Objectives and Activities
NAWJN’s objectives and activities revolve around:
Professional Development:
Organizing workshops, seminars, and training programs to enhance judicial skills, legal knowledge, and leadership capabilities for women judges.
Advocacy and Representation:
Influencing policies and promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and access to justice in Nigeria. This includes advocating for the increased appointment of women to the bench and leadership positions in the judiciary.
Mentorship Programs:
Providing opportunities for experienced judges to mentor newer ones, promoting career growth and knowledge-sharing. There are programs such as “From the Bar to the Bench” to encourage women to consider legal careers and connect with mentors.
Protection of Vulnerable Witnesses:
Holding conferences and discussions on critical issues such as the “Protection of Child and Vulnerable Witnesses in Nigeria,” aimed at ensuring justice without further traumatizing survivors.
Community Advocacy:
Engaging in public policy advocacy on issues concerning women and children,
such as the increased prevalence of domestic violence and the provision of shelters for victims.
International Collaboration:
Being a member of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) and participating in international initiatives, such as the Jurisprudence of Equality Project (JEP), Sextortion, and the Women in Leadership in Law (WILIL) program.
Capacity Building:
Spearheading programs like the Global Leadership of Women (GLOW), which focuses on public enlightenment and capacity building for law enforcement and judicial officers in handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence. This program led to the establishment of the Special Victims Desk (now Gender Desk) by the Nigeria Police in all its divisional stations.
