delivery.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender equality, highlighting the substantial presence of female Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the achievements of women in the legal profession and pledged continued support for their endeavors.
The workshop featured insightful discussions led by distinguished panelists, highlighting the pivotal role of mentorship, sponsorship, and family support in women’s leadership advancement. Panelists emphasized resilience, passion, and commitment as key attributes for breaking through barriers and achieving leadership positions in the legal profession.
Keynote speaker, Hon. Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie, urged Nigerian Judges to prioritize merit over technicalities in delivering judgments, ensuring public confidence and respect for judicial decisions.
The workshop concluded with the issuance of a communiqué outlining key resolutions, including the institutionalization of mentorship programs, the promotion of women in leadership positions, and the need for active engagement in the mentoring process.
As Nigeria strives for gender parity in the legal profession, events like the South-West Zonal Workshop of NAWJN serve as crucial platforms for advocating inclusivity, empowering women, and fostering a more equitable justice system.
