International Day of Women Judges: Women have fought long, hard to prove they belong – Chancellor

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Women Judges (IDWJ), Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards has spoken of the long and hard fight endured by women to prove that they belong in all institutions where decisions are made.
“We are truly grateful for the recognition given to women Judges for their work. Their immense contribution and continued commitment to the rule of law, access to justice, and ensuring fair and equal justice for all, are being recognised,” said the Head of Guyana’s Judiciary.
According to her, the declaration of March 10 as IDWJ by the United Nations is a monumental feat for women globally because it has not only raised the visibility of women Judges but has also provided added impetus for them to continue to serve as an inspiration to young women and girls.
Justice Cummings-Edwards added, “We join with our sisters in judiciaries across the world to work even harder towards eradicating gender inequality and other related challenges in the justice system. We applaud the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), UNODC, and all others involved in the declaration of an International Day to recognise the contribution of women Judges. We also applaud the United Nations for its recognition of the importance of women Judges and its adoption of the resolution to mark the International Day of Women Judges.”
“This day is recognised by the highest authority representing all countries of the world that women have a fundamental right to develop their skills and fully participate in positions of responsibility without gender discrimination or gender bias, including the Judiciary,” the past President of the IAWJ, Vanessa Ruiz, rightly declared.
Moreover, Justice Cummings-Edwards highlighted that the Judiciary of Guyana is commendably represented by women, adding that there are more women than men as Judges and Magistrates and that women are at the highest level of decision-making.
“The senior judicial leadership positions held by the Chancellor, the Chief Justice, the Registrar, and the Chief Magistrate, are all women. As we celebrate this day, we reflect on the progress made and look forward to even more. We also reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and full and equal participation of women in all positions and levels of decision-making.”
In her message in recognition of IDWJ, the acting Chancellor reflected on the women Judges who have served before and paved the way for others to follow. In so doing, she alluded to the efforts of these “trailblazers”: former Chancellor of the Judiciary and Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Dr Désirée Bernard; Justice (retd) Claudette Singh, now Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); and Justice (retd) Claudette La Bennett. “We salute the women Judges and Magistrates in our justice system,” the acting Chancellor concluded.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) noted that IDWJ is celebrated yearly to promote equal and complete participation of women at different levels of the Judiciary. “Through innovation and technology, women have spearheaded the new norms in the Judiciary in Guyana with the implementation of virtual courts and electronic notice boards. The establishment of the Judicial Service Commission is a reinforcement of a strong Judiciary, essential to ensure an efficient justice system,” the organisation said in a statement on Friday.
In extending IDWJ greetings to the female members of the Judiciary, the GAWL assured that it remains committed to supporting Chancellor Cummings-Edwards and acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, and commended them for their hard work.