At a recent conference hosted by the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) in Benin, legal experts and political leaders emphasized the urgent need for judicial reforms across Africa to better protect women’s rights. Speakers highlighted persistent systemic barriers, including outdated legal codes, gender-biased courtroom practices, and limited pathways for women to advance within legal professions. These shortcomings prevent women and girls from accessing justice, particularly in cases involving discrimination, violence, and economic exploitation. Attendees argued that without intentional inclusion of women in judicial leadership and decision-making, African countries risk reinforcing inequities that hinder national development. The conference called for harmonized legal reforms, greater investment in gender-responsive institutions, and training programs to help young women enter and thrive within the justice sector.
Compiled From: Ngozi Egenuka, “African leaders demand judicial reforms, gender inclusion,” The Guardian (Nigeria), Dec. 1, 2025.