Former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, has called for greater inclusivity and deliberate support to enable more women to attain leadership positions in the legal profession and international governance.
Bensouda made the call in Abuja while receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Law Association (Nigerian Branch) at its President’s Dinner and Award Night, held as part of the association’s 9th Annual Law Conference on April 15, 2026.
Addressing an audience of over 200 participants, both in-person and virtual, the globally acclaimed diplomat stressed that breaking barriers for women in leadership requires sustained institutional support, mentorship and equal access to opportunities.
She also charged young lawyers to remain steadfast in their commitment to hard work, honesty, integrity and professional ethics, noting that these values are critical to achieving excellence in international law and practice.
Reflecting on her career journey, Bensouda recounted how her passion for justice was ignited at a young age in The Gambia, where she would often sit in courtrooms observing proceedings.
She noted that her early exposure revealed a justice gap, particularly affecting women and vulnerable groups, which inspired her lifelong commitment to fairness and accountability.
Her distinguished career spans several key roles, including State Counsel, Senior State Counsel, Principal State Counsel, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Solicitor General, and later Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia.
She went on to make history as the first woman, first African, and first Muslim to serve as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
The event also honoured Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman with the Lifetime Achievement Award (Academic Category).
A professor of International Relations and Diplomacy, Sulaiman is also a former Minister of National Planning and currently Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
In his citation, the organisers highlighted Sulaiman’s contributions to academia and public service, including his role in shaping Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan and advancing legislative studies through NILDS, which has trained thousands of lawmakers across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the event, President of the association, Prof Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), described the Lifetime Achievement Award as the organisation’s highest honour, reserved for individuals with outstanding contributions to international law and diplomacy.
He noted that recipients represent “Africa’s finest” in foreign policy and legal development, adding that their work continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of legal professionals.
Other dignitaries at the event included Director-General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Edward Harris; former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Bolaji Owasonoye and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed M. Malick Fall.
Founded in 1873 in Brussels and headquartered in London, the International Law Association promotes the study and development of international law, with a global membership spanning over 45 national branches.
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