March 8, 2025
In observance of International Women’s Day 2025, the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) joins the global community in celebrating the remarkable contributions of women, while acknowledging the urgent need to accelerate actions toward achieving gender equality.
The theme for this year, “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” serves as a powerful call to mobilize individuals, institutions, and governments to address the systemic barriers that continue to impede women’s full participation in society and the legal profession.
As an integral arm of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the NBAWF is committed to not only celebrating the milestones achieved by women in the legal profession but also advocating for accelerated progress in achieving gender parity, particularly in law and governance.
Despite significant strides in gender equality, much work remains to be done, especially in ensuring that women have equal access to opportunities, leadership roles, and fair representation in all facets of the legal system.
On this International Women’s Day, the NBAWF renews its commitment to driving the following key actions to advance women in law:
1. Promoting Gender Equality and Equity in Legal Practice: We call for a concerted effort to ensure that women lawyers have equal access to career advancement opportunities. This includes initiatives aimed at fostering more women in leadership roles within the judiciary, legal firms, and public institutions.
2. Addressing Gender-Based Discrimination: The NBAWF urges lawmakers and legal professionals to accelerate the implementation of policies and practices that protect women from gender-based discrimination, including unequal pay, harassment, and bias in legal proceedings. We continue to advocate for laws that safeguard women’s rights and promote their full participation in the workforce.
3. Ensuring Equal Representation: The NBAWF is dedicated to advocating for gender balance in all areas of the legal profession. We continue to push for policies that promote the appointment of women to decision-making positions in the judiciary and other legal sectors. A diverse and inclusive legal system benefits all, ensuring that justice is truly representative of the society it serves.
4. Strengthening Mentorship and Empowerment: The NBAWF will continue to offer mentorship programs that empower young female lawyers and encourage them to pursue leadership positions within the legal the field. We understand that success is often driven by support and networks, and we are committed to fostering these connections.
5. Building Alliances for Sustainable Change: Accelerating gender equality requires collaboration across all sectors. We are committed to working with other women’s organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, and stakeholders in government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that progress is not only achieved but sustained.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” resonates with the NBAWF’s ongoing work to eliminate barriers and create more equitable opportunities for women within the Nigerian legal profession and beyond.
While we recognize the progress made, we acknowledge the work that remains and call on all to join in the collective effort to create a just and equal future for women.
On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to accelerating meaningful actions that will transform our society, our legal system, and our future.
About the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF):
The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) is dedicated to advocating for the empowerment and advancement of women in the legal profession in Nigeria.
Through advocacy, mentorship, and networking, NBAWF ensures that women lawyers are provided with equal opportunities for career development, representation, and leadership.
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