Guyana Association of Women Judges Launches 1st edition of “Justice” magazine

The Guyana Association of Women Judges (GAWI) launched the first edition of its much-anticipated magazine, Justice, on Wednesday last at Cara Lodge. The event was attended by distinguished legal professionals, judiciary members, and supporters of GAWI’s vision to empower women in law and amplify the voices of vulnerable communities across the nation.

During the launch, the President of the Guyana Association of Women Judges, Hon. Madam Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif, shared her thoughts on the significance of Justice. She stated, “Justice is not just a magazine. It is a platform. A platform for reflection, for education, for inspiration. It will highlight not only the voices of women judges, but also the issues that affect women, children, families, and communities across our nation. It will encourage dialogue, promote mentorship, and showcase the humanity behind the robe.”
Justice Chandra-Hanif further explained the history and mission of the association, noting, “Our association was founded in 2016 under the astute leadership of our visionary Chancellor, the Honourable Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards OR CCH, and our indefatigable Chief Justice (ag.), the Honourable Madam Justice Roxane George CCH SC. With the establishment of this organization, we called on judicial officers to work aggressively and collaboratively to alleviate inequities that plague our society, especially in relation to families, women and children, and vulnerable groups.”
Referencing a quote by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, she added, “Raise up my voice not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” The magazine aims to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced by systemic inequities, shedding light on social justice issues and championing the rights of underrepresented groups.
The inaugural edition features insightful articles, thought-provoking commentary, and inspiring stories from women judges. Justice serves as a platform not only for the judiciary but also for legal professionals, academics, and social advocates to engage with critical issues affecting women, children, and families in Guyana.

Collaboration and Empowerment
The magazine highlights the ongoing work of GAWI to foster collaboration, education, and empowerment in the legal community. Justice Chandra-Hanif emphasized, GAWI seeks to “share knowledge, experiences, and innovations in the field of law” while empowering vulnerable communities through public education, mentoring, and legal advocacy.
GAWI is actively engaged in numerous initiatives, such as mentoring junior lawyers, working with law students, tackling trafficking in persons, promoting road safety, and supporting women in carceral settings. The association’s members believe in the power of collective action, understanding that their voices are stronger together.
“We know that our collective voices and efforts are stronger than the individual. To enable meaningful change, we foster exposure, dialogue, knowledge exchange, and mutual support among women judges worldwide,” stated Justice Chandra-Hanif. GAWI is part of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges (CAWJ) and the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), which provides a strong platform for global advocacy on issues such as human rights, gender-based violence, and judicial reform.
The launch of Justice marks a significant milestone in GAWI’s ongoing efforts to advance equality and justice in Guyana. Despite the progress, the association acknowledges that much work remains to be done.
“We celebrate our progress and achievements, but we recognize that there is still much work to be done. Through our collective efforts, GAWI will continue to thrive and expand. With our relentless perseverance in the administration of justice, we hope to be a catalyst for change that will bring fairness, equality, and justice for all,” said Justice Chandra-Hanif.
She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to Justice Nicola Pierre, the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, for her hard work in bringing the publication to life.
Hard copies of Justice are available for purchase for G$5000 at the Chambers of Madam Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif. Additionally, electronic copies can be accessed online through the following link: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/5d8d0d5291.html.
With Justice, GAWI has created a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and social change that will continue to empower women and strengthen the legal profession in Guyana.