Hon. Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson has said that increasing female representation in the judiciary is not merely about numerical balance, but essential to the legitimacy of the justice system itself.
Akomolafe-Wilson argued this during the West African Women Association (WAWA), Nigeria Chapter yearly conference held in commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), in Lagos State where a clarion call for structural reform, increased judicial representation and proactive self-empowerment for women was made.
The WAWA 2026 IWD conference, themed, ‘Rights, Justice and Action’ brought together legal luminaries, advocates and community leaders.
Justice Akomolafe-Wilson who during her keynote address acknowledged trailblazers like the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, noted that significant barriers remain. She said: “When women rise in the judiciary, Justice itself rises. A bench that reflects societal diversity strengthens institutional credibility.”
She highlighted sobering statistics which reveals that women currently make up approximately 38 percent of judges within the Nigerian Judiciary, with representation dipping even lower in senior appellate roles.
Identifying invisible barriers hindering progress, Akomolafe-Wilson said: “Many qualified women remain in administrative roles due to a lack of professional grooming and mentorship. Literacy rates remain a hurdle; in some northern states, female literacy is below 30 percent and the pressure of caregiving combined with rigorous legal practice often forces talented women out of the career.”
WAWA National Focal Person, Chief Bola Adekunle-Carew, stressed that rights must be understood to be defended. She urged women to pursue financial independence and leverage organisational support, seizing the moment to announce WAWA’s sponsorship of the high-achieving student Zainab Atanda.
The founder of the Nigerian Network of NGOs, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, linked community stability to her “Give to Gain” philosophy under the IWD global campaign theme, calling for radical leadership generosity.
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