18th IAWJ Regional Conference 2024, Accra Ghana 13th-17th May 2024
The 18th IAWJ Africa Regional Conference, 2024 took place on 13th to 17th MAY 2024 at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana. The conference was under the theme “Combating negative cultural practices in contemporary times – The role of women judges.” The conference built on the success of previous conferences under IAWJ’s unique position in bringing together judicial officers from around the world to discuss matters of mutual concern. Several speeches and presentations were made regarding negative cultural practices, as IAWJ members shared experiences, knowledge and “law-based” approaches to eradicate cultural harmful practices, and to tackle challenges related to access to justice and the core functions of judges.
Cultural Beliefs and their impact on fighting sexual offences against women and the girl child, By
Hon. Justice C.N. Ojugbana-Orishedere, Ph.D. President, Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State, Nigeria.
Click here to read the full paper.
A paper Presented By – Hon Lady Justice Susan Okalany and Hon Naigaga Winfred Kyobiika: Eradicating negative prejudices against women – The role of judges.
Click here to read the full paper.
POVERTY AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE Presented by Mrs. KOUROUMA-GUIRO Saboré, Deputy Director of Criminal Affairs and Pardons at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire And Mrs MOHIRO Paule-Richmonde Chief Judge of Tribunal of Toumodi. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.
Tools available to women Judges in curbing harmful cultural practices against women, Presentation by Hon Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa. Click here for the PowerPoint presentation.
Tools Available to Women Judges in Curbing Harmful Cultural Practices Against Women, Presented by Lady Justice Roselyne Korir, Judge of the High Court of Kenya. Click here to read the PowerPoint presentation.
Contemporary threats to international peace and security in West Africa, the rule of law, and judges, By JUSTICE (PROF) HENRIETTA J.A.N. MENSA-BONSUJUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF GHANA
Click here to read the presentation.
Conference Recommendations
The conference ended on Wednesday 15th May 2024 at 3.00 pm with some recommendations on the way forward on the role of women judges in combating negative cultural practices in contemporary times. A public communique was shared containing the recommendations in which IAWJ Africa members were urged to return to their home countries and be the agents of change in enforcing these recommendations. Read the recommendations here in English, and French.
Day Out (Excursion to Elmina Castle and Fort St. Jargo – Thursday 16th May
