My Internship at the IAWJ

To have been part of the IAWJ's Executive Office represents a milestone in my professional career. Having collaborated with people who share the conviction that their work paves the path to a better future is remarkable. As a young woman with a keen commitment to contributing to fostering change, working with the IAWJ is an undoubtedly nurturing and entirely inspirational experience. Not only for the more than 10,000 women judges and allies from 143 countries who are part of the association and who are constantly striving beyond what they should for broader and improved opportunities for women in the justice systems, but also for the congruence with which the Executive Office and other members of the association collaborate to facilitate networks and generate opportunities for those who are just embarking on a professional trajectory. 

While at IAWJ, I became versed in comprehending the barriers that women encounter in the justice systems worldwide, and I was allowed to participate in projects that generated proposals and initiatives to address such barriers. In addition, attending discussions where influential women leaders share their experiences on how they are constantly breaking the glass ceiling transforms this powerful network into an atmosphere of profound admiration for those surrounding you. 

Along with the programs team, I conducted research on the statistics of women in the judiciary in five countries of the global south and the specific barriers that they face. I even accompanied the team to Mexico City where we met with women judges to conduct a workshop aimed to begin charting the course of the Women in Leadership in Law Initiative, which seeks to generate systematic changes by transforming the justice systems in order to make them more accessible to all.  

Likewise, during my internship, I was invited to travel to Marrakesh to support the coordination of the 16th IAWJ Biennial Conference where I was able to attend panels with distinguished speakers from around the world and interact with the more than 1,100 attendees of the conference, women judges, and allies who represent all levels of the judiciaries worldwide, where experiences and expertise were exchanged. At the Conference, I met empowered and inspiring women devoted to effecting change. This was outstanding considering how I comprehended and perceived the world until then. 

Undoubtedly collaborating with the IAWJ Executive Office is a tremendous opportunity to learn from outstanding committed peers, develop professionally, take part of progress, contribute to generate an impact, expand your networks, and be part of an empowered community that inspires new generations to continue leading their efforts to achieve a more just world for all.