- Congratulates Justice Binta Nyako on her successful tenure as President of the International Women Judges
The President of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Caroline Ibharuneafe, on Friday eulogised women judges in Nigeria under the auspices of the National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria (NAWJIN), describing them as “not only arbiters of justice but also beacons of inspiration to countless young female lawyers who look to the judiciary as both a calling and a compass.”
Ibharuneafe, while delivering AWLA’s goodwill message at the opening ceremony of NAWJIN’s 25th Biennial Conference, which was held at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja with the theme: “Mentorship and Legacy Building: Fostering a Culture of Mentorship, Inclusivity, and Empowerment of the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Law,” said: “We are here today to join not just professionals, but custodians of a legacy; a legacy built by trailblazing women who dared to sit at the bench when it was neither easy nor common. Many of you in this room are such women.”
In the speech delivered on behalf of the AWLA President by Rukaiya Cynthia Emmanuel, Chair of AWLA Abuja branch, Mrs. Ibharuneafe further stated that: “The African Women Lawyers Association believes deeply in the power of mentorship, not as a formality, but as a lifeline.”
According to her, “For many young women in the legal profession, the difference between stagnation and success is often the presence of a mentor who says: ‘I see you. I’ve walked this path. Let me show you how.’
“Mentorship is how we protect the gains we’ve made. It is how we ensure that the bench remains not only accessible but also representative. And in a society where barriers persist, both visible and invisible, mentorship provides more than just guidance; it provides courage.
“Legacy, on the other hand, is not built at the end of a career. It is built moment by moment, decision by decision, case by case, and in every hand, we extend to the next woman coming up.
“We must also ensure that our mentorship is inclusive. We must reach beyond familiar spaces and institutions, into underserved communities, rural areas, and informal networks, to find the hidden brilliance that only needs a hand to thrive.
“AWLA Nigeria is proud to align itself with the visions of NAWJN. We see you not only as leaders in jurisprudence but as partners in the mission to raise a generation of women who are not afraid to lead, to speak, and to transform.
“We will, at this point, extend our heartfelt congratulations to our dear Justice Binta Nyako for a successful tenure as the President of the International Women Judges.
“In conclusion, I encourage us all to ask not only, “What legacy will I leave?” but also, “Whose journey will I make lighter?” Let us continue to build together, not just careers, but a culture of upliftment and excellence.
“May our collective efforts ignite the next generation of women judges, lawyers, and leaders who will go even further than we dared to dream.
“Thank you, and may this event leave a lasting imprint on the future of our profession.”
