From Johannesburg to Nairobi: African Women Judges: Storytelling as Judicial Freedom. Honoring Women Trailblazers in Law and Justice
- African Women in Law
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 21
On 8th August 2025 in Nairobi, in a room buzzing with over 80 attendees across all sectors of the legal profession, the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) hosted the second launch of the book African Women Judges: Storytelling as Judicial Freedom, expertly moderated by Hon. Susan Gitonga and Faith Chebet.
The ceremony, held in partnership with the Office of the Chief Justice, ENS Kenya, and Oraro & Company Advocates, honoured the trailblazing judges - Effie Owuor (first woman judge), Joyce Aluoch, second woman judge and first Kenyan woman to serve on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Nancy Baraza, first woman Deputy Chief Justice, and Hannah Okwengu, a magistrate who rose up the ranks to the Court of Appeal.
Pamella Ager, Managing Partner at Oraro & Company Advocates and IAWL Board Member, delivered heartfelt welcome remarks, emphasizing the essence of documenting and celebrating women’s contributions to law. She was followed by
Mr. Nigel Shaw, Managing Partner of ENS Kenya, who emphasized the importance of data in showing the progress being made in judicial and legal spaces. He noted that despite the numerical progress, challenges remain for women in the legal profession.
The highlight of the evening came with the keynote address by Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Special Guest of Honor, who took the stage to deliver a powerful speech on the journey and achievements of women in the Kenyan judiciary, drawing inspiration from trailblazing pioneers who paved the way. She reflected on the challenges faced by early women judges, from gender-unfriendly court infrastructure to systemic barriers, and celebrated the strides made toward gender parity, with women now holding 42% of positions in superior courts, 78% as registrars, and 58% as magistrates.
A short video excerpt introduced the book, followed by remarks from Dr. J. Jarpa Dawuni, the visionary behind the publication. She shared the inspiration and purpose behind the project, which documents the lives and legacies of 16 African women judges. She reminded attendees of the ABCs of the book– it is Academic (grounded in theory and empirical evidence), Biblical (referencing the book of John 8, 1-11) and Contextual (African stories must be told)
Former Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga gave a review of the book, underscoring the importance of preserving legal history and amplifying women’s voices. Authors Agnes Meroka-Mutua, Annerita Murungi, and Lucianna Thuo were recognized for their contributions to the book.
The awards segment was marked by a commemorative tribute to four iconic women in Kenya’s judiciary: Justice Effie Owuor, Justice Nancy Baraza, Justice Joyce Aluoch, and Justice Hannah Okwengu. Each honouree received a citation, followed by the presentation of the African Women in Law Legacy Award. The honorees provided moving acceptance speeches that reflected decades of service, resilience, and leadership.
The evening ended with a reception, networking, and a shared sense of purpose
