PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE IN COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN JUDGES, 2026
Today we mark the International Day of Women Judges.
This year’s theme: “Women Judges on the Bench and Beyond: Protecting Access to Justice.” speaks directly to the work of women judges across the Caribbean.
Across our region, the Caribbean Association of Women Judges (CAWJ) continues to grow as a network of strength and solidarity. With over ninety members from fourteen Caribbean jurisdictions, our association connects experienced jurists and newly appointed judicial officers alike, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and professional development across our courts. Through this network, we support one another in the pursuit of fairness, integrity, and equal access to justice for all.
The work of the CAWJ has demonstrated how women judges contribute meaningfully both on the bench and beyond it. Our work extends far beyond the courtroom into our institutions, our communities, and our shared commitment to justice.
One of our proudest achievements was our 10th Anniversary Professional Development Conference and Gala, held in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Women Judges. Under the theme “Honouring our Journey, Strengthening our Sisterhood,” the conference brought together judges and legal professionals to share knowledge, strengthen judicial capacity, and celebrate the progress of women in the judiciary. It was widely described by participants as a celebration of exceptional quality and collaboration.
Our members have also played a significant role in regional and international judicial dialogue. At the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers Conference in Bermuda, CAWJ hosted a forum on Judicial Wellness Worth Pursuing, highlighting the importance of the physical and mental wellbeing of judges in delivering effective justice. Caribbean women judges also contributed to discussions on breaking cycles of violence against women and girls and on judicial management, demonstrating the leadership of our region in shaping important conversations about justice.
On the international stage, our delegation proudly represented the Caribbean at the 17th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Women Judges in Cape Town, where Caribbean jurists presented on gender-based violence and shared regional experiences with a global audience. Our presence reaffirmed that the Caribbean stands strong in advancing gender equality and justice worldwide.
Protecting access to justice also requires that we confront gender-based violence, a challenge that affects many communities across our region. Through dialogue, judicial education, and outreach initiatives, including a creative competition engaging young people from several Caribbean countries, the CAWJ has worked to raise awareness and inspire the next generation to reject violence against women and girls. These initiatives demonstrate that justice is not only delivered in courtrooms, but also cultivated in our communities.
Equally important is the wellbeing of those entrusted with administering justice. In collaboration with regional partners, the CAWJ supported a regional survey on wellbeing and participated in activities marking the International Day of Judicial Well-Being, helping to create safe spaces for discussions about stress, burnout, and resilience within the judiciary. Strong, supported judges are essential to strong justice systems.
Beyond professional engagement, CAWJ members have demonstrated compassion and leadership through community and regional support, mobilising assistance for communities affected by hurricanes, supporting educational initiatives such as the Justice Désirée Bernard Memorial Prize, and engaging in cultural and charitable events that strengthen the bonds of our Caribbean judicial family.
These efforts reflect the true meaning of this year’s theme. Women judges protect access to justice not only through our decisions on the bench, but also through leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and service beyond it.
As we celebrate this day, we honour the trailblazing women whose courage opened the doors of the judiciary to future generations. Their legacy inspires us to continue working together to build justice systems that are fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our people.
On behalf of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the rule of law, advancing gender equality, and ensuring that every person across our Caribbean region has meaningful access to justice.
Together, we remain Caribbean Strong.
Nadia Kangaloo
President of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges