A student from the national magistrate school asking a question on potential prejudices women face due to cultural beliefs.
“There is no doubt that women judges make decisions that are more likely to protect the most vulnerable people in society, including children and women who are victims of gender-based violence in poor households.”
Judge Raissa Ratsimbazafy, a judge in Madagascar, said that she and her fellow women judges also tend to consider how the punishments of those convicted of crimes will affect their families.
She was referring to one of the many compelling reasons for including women in the justice chain at a UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) panel discussion on the importance of women in the justice sector in Madagascar.
Women bring different life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and sensitivities to the table, which enriches decision-making processes.
Women's participation in the justice system also plays a critical role in promoting access to justice for all members of society. Research indicates that women are more likely to report crimes and seek legal redress when they feel they will be treated fairly and respectfully by law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Having female officers, lawyers, and judges can help build trust and confidence among marginalized groups, including women, children, and minority communities, thereby breaking down barriers to accessing justice.
Madagascar serves as a prime example of how women are reshaping the face of justice. The country's Ministry of Justice is led by a woman, as is her Secretary General, bringing a fresh perspective and a focus on humanity to the justice system. They are cracking down on sexual offenses, improving prison conditions, and making sure every child, regardless of where they live, has access to basic rights, like a birth certificate.
"The presence of women in these roles changes everything," said Judge Ratsimbazafy Sitraka Raissa. "We understand the challenges women face, especially when it comes to violence. We are here to create a system that supports victims and holds abusers accountable."
Having women in the justice system also inspires girls and women to pursue careers in law and criminal justice. Female role models and mentors help guide and support them in fields where men usually dominate.
Madagascar stands out as a country with a notable representation of women in the judiciary, boasting a total of 368 female judges out of a total of 658 judges.
“It is inspiring to see that women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the judiciary in Madagascar, such as Public Prosecutor of the Anti-Corruption Pole of Majunga, or all the female head magistrates in Analalava, Ankazoabo-Sud, and Belo sur Tsiribina,” noted Judge Ratsimbazafy.
“In Madagascar, 54 per cent of judges are women. And putting women at the centre of the judicial system is giving a voice to marginalized groups,” added Judge Rindra Harizo Randriamahefarilala of the Pole Anti-Corruption in Mahajanga.
Women’s success in the justice sector in Madagascar shows that gender should not hold anyone back from reaching their goals, the women agreed. The importance of women in the justice chain cannot be overstated. Their contributions not only advance gender equality but also strengthen the foundations of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
To commemorate the 4th annual the International Day of Female Judges, UNODC, in collaboration with UNESCO and the Madagascar Women Lawyers Association, organized a panel discussion on the importance of women in the justice sector in Madagascar. The event, held on March 9, 2024, in Antananarivo, saw over 120 participants, including university students and legal practitioners. The panel comprised of key figures, including the former Minister of Justice of Madagascar, the public prosecutor of Antananarivo, the president of the tribunal of first instance of Ambatolampy, an instructing judge, and a criminal lawyer, and was moderated by the president of the Madagascar Women Lawyers Association.
