International Day of Women Judges is observed annually on March 10 to encourage the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judicial system. Women’s participation in the judiciary is crucial to ensuring that courts adequately represent their population, address their concerns, and render sound decisions. The mere presence of women justices enhances the credibility of courts, sending a clear message that they are accessible to anyone seeking justice. Join us in honouring all female judges.
The background of International Day of Women Judges
Despite their increased participation in public life, women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions. Historically, women have been underrepresented in the court, particularly at the highest levels of leadership. Since women have always been considered inferior to males, they have never received equal representation in various fields of life. However, things have changed and continue to change. At the Second High-Level Meeting of the UNODC Global Judicial Integrity Network in Doha last year, President Vanessa Ruiz and the Chief Justice of Qatar proposed a day honouring the achievements of women judges. Her Excellency Alya Ahmed S. Al-Thani, Qatar’s permanent U.N. representative, skillfully supervised the drafting of U.N. negotiations.
Having an identical number of men and women on the bench improves the impartiality of the judicial system. Women judges bring a diversity of perspectives and experiences to the bench, thereby bolstering public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to defend human rights and the rule of law while simultaneously reflecting the society they serve. Women in leadership positions also contribute to the destruction of networks of collusion, which helps combat corruption.
Inclusion of women judges in contexts where they had previously been excluded has contributed to the perception that judicial systems are more transparent, inclusive, and representative of the people whose lives they affect. By commemorating this day, we will reaffirm our commitment to establish and implement effective national policies and plans for women’s advancement in judicial systems, management and leadership institutions, and other levels.
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5 fascinating facts about women judges
In 2017, 40% of the reserve consisted of women, up from 35% in 2008.
In a 1946 “open letter to the ladies of the world,” Eleanor Roosevelt demanded greater participation by women in national and international politics.
In the majority of European nations, women outnumber males as professional judges or magistrates; however, only 41% of judges on national supreme courts and 25% of court presidents are female.
Women produce between 50 and 80 percent of the world’s sustenance but own less than 10 percent of the land.
70% of the world’s 1.3 billion impoverished are women. 40% of the lowest urban households are headed by women.
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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN JUDGES DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 10 | Friday |
| 2024 | March 10 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 10 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 10 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 10 | Wednesday |