President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reminded African women judges that they must administer and deliver justice in a manner that serves as a beacon of hope to the oppressed and marginalized in society.
He emphasised that their work as judges has far-reaching consequences on society beyond the individuals or groups that are directly impacted by their judgements.
Their work, he stressed must be done so as to protect the vulnerable, marginalised and oppressed in society.
The President added that as judges they play a key role in the quest to ensure that the continent of Africa attains the goal of using the law to educate and reform rather than merely for punishment and retribution.
“Let them [judgements] be a beacon for those in the shadows of fear and oppression. Remember, each decision you make not only affects individuals in your courtrooms but also sets the tone for what we as a society deem acceptable.
And as we walk towards the future, let us envision a continent where the law does not only punish, but also educates and reforms;a future where our daughters will be judged not by their compliance to outmoded customs, but by their potential to lead and innovate,” President Akufo-Addo said at the opening of the 18th Africa Regional Conference of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) in Accra on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The International Association of Women Judges comprises women judges from across the globe who work to “promote and empower women judges to help uproot gender bias, end discriminatory laws, advance gender-responsive courts, and promote human rights for all.”
The Africa Regional Conference, which will last for five days, has women’s judges from the African continent in attendance. The conference is under the theme: “Combating Negative Cultural Practices in Contemporary Times: The Role of Women Judges”.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
