Greetings from the International Association of Women Judges-Uganda Chapter!
Happy Women’s day to all the women all over the world.
It is an old adage, that women are the backbone of society, and play a major role in many places in the world. Be it in the kitchen, market
place or court room. Society has however placed men and women on different playing fields, that have continued to disaggregate the balances.
The theme for this International Women’s day is to Embrace Equity. For this year’s Women’s day, it is therefore important to remember
the potential of a truly equal society. Celebrating women’s day, is not only about celebrating women’s achievements, but also accepting that
everyone has a role to play in creating a gender balanced world.
As the IAWJ-Uganda Chapter, it is essential to remember that central to the realisation of gender justice is equitable access to justice, that is facilitated through our continued commitment, through enactment of good gender responsive laws, and the ability of every judicial officer, male or female to dispense justice in cognisance of the
particular needs of women, girls, boys and men in the enforcement of such laws.
We have the opportunity as women Judges to effect change and ensure equity and equality through decision making processes in and outside
the bench.
Part of our mandate, is to engage leaders and decision makers in the Judiciary and the Government to include gender responsive
principals and in its operations and policies to ensure equity both in deployments and justice delivery. At the recently concluded African
Regional Conference of the International Association of Women Judges, key to the agenda was the emphasis of women’s representation,
since they are able to bring a unique perspective of their lived experiences to judicial roles.
We have further used our platform to address sexual and gender based violence as well as prevention of trafficking in persons, through various trainings and outreaches, and working together in breaking the barriers to women and gender equality.
We have further used our platform to address sexual and gender based violence as well as prevention of trafficking in persons, through various trainings and outreaches, and working together in breaking the barriers to women and gender equality.
Realizing that empowering a woman starts from nurturing, the IAWJ-U has through various outreaches worked to nurture and inspire the girl
child, by engaging in school outreaches, and career guidance. The IAWJ-u has committed to support 6 learners (boys and girls) in P.7 at
Kidula Primary School, Luwero, throughout their education journey, by providing the resources they need in order to succeed.
It is on the above basis, that we continue to advocate for more female representation in policy and decision making, and to further practice and promote Gender Responsive Adjudication, in order to embrace and promote equality.
Hon. Lady Justice Elizabeth Jane Alividza
International Association of Women Judges- Uganda Chapter,
President.
