Women Judges Closer to 35 Percent Affirmative Action – NAWJN

The President, National Association of Women Judges, Nigeria (NAWJN), Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, has described as impressive the statistical breakdown of women Judges in the country, urging women not to rest on their oars but strive to excel in their various jurisdictions.

Sankey stated this on Monday while delivering a welcome address at the 2023 biennial national conference/general meeting of the association held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is: ‘The Woman Judge in the 21st Century’.

Sankey, who harped on the urgent need to end violence against women and children in the society, assured participants that the conference would better equip them to overcome challenges in the line of duty as judges, wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and leaders serving humanity.

On the much craved gender inclusion, Sankey noted that the number of female judges, head of courts judiciary officials both at states and federal level has been commendable so far, urging appointments of more women judges to leadership positions in the judiciary to enhance gender inclusivity.

She said: “Currently, the percentage of women judges in Nigeria is 32% just as the number of judicial officials, head of courts has also been encouraging.

“Statistics discloses that in the judiciary, women are closer than other arms of government to the 35% affirmative action advocated.

“It is apparent that gender inclusivity in the composition and leadership of the bench at all levels has been embraced in the Nigerian judiciary,”

She then thanked the administrator of the institute, Justice Salisu Garba Abdulahi for readily collaborating with NAWJN and for facilitating the conference.

Giving a keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola noted that beyond building their capacity, the meeting would also be an avenue to cross fertilise ideas on how to eradicate violence against women and girl- child in the country.