The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has expressed concerns over the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within Nigeria’s judiciary, warning that systemic barriers continue to hinder gender inclusion and equitable representation in the justice sector.
FIDA Country Vice President/National President, Eliana Martins, raised the concern during a consultative dialogue with women judicial officers in Awka, Anambra state supported by Co-Impact, an international non-profit organization.
According to Martins, women remain significantly underrepresented, particularly in senior judicial leadership roles, despite their growing contributions to the legal profession and the administration of justice nationwide.
FIDA noted that the engagements formed part of its five-year project titled, “Strengthening Women Inclusion and Advancement in Nigeria Judiciary through Institutional Reforms,” implemented in partnership with Co-Impact.
The organisation disclosed that women account for less than 30 per cent of judges in Nigeria’s superior courts of record as of 2024, with even lower representation in Sharia and Customary Courts.
Martins said the current imbalance underscores the urgent need for institutional reforms that would address barriers affecting recruitment, promotion, career progression and leadership selection within the judiciary.
She explained that discussions during the engagements focused on workplace realities, gender bias, mentorship gaps, career growth challenges and the need for safe and inclusive work environments for female judicial officers.
“Progress within the judiciary grows stronger when women’s experiences and leadership journeys are part of the conversation,” Martins stated.
She stressed that strengthening gender-responsive governance structures within the judiciary would improve fairness, diversity and public confidence in the justice system.
FIDA further advocated institutional reforms that would promote transparent appointment processes, mentorship opportunities, routine gender audits and stronger workplace protections for women in the judiciary.
The organisation also called for closer collaboration between Judicial Service Commissions, ministries of justice and other critical stakeholders to dismantle structural obstacles limiting women’s advancement.
Martins maintained that inclusive leadership within the judiciary is essential for national development and democratic growth, noting that women’s voices and perspectives must not be excluded from decision-making spaces.
She added that FIDA would continue to champion reforms aimed at advancing equity, inclusion and leadership opportunities for women across Nigeria’s justice sector.
The consultations, according to FIDA, are expected to contribute to the development of long-term strategies capable of strengthening institutional accountability and creating a more gender-responsive judicial system nationwide.
