The National Association of Women Judges – Nigeria (NAWJ–N) believes that to effectively assess and address the current gender disparity, it is crucial to gather comprehensive data on state and federal judicial decision-making bodies. This information will serve as a foundation for evidence-based strategies to promote gender equity in judicial appointments and promotions. By identifying barriers to women’s advancement and working towards a more inclusive judicial system, NAWJ–N aims to promote a more enabling environment for women judges and to safeguard judicial integrity.
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Achieving gender parity within both the state and federal judicial systems in Nigeria remains a challenge. Women currently represent only 33% of state court judges and 36% of federal judges. From 2012 to 2014, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar served as Nigeria's first female Chief Justice. In 2020, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem was nominated to be the President of the Court of Appeal. In August 2024, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria, marking another milestone for women in the judiciary.
In November 2024, NAWJ-N established that it would be focusing on making positive policy changes as part of their WILIL intervention strategy. Their initiative is looking to focus on sexual harassment policies, gender quotas, and transfer policies.
Regular updates will be provided here.