Read the full event report
On March 10, 2026, the Tanzania Women Judges Association (TAWJA) commemorated the International Day of Women Judges in Dodoma under the theme, “From Courtroom to Community: Women Judges Championing Protection Against Gender-Based Violence.” The event brought together women judges, magistrates, justice sector leaders, and institutional partners from across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to reflect on the vital role of women in advancing justice both on and beyond the bench.
Hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, the celebration recognized the leadership of women judges and magistrates in addressing gender-based violence, protecting vulnerable communities, and strengthening public trust in the justice system. More than 200 participants attended, including Justices of Appeal, High Court judges, magistrates, deputy registrars, and representatives from key justice institutions and partner organizations.
Guest of Honour Hon. Dr. Juma Zuberi Homera with justice sector stakeholders.
The opening session was officiated by Hon. Dr. Juma Zuberi Homera, Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, who commended TAWJA for convening the judiciary and justice sector stakeholders around the importance of women’s judicial leadership. TAWJA Chairperson Hon. Justice Barke Sehel emphasized the value of dialogue and solidarity among women judicial officers, while other speakers highlighted how empowering women in the judiciary strengthens justice sector responses to gender-based violence.
Participants also viewed a TAWJA documentary tracing the association’s evolution since its founding in the early 2000s. The documentary highlighted the association’s leadership history, partnerships, outreach work, and efforts to build judicial capacity on gender issues. It also underscored milestones such as the development of the Gender Bench Book, launched in 2021 to support more gender-responsive justice delivery.
Hon. Dr. Juma Zuberi Homera with Hon. Justice Barke Sehel, Chairperson of TAWJA.
A major highlight of the day was the first plenary session on women judges as agents of change. Speakers reflected on the expanding leadership of women within Tanzania’s judiciary and on the role of landmark judicial decisions in advancing women’s rights, including in areas such as inheritance, matrimonial property, and child marriage. They stressed that judicial work must be guided by fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity, while also recognizing the need for deeper community engagement to address harmful norms and structural inequality.
The second plenary session focused on the role of courts in strengthening enforcement of protection orders for survivors of gender-based violence. Panelists emphasized the need for timely case handling, strong coordination with justice actors, survivor-centered court procedures, and ongoing judicial training. Discussions also addressed broader concerns including harmful cultural practices, misuse of legal provisions, and the importance of community awareness to protect both victims and the integrity of the justice process.
Some of the TAWJA taskforce members with Hon. Prof. Joyce Ndalichako.
At the close of the event, participants adopted key resolutions, including the proposal to establish a Gender Justice Award, strengthen systems for handling gender-related cases, deepen collaboration with police and prosecutors, and expand public education on gender-based violence. The commemoration concluded with a renewed call to ensure that justice remains fair, inclusive, and responsive to the realities faced by women and girls.