Media Wire Express Correspondent
Increasing representation of women at all levels of leadership and decision-making, including in the Judiciary of Tanzania, is important in promoting the rule of law, equality and access to full justice. This was said yesterday by the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Professor Ibrahim Juma, when he was opening the International Women Judges Day Conference in Dar Es Salaam.
“We have witnessed the contribution of female judges and magistrates. Women stand as guardians of the law and beacons of equality, compassion, faith and wisdom. They bring to the table a positive attitude, diverse knowledge and experience, legal consistency and promote a more inclusive and equitable society,” he said.
Quoting Lady Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who was the first woman judge to be appointed in 1981 in the United States Supreme Court, Prof Juma explained that the presence of Women Judges within the Judiciary Arm of State has more positive results than their number or the number of cases they hear.
“I ask the female judges and magistrates to continue to be the light that inspires other women and girls to realise that they have a chance and have a contribution in the justice system and the rule of law in Tanzania and around the world,” the Chief Justice said.
He said that the statistics of the Judiciary of Tanzania regarding the representation of women at various levels shows the great progress achieved and also the long journey ahead.
Until March 8, 2024, statistics show that there are 35 Court of Appeal Judges, of whom 22 are men, equal to 63 per cent and 13 are women, equal to 37 per cent.
On part of High Court Judges in charge, there are a total of 26, 17 men, equal to 65 per cent and nine women, equal to 35 per cent, while the number of Judges of the High Court of Tanzania are 105, 67 are men, equal to 64 per cent, while women are 38, equal to 36 per cent.
Statistics also show that there are a total of 78 Deputy Registrars, of whom 40 are men, equal to 51 percent and there are 38 women, equal to 49 per cent, while the number of Resident Magistrates is 1,126, men are 567, equal to 50 per cent and women are 559, equal to 50 per cent.
At the level of Primary Courts, there are a total of 229 Magistrates and among them, 134 are men, equal to 59 per cent and 95 are women, equal to 41 per cent.
The Chief Justice also noted that efforts have continued to be made to ensure gender equality is given priority by hiring Court employees in other cadres. He said that in administrative roles, women occupy 14 per cent of the positions of Directors and 50 per cent of the positions of Assistant Directors and hold a large representation in various other roles, such as public service officers and administrative officers.
“I congratulate the female judges and magistrates that the percentages of your presence at various levels and positions are based on your abilities, and not the percentages of privilege,” Prof Juma said.
On his part, UN Women Representative, Mr Peterson Magoola, explained that it is well acknowledged that the judiciary would greatly benefit from the increased presence of women judges, improving trust and the experience for women and groups most at risk of being left behind.
He pointed out that until recently, the narrative on women’s participation in public service and the private sector largely focused on women in politics, with less attention paid to sectors such as justice.
“Women judges bring different perspectives and experiences, enhancing trust in the judiciary as a capable arm of government for upholding the rule of law and human rights, while reflecting the society it represents,” Mr Magoola said.
Yet, he added, women judge continues to be significantly underrepresented in judicial office and the legal profession across the globe. “Ensuring fair gender representation strengthens the judiciary and its ability to deliver fair decisions. To do this effectively, we must tackle the unique obstacles hindering women’s performance in the administration of justice,” he said
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