Every year on March 10, the world celebrates the International Day of Women Judges, a day dedicated to recognizing the critical role women judges play in promoting justice, equality, and the rule of law.
In Africa, women judges have been at the forefront of transformative judicial reforms, championing human rights, gender equality, and social justice. Their contributions have not only strengthened the judiciary but also inspired future generations of women leaders.
Here, we celebrate some of Africa’s trailblazing women judges who have set the bar high:
Justice Sophia Akuffo (Ghana)
Justice Sophia Akuffo stands out as one of Ghana’s most influential legal minds, having served as the Chief Justice of Ghana from 2017 to 2019. She was the second woman to hold this position and took office at a crucial time when public trust in the judiciary had been severely undermined. A major corruption scandal in 2015 exposed extensive misconduct among judges and court officials, shaking public confidence in the legal system.
Determined to restore the credibility of the judiciary, Justice Akuffo led sweeping reforms to modernize court processes. One of her most significant achievements was spearheading the digitization of court records and proceedings, making justice more accessible and transparent. Beyond her national role, she also served as a judge at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, where she advocated for human rights and the rule of law. Her leadership helped reinstate public confidence in the judiciary and reinforced Ghana’s commitment to legal integrity.
Justice Navanethem Pillay (South Africa)
Justice Navanethem “Navi” Pillay is a global icon in the fight for human rights, having dedicated her career to justice, both in South Africa and on the international stage. She made history as the first woman of color to serve on the High Court of South Africa and was a fearless advocate against apartheid’s oppressive legal system. For nearly three decades, she defended anti-apartheid activists, political prisoners, and human rights defenders, shedding light on the inhumane treatment of detainees, including those imprisoned on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held.
Her legal expertise led to her appointment as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), where she played a vital role in prosecuting those responsible for the 1994 genocide.
Later, as a judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, she championed gender equality and the rights of marginalized communities. Her relentless advocacy has influenced policies on human rights worldwide.
Justice Martha Koome (Kenya)
Justice Martha Koome made history in 2021 when she became Kenya’s first female Chief Justice. lifelong advocate for human rights, she has dedicated much of her career to championing the rights of women and children. She played a pivotal role in the fight for Kenya’s democratic transition, advocating for the repeal of Section 2A of the Kenyan Constitution, which had allowed for a single-party state. The repeal led to the introduction of presidential term limits and multiparty democracy.
During her tenure as Chief Justice, she has worked to modernize Kenya’s judiciary by reducing case backlogs, improving court infrastructure, and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Her passion for justice extends beyond the courtroom—she has been instrumental in reforming child protection laws and ensuring access to justice for vulnerable groups. In recognition of her dedication, she was named runner-up for the United Nations Person of the Year in Kenya in 2020. Koome is still standing in as the chief justice of Kenya.
Justice Aloysie Cyanzayire (Rwanda)
Justice Aloysie Cyanzayire served as Rwanda’s first female Chief Justice from 2004 to 2011, a period crucial to the country’s post-genocide recovery. As Rwanda strived to rebuild its legal institutions after the 1994 genocide, she played a key role in reshaping the judiciary to restore the rule of law.
Before being appointed Chief Justice, she was heavily involved in the Gacaca courts, Rwanda’s community-based tribunal system designed to handle the overwhelming number of genocide-related cases. These courts became a cornerstone of Rwanda’s justice and reconciliation efforts, allowing survivors to confront perpetrators while fostering national healing. She initiated and drafted laws that allowed for the trial of genocide suspects. She also worked for the reconstruction of Rwanda, including actions such as the abolition of discriminatory laws against women and in the drafting of laws allowing women to have the right to succeed as men, and the mobilization of women to enter the judiciary. As the Secretary-General, Cyanzayire coordinated and supervised all the technical work of the Ministry with precision. Her leadership in modernizing the judiciary ensured a more efficient and independent court system, reinforcing legal stability in Rwanda.
Chief Justice Meaza Ashenafi (Ethiopia)
Meaza Ashenafi has been a trailblazer in Ethiopia’s legal system, making history in 2018 as the country’s first female Chief Justice until her resignation in 2023. She has long been an advocate for women’s rights and judicial independence. Before taking on this role, she co-founded the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), an organization dedicated to providing free legal aid to women and advocating for gender justice.
Her influence in shaping Ethiopia’s legal landscape was further solidified through her involvement in landmark cases. One of her most notable legal victories was successfully defending a young girl who had killed her abductor in self-defense after being kidnapped for forced marriage. This case set a precedent against the harmful practice of bride abduction and inspired the critically acclaimed Ethiopian film Difret.
As Chief Justice, Meaza has focused on judicial reforms, modernization of court systems, and tackling corruption within Ethiopia’s legal framework. Her work continues to inspire the next generation of female legal professionals in Africa.
The achievements of these remarkable women serve as a testament to the transformative power of female leadership in the judiciary. As we honor them on the International Day of Women Judges, we acknowledge their contributions and the path they have paved for future generations of women in law.
