As the world celebrates the International Day of Women Judges, the National Association of women judges in Nigeria (NAWJN), has called for increased commitment towards capacity building and equal participation of women judges with their male counterparts.
The association, through its International Director, Hon. justice Roli Harriman, who spoke on behalf of its President, Justice Jummai Sankey, stated this at the occasion of the 2023 International Day for Women Judges.
“In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/274 designating 10 March as the International Day of Women Judges.
The Resolution invites member states and all relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day of Women Judges annually, with activities and public awareness campaigns in order to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judiciary,” she explained.
Roli further explain that the Resolution reaffirms that the active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all levels of decision-making is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace and democracy.
“It reaffirms the commitment of Member States to develop and implement appropriate and effective national strategies and plans for the advancement of women in judicial systems and institutions at the leadership, managerial and other levels”.
“Though the NAWJN has been engaged in public policy advocacy to draw attention to so many issues concerning women and children in our society, today’s celebration is another opportunity for us to draw attention to a few issues like increased prevalence of Domestic violence, provision of Shelters for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault especially of young girls by their closest relatives, establishment of Half-way houses for youths in conflict with the law to give opportunity for effective and long lasting rehabilitation, continued practice of Genital mutilation repugnant customary laws and challenges of widows and adoption of laws and practice”.
She called on all stakeholders including NGOs to assist in publicizing these issues and offering their own contribution towards their resolution.
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