The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for increased representation of women in leadership positions within the judiciary, saying gender inclusion is essential to strengthening justice delivery and public confidence in legal institutions.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) African Conference held in Abuja.
According to the CJN, the effective participation of women in the judiciary has significant benefits for the administration of justice, including broader legal perspectives, reduced unconscious bias, and improved public trust in the judicial system.
“The full and effective participation of women within the judiciary has far-reaching implications for justice delivery.
From broadening jurisprudential perspectives to reducing unconscious biases and strengthening public confidence in legal institutions, the presence of women on the bench enriches the administration of justice in meaningful ways,” she said.
While acknowledging the progress made in advancing women’s representation within judicial systems globally, the CJN noted that more work remains to be done, particularly in securing equal representation at leadership levels and in key decision-making positions.
She stressed that gender equality in the judiciary is not merely a matter of representation but one of institutional legitimacy, arguing that a judiciary that reflects the diversity of society is better equipped to deliver fair and balanced judgments.
“The pursuit of gender equality within the judiciary is not merely a matter of representation; it is fundamentally a matter of institutional legitimacy.
A judiciary that reflects the diversity of the society it serves is better positioned to command public confidence and appreciate the varied experiences that come before it,” she stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun further noted that although the judiciary has made considerable progress over the years, it must remain committed to eliminating structural barriers that have historically limited opportunities for women.
She added that diversity enhances judicial deliberation, enriches legal reasoning, and ultimately improves the quality of justice delivered to citizens.
Also speaking at the conference, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the judiciary as a cornerstone of democratic governance and the rule of law.
She emphasized that women judges contribute significantly to the judicial process by bringing broader perspectives and deeper understanding to the administration of justice.
“The judiciary remains central to sustaining the rule of law in a democratic society, serving as the institution where justice and fairness are upheld and the rights of citizens are protected,” the First Lady said.
Oluremi Tinubu also commended African women judges for breaking long-standing barriers in the legal profession and paving the way for future generations through their resilience, dedication, and excellence.
