By Justina Auta

Female lawyers and other stakeholders have called for a change in the culture and value system of the legal profession to promote inclusivity and national development.

They made the call at a roundtable discussion on advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria’s legal sector, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in partnership with Co-Impact, a global philanthropic collaborative promoting just and inclusive systems.

Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director of WARDC, highlighted societal norms, legal and policy barriers, and patriarchy as key challenges hindering women’s advancement in the legal profession and beyond.

“The institution has to change. We need to transform the culture and value system of the legal profession to include more women.

“It is strategic; having women lead in the legal profession will help shape the law and contribute significantly to national development.”

She added that redefining institutional structures to be more responsive to gender needs was essential for meaningful change.

Mary Wandia, Regional Director for Africa at Co-Impact, attributed the male dominance in the legal profession to institutional barriers that hindered women’s progress, thereby impacting the fair dispensation of justice.

“The patriarchal mindsets within legal institutions are built on norms that don’t recognise or respect women.

“We need to sensitise these institutions to dismantle such attitudes.

“Mentorship is also key, especially in helping women rise to leadership roles,” she said.

She urged institutions to review their policies and practices to create enabling environments for women to lead.

Prof. Adefunke Bamgbose, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Ibadan, stressed the need to support female lawyers in pursuing leadership roles.

“Women have often been socialised to think they can’t lead.

“We need to encourage them to step out of that mindset, they absolutely can,” she said, adding that senior female lawyers were already mentoring younger women to help them rise in the profession.

Mr Danladi Plang, Head of Programme at Nigeria International IDEA, underscored the role of all stakeholders, especially men, in addressing inequality and injustice in the legal sector.

“The legal profession isn’t immune to the broader societal issues of gender inequality.

“We’re dealing with a conservative sector, and that requires strong advocacy backed by data to promote change,” he said.

Plang also called on women in leadership positions to leave a legacy that paved the way for others to succeed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru