PURPOSE: Women’s representation in the judiciary is key to ensuring that courts represent their citizens, address their concerns and hand down sound judgments. By their mere presence, women judges enhance the legitimacy of courts, sending a powerful signal that they are open and accessible to those who seek recourse to justice. The entry of women judges into spaces from which they had historically been excluded has been a positive step in the direction of judiciaries being perceived as being more transparent, inclusive, and representative of the people whose lives they affect. By marking the day, we will reaffirm our commitment to develop and implement appropriate and effective national strategies and plans for the advancement of women in judicial justice systems and institutions at the leadership, managerial and other levels.

FORUM: "Women Judges Holding the Line.” International Day of Women Judges 2026. The representation of women in the judiciary is significant for many reasons. In addition to ensuring that the legal system is developed with all of society in mind, it also inspires the next generation of female judges and motivates them to achieve their goals. Women in the criminal justice system can act as agents of change and contribute to greater accountability. Women judges bring different perspectives and experiences, strengthening judicial systems. Women in leadership roles help disrupt networks of collusion, striking a blow against corruption. Women’s representation in law enforcement and judicial institutions has been linked to more effective, victim-centered responses to crime. By investing in women’s advancement and women justice leaders, we can help ensure that justice is better served and that women and all members of our societies are met with fairness and equality before the law, for the benefit of all. Only through the active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all levels of decision-making, we’ll be able to achieve sustainable development, peace and democracy. Let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #10March, #IAWJ, #WomenJudges, #WomenJudgesofEmpathy, #IDWJ2026, #WomenInJustice, #WomenForJustice.

EVENTS: On March 10th at UNHQ; The International Day of Women Judges 2026 will be held to celebrate progress and commemorate the pioneers who paved the way for women in the judiciary. While strides have been made, the fight for equal representation continues. Register to participate!

On March 12th, starting at 9:00 AM EST/3:00 PM CET and WAT/ 5:00 PM EAT, the International Association of Women Judges, UNDP and UN Women will held an event entitled “Women Judges Holding the Line” by the International Association of Women judges (IAWJ). The event will bring together women judges and gender equality experts to examine strategies for expanding women’s leadership in justice systems worldwide. The event will also explore how the Gender Justice Platform — the partnership framework between UNDP and UN Women — supports women’s leadership in justice through institutional reforms, regional judicial networks, and data-driven accountability mechanisms Register here!

CONFERENCES & WEBINARS: Get informed on the IAWJ upcoming events!

CAMPAIGN: The campaign “Tech for Justice” shows how women judges are using data and technology to address pressing court system issues, including the problem of congested prisons. With the campaign “Women in Justice, women for justice” to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judiciary, to celebrate the progress that has been made and raise awareness about the challenges ahead.