The National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria (NAWJN) is spearheading a powerful advocacy for merit-based appointments and gender equity in the judiciary.
At a recent gathering in Abuja, female judges from across the country convened to address the challenges women face in attaining leadership roles within the legal profession and beyond.
The forum highlighted the remarkable progress women have made in the legal field, with many assuming influential positions and shaping judicial thought. However, despite these advancements, significant barriers continue to hinder the full potential of women in the judiciary and other sectors.
Key issues identified include cultural, socioeconomic, and political obstacles, such as lack of support at home, unfavorable working conditions, frequent postings for women with young families, gender bias, and insufficient mentorship programs. These challenges, the forum argued, block women from accessing the power and opportunities needed to drive national development.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Judirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, a prominent voice at the event, emphasized the critical role women play in nation-building and the promotion of gender-sensitive policies. “Women hold the key to Nigeria’s development, or any country’s development,” she stated. “Yet, systemic barriers continue to conspire against their progress.”
The forum proposed sustainable solutions to create a more inclusive and equitable legal landscape. Participants called for increased mentorship programs, policy reforms to address gender bias, and better support systems for women balancing professional and familial responsibilities.
While acknowledging the strides made in achieving equality in leadership, the forum agreed that there is still room for improvement. The deliberations aimed to enrich the judiciary and other sectors by leveraging the diverse knowledge and perspectives of women leaders.

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