The Fight for Equality in Nigeria for Female Lawyers

By Suulola Akinkunmi.

Reading time: three minutes

Understanding the inequality

The legal profession in Nigeria has witnessed significant progress in recent years. Yet, despite strides towards a more inclusive profession, a critical imbalance persists in the experiences of women in litigation.

According to the data accumulated for the 50:50 by 2030: A longitudinal study into gender disparity in law – NIGERIA RESULTS REPORT, women make up approximately 40% of all lawyers in Nigeria. The country’s public sector has the highest representation of women in senior positions, with 61% of practitioners being female, followed by the corporate sector, with 55%. Law firms have the second lowest number of women in senior roles (43%), behind the judiciary (33%).

Similarly, the 2023 report shows that only 4% of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria are females. Only four of the 37 attorneys-generals are female, while only five of the 128 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches are led by women. Nigeria has also elected just one female chief justice since its independence in 1960, while the Court of Appeal has seen only two female presidents. It has, however, not been a question of the competence of women; in 2018 it was recorded by the Daily Newspaper that out of 161 first class lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar, 133 were women.

Read this article to find out about women’s progress at the Bar: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/03/24/the-bar-is-not-a-mans-world/

However, with the growing demand for diversity and inclusion, there has been a surge in activism addressing this unfair positioning, as law firms and legal entities increasingly embrace gender equality and promotion initiatives. Currently, firms like G. Elias run initiatives like “sheblooms” to support and promote gender equality within the workspace.

Challenges

Women in law face numerous challenges, contributing to their underrepresentation in the field.

First, the lack of an enabling environment for female lawyers is a critical cause of this unfair positioning. In Nigeria, the judiciary fails to recognise female judges, therefore still referring to them as ‘His Lordship’ rather than ‘Her Lordship’. This is unfair as it shows that the Nigerian judiciary believes that women cannot be recognised by the Nigerian Bench.

Read this article on the diversity of judges in court: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/03/11/diversity-in-judicial-systems/

The gross underrepresentation of women in senior legal positions is due to various recurring challenges. These include sexual harassment, professional inflexibility, and the misogynistic perception of female capacity in a patriarchal society. Also, balancing demanding work schedules and family responsibilities can be particularly challenging for women, often resulting in the need to make difficult choices and compromises.

Additionally, the lack of women in leadership positions poses a significant challenge to achieving equal representation for women in senior legal environments. Currently, women are underrepresented in leadership roles, including law firm partnerships, judiciary positions, and corporate legal departments, which hinders their advancement and influence within the profession.

Recommendations

The achievement of a higher representation of women in senior legal positions is a job that requires all stakeholders.

Promoting mentorship while also establishing mentorship programmes and fostering strong sponsorship relationships can provide women with guidance, support, and opportunities for growth and advancement. Also, there is a need to address the unconscious bias towards women. It is crucial that we raise awareness about subconscious  bias and implementing training programmes can help create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

It is also important that law firms and legal entities offer a variety of work options, including working remotely and flexible schedules. This level of flexibility can help women navigate the challenges of work-life balance and retain top talent.

Finally, ensuring equal pay for equal work is crucial in empowering women in the legal profession and closing the gender wage gap.

By acknowledging and addressing these issues, Nigeria can work towards a more equitable and inclusive judiciary that truly upholds the ideals of justice for all. A reformed system will inspire greater public trust, strengthen the rule of law, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their rights protected.