Honouring women iudges, UniFiji celebrates leaders in law

Recognising the achievements and leadership of women judges encourages young women studying law to pursue careers within the judiciary and the broader legal profession.

University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem made the comment on Tuesday as the university joined the international community in marking the International Day of Women Judges on March 10.

The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to recognise the contributions of women judges and to promote gender equality within judicial institutions.

Professor Shameem said the observance highlighted the significant role women play in the administration of justice and the need to strengthen gender equality within judicial institutions.

The university commemorated the day for the first time since its formal recognition by the United Nations, highlighting the growing role of women within the judiciary and the importance of strengthening gender equality within legal systems worldwide.

The theme for International Day of Women Judges 2026, Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls, calls for a transformation of systems affected by structural inequality, violence, conflict, and global crises.

“It is time to redesign systems that allow fear and inequality to flourish and to reimagine a calm, safe, and secure future for women and girls,” Professor Shameem said.

She said men also had a responsibility to support gender equality.

“This year’s theme provides an opportunity for men to become activists on behalf of women because we cannot achieve this alone.”

Professor Shameem said the world was ready for a “Women Judges Renaissance”.

“The world is ready for a women judges renaissance in law, the arts, culture, attitudes and education, and for women to be at the centre rather than the periphery of the social sphere,” she said.

The day is celebrated globally to honour women serving in judicial systems and to promote gender equality within courts and legal institutions.

In Fiji, women continue to play an increasing role in the judiciary, with four female members currently serving on the bench.

The University of Fiji also honoured the late United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served on the court from 1993 until 2020.

Justice Ginsburg was the first Jewish woman and the second woman to serve on the court. Throughout her legal career, she championed women’s rights and gender equality, leaving a lasting legacy in constitutional law and civil rights.

The university also encouraged girls and women who have graduated from the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law to mark the day and reflect on the importance of women’s leadership and participation within the judiciary.

As part of the commemoration, the university shared a message from Fiji’s first female High Court judge, Nazhat Shameem, who currently serves as Deputy Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Reflecting on her historic appointment, she spoke about the challenges and responsibilities she faced in the legal profession.

“On International Women Judges Day, I reflect on my own journey to becoming a judge in Fiji. Before my appointment, no woman had been appointed to the High Court of Fiji, and I was very conscious of the honour to my family and me,” she said.

She said the journey was not without obstacles, particularly for women working in traditionally male-dominated institutions.
“Life throws test after test to young women trained as lawyers, who are brought up to value cultural and religious traditions while balancing children, ageing parents, and personal growth,” she said.

Ms Nazhat Shameem said achieving gender equality required institutions themselves to evolve.

“As women, we know that change is not just inevitable, it is necessary if society is to achieve gender equality. The judiciary and the law must accept responsibility for driving that change.”

Reflecting on her 10 years on the High Court bench, she described it as a profound learning experience.

“Every hearing was an opportunity to understand the uniqueness of every human life and the enormous responsibility that comes with judicial appointment,” she said.