About the International Day of Women Judges

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Achieving Gender Equality through the Inclusion of Women Judges

The presence of women in the judiciary holds significant importance for various reasons. It not only guarantees that the legal system represents and considers the entire population but also encourages and empowers future generations of female judges to pursue their aspirations. Female judges within the criminal justice system can become catalysts for change, leading to increased accountability. By bringing diverse perspectives and experiences, they enhance the judicial system's overall strength. Women in leadership positions disrupt networks of collusion and combat corruption.

The representation of women in law enforcement and judicial institutions has been associated with more effective, victim-centric responses to crime. By supporting the development of women and female justice leaders, we can ensure that justice is delivered more effectively, and that all individuals in society, including women, experience fairness and equality under the law, ultimately benefiting everyone.

Active participation of women, on equal footing with men, in all decision-making levels, is crucial for achieving sustainable development, peace, and democracy.

Background

Historically, gender equality in the judiciary has been imbalanced, but efforts to address this issue are evident, as demonstrated by the United Nations General Assembly's declaration of March 10 as the International Day of Women Judges. The General Assembly resolution, proposed by the State of Qatar, signifies a positive shift in this direction.

Addressing gender inequalities is also central to UNODC's Strategy for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, a goal shared by the Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration. The program aims to foster a culture of lawfulness worldwide by offering education and training, and promoting the full participation of women across all professional fields.