Breaking Leadership Barriers for Women in the Legal Profession: NAWJN South-South Workshop 2024
The National Association of Women Judges Nigeria (NAWJN) hosted a transformative workshop from July 4th to 6th, 2024, at the Pees Hub Event Place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. With the theme "Breaking Leadership Barriers for Women in the Legal Profession," the event aimed to address and overcome the various obstacles that impede women's progress in the legal field.
Day One: Introduction and Welcome
The workshop, led by Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun JSC CFR, kicked off with over 170 delegates from the South-South States, including female judges, magistrates, and representatives from various legal organizations. The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye, warmly welcomed participants and hosted a sumptuous lunch. The evening concluded with a welcome cocktail at the Bayelsa State High Court Foyer, attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo.
Day Two: Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses
The second day commenced with the arrival of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State. The event featured a keynote address by Hon. Justice Oluwayemisi E. Williams JCA, who highlighted the societal gender barriers that women face despite their achievements.
Recognition of Dignitaries
Several notable figures were recognized, including:
- Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun JSC CFR, President of NAWJN
- Hon. Justice Roli Harriman
- Hon. Justice Hannatu Balogun JCA
- Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye
- Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, Regional Director NAWJN and Chairman of the occasion
- Hon. Justice Ekaete Obot, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State
- Hon. Justice Daniel A. Ayah, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Bayelsa State
Opening Remarks
Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme emphasized the progress women have made in the judiciary but also highlighted the ongoing barriers. Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye reiterated the purpose of the workshop and acknowledged the support of Governor Douye Diri.
Welcome Address by Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun
Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun welcomed everyone and underscored the importance of the WILIL project (Women in Leadership in Law). She addressed the challenges women face, such as domestic impediments, sexual harassment, gender bias, and lack of mentorship programs, and stressed the need for women in policymaking roles.
Read the address here.
Goodwill Messages
Goodwill messages were delivered by:
- His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State
- Hon. Justice Joyce Adele, representing the Chief Judge of Abia State
- Hon. Biriyai Dambo SAN, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Bayelsa State
- Representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yenagoa Branch, FIDA, and NBA Women Forum
Keynote Address by Hon. Justice Elfrida Oluwayemisi Williams Dawodu JCA
Hon. Justice Dawodu discussed the gender barriers in society and the significant strides women have made despite these challenges.
Session One: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Hon. Justice Ngozi Ojugbana-Orishedere delivered a paper on "Glass Ceiling in the Legal Profession," identifying the barriers women face and proposing solutions such as continuous self-development, reorientation against gender disparity, and improving judicial officers' working conditions.
Session Two: Empowering Women for Leadership
Hon. Justice Margaret Ikogho Akpomiemie (Rtd.) presented strategies for empowering women, including mentorship programs, transparent promotion criteria, and supportive environments. The session highlighted the importance of preparing for leadership roles through continuous self-improvement and community service.
Interactive Sessions and Closing Remarks
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, sharing their experiences and discussing strategies for success. The workshop concluded with a closing prayer by Hon. Justice Patience Zuofa-Diri.
Conclusion
The NAWJN South-South Workshop 2024 successfully highlighted the importance of breaking leadership barriers for women in the legal profession. With insightful discussions, interactive sessions, and strategic proposals, the event laid a solid foundation for fostering women's leadership in law. The participants left with renewed optimism and actionable strategies to overcome the challenges they face, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable legal landscape.
Read the full report here.