On International Women’s Day 2025, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN has called for intensified efforts to achieve genuine gender equality, particularly within the legal profession. Under the global theme ‘Accelerate Action’, he emphasized the urgency of closing existing gaps that hinder progress.
In his message, Akangbe acknowledged the strides women have made in the legal sector but stressed that challenges such as pay disparities, limited leadership opportunities, and work-life balance constraints still persist.
Read full statement below;
Dear Colleagues,
On this International Women’s Day 2025, we unite under the theme ‘Accelerate Action’, a clarion call to intensify our efforts toward genuine gender equality. Despite notable progress, the World, the labour Market, Educational Institutions, the workforce and our social communities still warn that, at our current pace, achieving full parity may take over a century; a timeline we refuse to accept.
In our legal profession, women have continually broken barriers, yet challenges persist. It’s imperative that we:
• Close the Pay Gap: Ensure equal compensation for equal work, valuing the contributions of all legal professionals.
• Promote Women in Leadership: Champion and support women ascending to pivotal roles within our legal institutions.
• Invest in Education and Mentorship: Provide robust opportunities for women to excel in specialized legal fields and leadership positions.
• Prioritize Well-being: Address the unique challenges women face in balancing their professional and personal lives, fostering environments where they can thrive.
As legal practitioners, we have a profound duty to uphold justice and equality. By accelerating our actions today, we pave the way for a more equitable and just legal community tomorrow.
Let us commit to this journey with unwavering determination.
Warm regards,
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
