Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
March 9, 2023.
The International Director, National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria (NAWJN), Justice Roli Harriman, has said that active participation of women on equal terms in decision-making with men at levels was to achieve equity, peace, democracy and sustainable development.
Justice Roli made the declaration, yesterday (Thursday), to mark Women International Day (IWD) in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to her, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution 75/274 designating March 10 of every year, the International Day of Women Judges (IDWJs).
Her words: “On behalf of the President, NAWJN, Hon Justice Jummai Sankey, I salute you all on this auspicious day,” she said.
Unveiling the mark of celebrations, she said: “Education along with public awareness-raising activities are to promote equal participation of women at all levels in the Judiciary.
Besides, she added that the UN resolution reaffirms the commitment of Member States to develop and implement appropriate and effective national strategies and plans for the advancement of women in judicial justice systems.
She noted that sustainable development could be achieved by strengthening institutions at the leadership, managerial and other levels in the country.
Continued; “Today’s celebration is another opportunity for us to draw attention to issues of increased prevalence of domestic violence, provision of shelters for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
According to her, sexual assaults of young girls are allegedly perpetrated by their closest relatives.
“This was despite of NAWJN engagements in public policy advocacy to draw attention to many of the issues concerning women and children in society,” she said.
On the engagements of women judges, she said they have established half-way houses for youths in conflict with the law to give opportunity for effective and long lasting rehabilitation practice of genital mutilation.
She lamented that there are repugnant customary laws and challenges of widows adoption laws and practices in the state.
She, therefore, called on stakeholders including NGOs to assist in raising the issues affecting girls and women with long lasting solutions.
She noted that little progress has been made by the Afghan Talibans, but their women are confident that victory is at hand.
