In Commemoration of the International Women Judges’ Day (March 10th 2022)
“Any society that fails to harness the energy and creativity of its women is highly disadvantaged,” says Television Host, Tian Wei.
As posited by Elizabeth Broderick “gender inequality is the unfinished business of the 21st century”. This is to say that despite the pivotal and momentous role of the female gender in the society, the female gender is still grossly undermined.
Judge Vanessa Ruiz, the current President of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), opined that “by their mere presence, women judges enhance the legitimacy of the courts, sending a powerful signal that they are open and accessible to those who seek recourse to justice”.
Redressing gender inequalities in Edo State has been one of the focal points of the Governor Obaseki-led administration, and the judicial arm is not left out. In its efforts towards strengthening the Judiciary, the State Government increased the number of female judges in the state.
The state government recognizes the importance of creating a level playing field to afford women a competitive advantage in the global judicial framework.
In January 2021, Edo State Governor swore in eight (8) Judges into the State High Court, out of which seven (7) were females, the female judges include: Igho Patricia Braimoh, Esohe Irene Bazuaye, Etinosa Gloria Adekanmbi, Hassana Garuba Oshione, Theresa Irenonsen Eghe-Abe, Ogbevoen Rachel Aiteseme and Itsueli Mary Enoredia.
While acknowledging the fact that an appropriate environment has to be provided for judges to work efficiently and smoothly without compromising their integrity, the state government handed over the newly built Judges’ Quarters to the then Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Esther Edigin, with further plans to build courts and more judges’ quarters outside the state capital.
Gender equality and empowerment of women are crucial to achieving progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The representation of women in the judiciary is significant for many reasons. A diverse judicial workforce that is composed of both the male and female genders from different backgrounds can bring different voices and perspectives to the bench, and such diversity would strengthen the integrity of the Judiciary.
Increasing the participation of women in the judiciary can also serve as a catalyst for the development of strong, independent, accessible and gender-sensitive judicial institutions and, more broadly, the achievement of gender justice within the society.
Achieving equality for women judges in terms of representation at all levels of the judiciary and on policy-making Judicial Councils should be a priority. This is not only right for women, but also because it is right for the achievement of a more just rule of law. Women judges are strengthening the Judiciary and helping to gain the public trust as people equate a gender diverse judiciary with inclusive governance.
The entry of women judges into spaces from which they had historically been excluded has been a positive step in the direction of the Judiciary being perceived as transparent, inclusive and representative of the people whose lives they affect. According to Michelle Obama, “there is no limit to what we as women can accomplish”. As Governor Obaseki continues to create more opportunities for women in this space, the judicial system in the state will become better rated in fairness, transparency and a true representation of the people which it stands for.
By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
