Justice Akomolafe-Wilson: Female Judges Essential for Judicial Legitimacy
Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson has declared that increasing female representation in the judiciary is not merely about achieving numerical balance but is fundamentally essential to the legitimacy of the justice system itself. She made this powerful argument during the West African Women Association (WAWA), Nigeria Chapter yearly conference, held in commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Lagos State.
Clarion Call for Structural Reform and Empowerment
The WAWA 2026 IWD conference, themed ‘Rights, Justice and Action’, brought together legal luminaries, advocates, and community leaders. During her keynote address, Justice Akomolafe-Wilson acknowledged trailblazers like the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, but emphasized that significant barriers to gender equality persist within the judicial sector.
She stated: “When women rise in the judiciary, Justice itself rises. A bench that reflects societal diversity strengthens institutional credibility.” This statement underscores the critical link between diverse representation and public trust in legal institutions.
Sobering Statistics and Invisible Barriers
Justice Akomolafe-Wilson highlighted alarming statistics revealing that women currently constitute approximately 38 percent of judges within the Nigerian Judiciary. Representation dips even lower in senior appellate roles, indicating a persistent glass ceiling.
She identified several invisible barriers hindering progress:
- Professional Grooming and Mentorship: Many qualified women remain confined to administrative roles due to a lack of targeted professional development and mentorship opportunities.
- Literacy Rates: In some northern states, female literacy is below 30 percent, creating a foundational hurdle for women aspiring to legal careers.
- Caregiving Pressures: The dual burden of rigorous legal practice combined with societal caregiving responsibilities often forces talented women to exit the profession prematurely.
WAWA’s Advocacy and Community Leadership
WAWA National Focal Person, Chief Bola Adekunle-Carew, stressed that rights must be thoroughly understood to be effectively defended. She urged women to pursue financial independence and leverage organizational support networks. Seizing the moment, she announced WAWA’s sponsorship of high-achieving student Zainab Atanda, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing future female leaders.
The founder of the Nigerian Network of NGOs, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, linked community stability to her “Give to Gain” philosophy, aligning with the IWD global campaign theme. She called for radical leadership generosity to foster systemic change and empower women across all sectors.
This conference served as a pivotal platform for advocating structural reforms, increased judicial representation, and proactive self-empowerment for women, reinforcing the essential role of gender diversity in upholding justice and legitimacy in Nigeria.
