International Development Law Organization

Women at the Forefront of Justice Delivery

Side Event organized by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) with the support of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations and in collaboration with the International Association of Women Judges and the American Bar Association

Tuesday, 14 March 2023
6:30 - 7:45 PM
Conference Room – B, UN Headquarters, New York

In celebration of the International Day of Women Judges on March 10, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) with the support of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations and in collaboration with the International Association of Women Judges and the American Bar Association, will co-organize this side event on the role and contributions of women justice professionals to the rule of law, gender equality, justice and development.

Women's equal and effective participation in all aspects of decision–making, including justice delivery, is a core human right and a crucial element of good governance, reaffirmed in both Sustainable Development Goals 5 (gender equality and women's empowerment) and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). It increases legitimacy of democratic institutions, enables inclusive decision making and improves justice outcomes.

Despite increasing recognition of women’s contributions as justice professionals – judges, prosecutors, lawyers – and incremental country progress in achieving gender parity in the justice sector, women continue to encounter overall social, economic, and institutional challenges to their full and effective participation as justice agents. Challenges range from gender stereotypes to sexual harassment, time poverty, limited opportunities to career advancement and obstacles to access leadership positions.

This event will highlight the contributions made by women justice professionals, the barriers they encounter, and emerging pathways towards achieving women's equal and effective participation at all levels of the justice sector.

Agenda

Moderator: Jan Beagle, Director-General, IDLO

Speakers:

  • H.E. Sheikha Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations
  • Bandana Rana, Member, UN CEDAW Committee
  • Hon. Delissa Ridgway, Member, ABA Representatives and Observers to the United Nations, American Bar Association
  • Verity Mganga, Director, Policy and Research, State Department of Gender, Kenya
  • Jane Charles Voltaire, Director of Programs, International Association of Women Judges
  • Lilian Adriko, Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA)

Interactive Discussion

RSVP

Details

RSVP by Wednesday, March 8.
PLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited. For non-UN Pass holders, a Special Event Pass (SEP) is required to attend the event. Please request your SEP in your RSVP email.