Women Judges in Africa Push for Better Justice and Gender Equality

African women judges and leaders in the justice sector, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Chief Justice of Kenya, are calling for better justice systems and more gender inclusion.

They want more investment in justice systems across Africa. This will help build public trust and ensure good governance.

They made their call on Tuesday during the opening of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) African Regional Conference. This event took place at the Body of Benchers Auditorium in Abuja. The theme was, “Promoting Excellence in the Administration of Justice.”

The conference gathered senior women judicial officers from several African countries, including Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, along with Nigerian representatives.

CJN Kekere-Ekun, in her keynote speech, said the administration of justice is essential for democratic governance and stability in Africa.

She explained that the public’s trust in the judiciary is key to upholding the rule of law.

“The judiciary occupies a unique position within democratic governance. Unlike the Executive, it commands no army. Unlike the legislature, it controls no public purse. Yet its authority derives from something far more enduring, and that is the confidence of the people in its impartiality, integrity and fidelity to the law.”

She added that judicial excellence doesn't just mean how fast cases are resolved, but also the quality of reasoning, “integrity of judges, fairness of process, and public confidence in the courts.”

“Excellence is ultimately reflected in the ability of the judiciary to uphold the Constitution, protect the vulnerable, preserve the rule of law, and dispense justice without fear, favour, affection or ill will,” she pointed out.

“It is therefore incumbent upon all judicial officers to ensure that every action, every decision, and every interaction strengthens rather than diminishes that confidence.”

She said to promote excellence in the judiciary, there must be “efficiency, transparency, accountability, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to ethical standards.”

The CJN also highlighted the need for technology and education in the judiciary to improve efficiency. But she warned that technology should not replace human judgment and wisdom.

She called for ongoing judicial training and mentorship to prepare the next generation of judges.

Call for Global Representation

At the event, the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Justice Martha Koome, represented by Hon. Justice Njoki Ndungu, CBS, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, urged for better international representation of women judges in global courts.

She mentioned that African women judges are increasingly influencing the law and leading judicial institutions in Africa.

She urged African governments to support women judges aiming for international positions, including at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Justice Koome noted that Kenya has already put forward a candidate to the ICC and is ready to support other African candidates for global roles.

“A generation of women judges are mentoring others, shaping jurisprudence, and leading institutions,” she stated.

She also called for better regional judicial cooperation and alternative ways to resolve disputes.

Women Shaping African Law

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, also spoke at the event. She said women judges are crucial in enhancing justice delivery by bringing different views to the bench.

She pointed out that women judges across Africa are breaking down barriers for future generations.

However, she stressed that judicial systems must stay transparent, compassionate, and based on the rule of law to keep public trust.

Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, noted that women judges are not just part of law but are shaping it in Africa.

He mentioned that judicial excellence is the backbone of African democracy and is vital for protecting human rights and promoting sustainable development.

He also recognized the ongoing issues women face in the justice sector, like gender bias, economic struggles, and cultural stereotypes.

“African women aspiring to enter and excel in the justice sector still face systemic gender biases and economic hardships,” he said.

He called for bold reforms to improve access to justice and strengthen systems across the continent.

Need for Support and Infrastructure

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who was also represented, stated that achieving judicial excellence requires investment in infrastructure and institutional support.

He mentioned that the government has built residential quarters for judges and completed court complexes in Abuja to enhance judicial independence.

“Without excellence there is no justice, and without justice there is no nation,” he said.

He also called for more use of technology, better case management, and reforms to make justice quicker and more accessible.

About the Conference

The conference will continue until Friday, June 12. It will cover topics such as judicial principles, the judiciary's role in social change, access to justice, and gender inclusion in judicial leadership across Africa.

Mina Sougrati, president of IAWJ, mentioned that the conference is a great chance for women judges from Africa to come together to “share experiences, strengthen professional networks and exchange ideas on advancing justice, protecting human rights and promoting gender equality within the judicial system.”

She added that the work of the association members helps build public trust in the judiciary and improves justice for women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and National Association of Women Judges Nigeria (NAWJN), welcomed attendees and explained that the conference will include discussions, panel sessions, and collaborative engagements aimed at understanding the challenges facing the justice sector.

She said the sessions will look at creative solutions that promote judicial excellence and build public trust in the courts.