In order to increase gender inclusion in the judiciary, Justice Jummai Sankey, the president of the National Association of Women Judges in Nigeria, has pushed for more appointments of female judges to the bench and to positions of leadership.
This was said by Justice Sankey at the association’s biennial national conference in 2023, which was held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja.
To further the work of women judges nationally in the pursuit of equality, judicial independence, and the rule of law, the National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria was established about 30 years ago.
Its aim is to advance human rights and equal justice by empowering women on the bench to overcome gender bias in law.
Justice Jummai Sankey frowned at the percentage of female judges in Nigeria which gives more strength to their female counterparts.
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 disclose that in the judiciary, women are closer than other arms of government to the 35% affirmative action advocated.”
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola noted that beyond building their capacity, the meeting would also be an avenue to cross fertilize ideas on how to eradicate violence against women and girl- child in the country.
The President, International Association of Women Judges Justice Binta Nyako tasked women judges to rally support and directions to attain success.
The theme of this year’s conference is; the woman judge in the 21st century.