IAWL Celebrates 10 Years of Transformative Impact with a Gala and Awards Night

PRESS RELEASE:

November 22, 2025: Johannesburg, South Africa

The Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) hosted its highly anticipated 10th Anniversary Gala, a black-tie event celebrating a decade of transformative impact through service, advocacy, and empowerment. The gala took place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Marriott Hotel, Melrose, Johannesburg. This milestone event brought together legal professionals, dignitaries, philanthropists, and supporters from across the continent to reflect on IAWL’s journey and launch its future initiatives.

The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner. It officially began when Judge Margie Victor, an IAWL Board Member, delivered the welcome remarks, acknowledging the distinguished guests and highlighting the organization’s journey and the many individuals who had contributed to its growth and success. Reflecting on her role as a Board Member, Judge Victor described the experience as profoundly meaningful and emphasized that, despite working virtually, the board maintains a strong sense of unity.

Ms. Elizabeth Adu, the IAWL Board Chair, delivered an uplifting and thought‑provoking address, first welcoming all guests before reflecting on the organization’s journey, from the “Pioneer Women in Law” initiative honoring trailblazers to impactful seminars and networking engagements. She underscored the importance of the Gender Score Database as a tool for monitoring women’s leadership and guiding future efforts. She closed by calling on law firms to adopt the Gender Equality in Law  Model Policy, a commitment IAWL intends to champion over the coming decade.

Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni, IAWL’s Founder and Executive Director in her speech, reflected on the organization’s humble beginnings and its evolution into a continental force for change. Expounding on the ten lessons she has learnt over the past decade, Prof. Dawuni emphasized the importance of policy reform and visibility for African women in law and called on the legal community to continue investing in inclusive leadership.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the African Women in Law Legacy Awards to renowned legal luminaries whose works had significantly advanced justice and gender equality. The awardees, visibly moved, responded with gratitude and a call to action. 

Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC, IAWL Board Member, concluded the event on a celebratory note, recognizing the evening’s success and reaffirming IAWL’s commitment to its mission. Guests then transitioned to a photography and networking reception, where conversations flowed, connections were made, and the spirit of celebration continued. The gala not only honored the past but also laid the foundation for IAWL’s next chapter, one rooted in excellence, equity, and enduring impact.

Over the past decade, IAWL has become a leading voice for African women in law, creating platforms for visibility, leadership, and systemic change. The 10th Anniversary Gala highlighted IAWL’s transformative impact over the past 10 years and showcased the organization’s ongoing programs, including legal education, mentorship, policy advocacy, and research initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening the rule of law. 

Watch IAWL's ten-year journey in data and images.

We invite all stakeholders in government, the legal and judicial professions, civil society, academia, and the media to join us in commemorating this important milestone. Together, we can continue building a more inclusive and equitable legal landscape across Africa.

With gratitude to our sponsoring partners: ENS, AB & David, Anyiam Attorneys, JUTA, Nedbank, Webber Wentzel, and Werksmans.

For more information, contact: Institute for African Women in Law at info@africanwil.org