IAWJ Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Directors Mark the International Day of Women Judges
Justice Roli Harriman and Justice (ret.) Henrietta Wolayo | Published on 3/9/2026
PRESS RELEASE ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN JUDGES, MARCH 10, 2026.
Women judges on the Bench and Beyond: Protecting Access to Justice
Beyond adjudication, women judges across the Sub-Sahara Africa Region are actively engaged in:
• Judicial education and capacity building
• Court-connected alternative dispute resolution and mediation
• Law reform and policy advocacy
• Community outreach and public legal education
• Mentorship and leadership development for young lawyers and judges
These contributions significantly enhance access to justice and promote inclusive, responsive, and people-centered judicial systems.
The IAWJ Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Directors reaffirm their commitment to:
• Supporting women judges in leadership and decision-making roles.
• Strengthening judicial independence and integrity.
• Promoting equal access to justice for all, particularly women, children, and vulnerable groups
• Fostering regional and international collaboration among women judges.
On this International Day of Women Judges, we celebrate the resilience, professionalism, and transformative impact of women judges across Sub-Saharan Africa. We call on governments, judicial institutions, legal practitioners, civil society, and development partners to continue supporting policies and initiatives that advance gender equality within the judiciary and strengthen access to justice for all.
Women Judges on the Bench and Beyond remain central to building fair, inclusive, and sustainable justice systems.
Issued by:
Lady Justice Roli Harriman and Lady Justice Henrietta Wolayo Rtd
Regional Directors
Sub-Saharan Africa Region.