Group Urges Government Action to Address Gender Inequality in Legal Profession

By Iyojo Ameh

At the 2024 G100 meeting held in Lagos, Nigeria, Barr. Mrs. Joy Amore, Country Chair for G100 Global Networking Wing and founder of Leadership Circle, made a compelling call to the government for urgent action in fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for female professionals, not only in the legal field but across all professions.

Mrs.

Amore emphasized the persistent gap in leadership roles within the legal profession, despite the presence of women in various professional capacities. She cited cultural norms, societal expectations, unconscious bias, and a lack of mentorship and family-friendly policies as contributing factors to this disparity.

To address these challenges, Mrs.

Amore advocated for the implementation of initiatives such as mentorship and sponsorship programs, along with flexible working arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of female legal practitioners. She stressed the importance of raising awareness and challenging stereotypes through advocacy campaigns.

Additionally, Mrs. Amore called for proactive measures from policymakers and legal institutions, including the establishment of gender quotas and the enforcement of policies supporting work-life balance and parental leave for both genders.

Furthermore, Mrs. Amore underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to achieve gender equality in the legal profession, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic barriers and cultural norms.

She expressed confidence that by fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity in leadership, and challenging existing biases, a more equitable and inclusive legal profession can be realized for future generations.