The Nigerian Bar Association Women’s Forum (NBAWF), led by Chairperson Huwaila Ibrahim, hosted its 2025 Annual General Conference on April 29–30 at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja. Centered on the theme “From Promise to Action: Achieving Gender Parity for Lasting Change,” the event united female legal professionals and prominent male allies, such as NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, to advance tangible strategies for gender equity.
The conference began with networking activities, including sports and sightseeing, fostering camaraderie before transitioning to substantive dialogue. A highlight was the Cocktail-Fireside Chat featuring retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Augie, who reflected on her journey overcoming early insecurities. Recalling a law school moot court experience that initially instilled fear of courtrooms, she remarked, “Ironically, [the courtroom] became my natural habitat.” Addressing gender disparities, Justice Augie stressed merit over quotas, cautioning against tokenism: “If panels remain male-dominated without merit-based vetting, lobbying may prevail. Competence must come first.”
Day two opened with remarks from NBAWF leadership and President Osigwe, who urged proactive measures to bridge gender gaps. “A woman with a voice is a strong woman,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for women to assert their influence confidently. He criticized symbolic representation, stating it undermines genuine equality efforts.
Keynote speaker Hon. Justice Binta Nyako echoed the urgency for concrete action, urging stakeholders to replace rhetoric with accountability. Discussions underscored systemic patriarchal barriers stifling women’s advancement in Nigeria. Speakers unanimously called for cross-sector collaboration to implement policies, cultural shifts, and programs ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
The conference concluded with a resolute mandate: lasting change demands more than dialogue—it requires dismantling inequitable structures, prioritizing meritocracy, and embedding gender parity into institutional frameworks. By merging advocacy with actionable strategies, the NBAWF aims to transform Nigeria’s legal landscape into one where women thrive with dignity and equity.
