ACCELERATING ACTION: ADVANCING WOMEN’S IMPACT IN LAW AND SOCIETY

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and immense contributions of women in the legal profession and beyond. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is a powerful call to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps toward achieving gender equality, breaking barriers, and ensuring women have access to opportunities in every sphere of society.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) proudly acknowledges the vital role women play in shaping the legal profession, advancing justice, and strengthening democracy. From the courtroom to the boardroom, from academia to public service, women lawyers continue to lead, inspire, and challenge the status quo.

While progress has been made, gender bias, unequal career progression, and workplace discrimination remain significant challenges. To truly accelerate action, we must go beyond recognition and actively implement policies and reforms that promote equal opportunities, workplace safety, and professional growth for women in the legal profession.

The NBA remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive legal community where women’s voices are not only heard but respected and empowered. Through the NBA Women Forum (NBAWF) and other key initiatives, we continue to support mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy efforts that dismantle gender-based barriers.

Women have been at the forefront of legal and societal transformation in Nigeria, and their contributions cannot be overstated. From trailblazers like Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (first female Chief Justice of Nigeria), Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, CFR (Chief Justice of Nigeria) to the countless women serving as judges, magistrates, litigators, arbitrators, and policymakers, we recognize and celebrate their courage and dedication.

As we mark this day, let us remember that gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a collective responsibility. When women are empowered, economies flourish, justice prevails, and societies thrive.

On this International Women’s Day, I call on all legal practitioners, institutions, and policymakers to take deliberate steps towards eliminating gender disparity in leadership, ensuring the protection of women’s rights, and driving meaningful reforms that create a more inclusive and equitable society.

To all the women making a difference in law and beyond, we honor you today and always. Your resilience, brilliance, and determination continue to inspire us all.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association