Women Lawyers Decry Imbalance In Judiciary

The Sokoto State chapter of the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), with support from Co-Impact, have held a state level consultation with judicial officers on progression and leadership in the judiciary.

The consultation with the theme, “Probing Women’s Career Progression and Leadership Pathways in The Judiciary”, featured several considered encumbrances in the system.

In her welcome address, the country vice/national president of FIDA Nigeria, Eliana Martins, represented by Mrs Amina Suzanah Agbaje, decried gender imbalance in the legal field, adding, however, that they were simply asking for fair representation in leadership positions, thus advocating for equity, not equality.

Noting how some lawyers are underrepresented in leadership of the Nigerian judiciary, Mrs Agbaje divulged that only 4 of the judges of the Supreme Court are women.

“This dialogue supported by our partner  Co-Impact  provides the platform  to probe women’s barriers and experiences in their career trajectory ranging from entry, retention, progression, thriving and leadership roles while advancing gender equity within the judiciary”, Eliana Martins submitted.

On her part, Sokoto State FIDA chairperson, Barrister Zainab Aliyu said despite the progress made thus far, especially in the areas of having more some lawyers, more still needed to be done towards achieving the desired goal to have appreciable representation of women in the leadership positions of the judiciary.

Giving overview and objectives of the consultation as well as it’s expected outcomes, the Project Team Lead, Mr Ezikiel Godbless Nandom said the scenario is such that requires more advocacy and reorientation.

While taking participants through the dynamics of leadership progression in the judiciary, the representative of the Country Vice National President, Mr Agbaje, guided their discussion into the judiciary, workplace experiences, career progression, leadership and decision-making roles, as well as solutions and pathways forward.

At the brainstorming and prioritisation agenda of the 1-day consultative session, emphasis was placed on both short, medium and long-term solutions capable of guaranteeing seamless career progression for women lawyers in the judiciary.

Among the recommendations were certain institutional changes and strengthening the support system.