Beyond the Bench: Conversations on Growth, Leadership and Women’s Experiences in the Judiciary

Last weekend in Damaturu, FIDA Nigeria and the Yobe State Branch spent time with judicial stakeholders and women judicial officers discussing growth, leadership and career progression within the judiciary.

The engagement started on Friday with consultative visits to the Yobe State Judicial Service Commission and the Magistrate Association of Nigeria, Yobe State Branch, where conversations focused on the factors shaping growth and advancement within the system.

On Saturday, the discussions continued with women judicial officers sharing their experiences across different stages of their careers.

There were conversations around workplace expectations, recruitment processes, indigenization concerns, career progression, and the realities of balancing professional responsibilities with societal expectations.

Participants spoke openly, shared perspectives, asked difficult questions and reflected on the experiences that continue to shape opportunities within the judiciary.

Facilitated by Abubakar Lamba, retired Chief Magistrate, the session formed part of the project “Strengthening Women Inclusion and Advancement in Nigeria Judiciary through Institutional Reforms,” implemented by FIDA Nigeria in partnership with Co-Impact.

Across both days, one thing was clear — there is value in creating spaces where people can speak freely about their experiences and contribute to conversations around strengthening the system.