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The University of Fiji today joined the international community in marking the International Day of Women Judges, observed globally on March 10, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to recognise the contributions of women judges and to promote gender equality within judicial institutions.

The University is pleased to commemorate 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.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the observance of the day highlights the significant contributions of women in the administration of justice and the importance of strengthening gender equality within judicial institutions.

Professor Shameem said recognising the achievements and leadership of women judges also encourages young women studying law to pursue careers within the judiciary and the broader legal profession.

She said that the theme of International Women’s Day 2026, Rights, Justice and Action for all Women and Girls, meant a Renaissance, not just adaptation to a broken-down system filled with structural inequality, violence, conflict and existential crises.

“It’s time to redesign the failed system, which was deliberately established to flourish in fear and inequality, and re-imagine a calm, safe and secure future for women and girls,” she said.

Professor Shameem said there is a duty for men to share their responsibilities with women.

“This year’s international women’s day theme provides an opportunity for the male species to become activists on behalf of us as we cannot go it alone.”

She added that the world was ready for a Women’s Renaissance.

“The world is ready for a Women’s Renaissance, in law, the arts, culture, attitude and education, and for women to be the centre and not periphery of every part of the social sphere universally.”

The day is celebrated globally to honour women serving in judicial systems and to promote gender equality within courts and legal institutions around the world. In Fiji, women continue to play an increasingly important role within the judiciary, with four female members currently serving on the bench.

On this occasion, the University also honours Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until 2020. Justice Ginsburg was the first Jewish woman and the second woman to serve on the Court. Throughout her distinguished legal career, she championed women’s rights and gender equality, leaving an enduring legacy in constitutional law and civil rights.

The University also encourages the many girls and women who have graduated from the JDP School of Law at the University of Fiji to commemorate this 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, Her Excellency Nazhat Shameem, a former Judge of the High Court of Fiji who currently serves as the Deputy Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Reflecting on her historic appointment to the High Court Bench, Her Excellency spoke about the challenges and responsibilities that accompanied her journey in the legal profession.

“On International Women Judges’ Day, I spend a moment to reflect on my own journey to becoming a judge in Fiji. Prior to my appointment there had been no female appointed to the High Court of Fiji and I was very conscious of the honour to me and my family in such an appointment,” she said.

She noted that the journey was not without obstacles, including the challenges faced by women working within traditionally male-dominated legal institutions.

“Life throws test after test, challenge after challenge, to young women trained as lawyers, brought up to value cultural and religious traditions, and schooled to deliver excellence while juggling children, aging parents and personal growth.”

Her Excellency also emphasised that achieving gender equality within the justice system requires institutions themselves to evolve and adapt.

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

She reflected on the experience of serving on the High Court Bench for ten years, describing it as a profound journey of learning and responsibility.

“Every hearing was an opportunity to learn of the uniqueness of every human life, a chance to understand the lived realities of many lives and the enormous responsibility that comes with judicial appointment.”

Her Excellency concluded her message by extending her encouragement and best wishes to women serving in the judiciary.

“On this day, my best wishes to all women who serve selflessly on the Bench of Fiji.”

The University of Fiji joins the international community in recognising the contributions of women judges and reaffirms the importance of equality, dignity and fairness within judicial systems around the world.