Female lawyers and other stakeholders have called for a change in the culture and value system of the legal profession to promote inclusivity and national development.
The lawyers made the call yesterday at a roundtable discussion on advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria’s legal sector held in Abuja.
The event was organised by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, in partnership with Co-Impact, a global philanthropic collaborative promoting just and inclusive systems.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi highlighted societal norms, legal and policy barriers and patriarchy as key challenges hindering women’s advancement in the legal profession and beyond.
“The institution has to change. We need to transform the culture and value system of the legal profession to include more women.
“It is strategic; having women lead in the legal profession will help shape the law and contribute significantly to national development,” she said.
Akiyode-Afolabi added that redefining institutional structures to be more responsive to gender needs is essential for meaningful change.
Regional Director for Africa at Co-Impact, Mary Wandia attributed the male dominance in the legal profession to institutional barriers that hinder women’s progress, thereby impacting the fair dispensation of justice.
“The patriarchal mindset within legal institutions are built on norms that don’t recognise or respect women.
“We need to sensitise these institutions to dismantle such attitudes.
“Mentorship is also key, especially in helping women rise to leadership roles,” she said.
She urged institutions to review their policies and practices to create an enabling environment for women to lead.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Ibadan, Professor Adefunke Bamgbose stressed the need to support female lawyers in pursuing leadership roles.
In his remark, the Head of Programme at Nigeria International IDEA, Mr Danladi Plang underscored the role of all stakeholders, especially men, in addressing inequality and injustice in the legal sector.
Plang also called on women in leadership positions to leave a legacy that will pave the way for others to succeed.
