Vienna, 6 January 2025 – The journey towards gender equality and the full participation of women in public life is an ongoing effort. It is a path shaped by both progress and challenges.
On one hand, we see women breaking barriers and entering leadership positions that were until recently out of reach. On the other hand, women still face unequal access to opportunities, systematic obstacles, biases and discrimination that hinder their career progression.
Diverse leadership breaks up corrupt networks and ensures that decision-making reflects a broader range of perspectives. Women have a vital role to play in dismantling entrenched power structures and creating systems that uphold integrity.
One impactful way to help overcome the existing obstacles is through meaningful mentorship, providing the guidance, support and empowerment needed for women to navigate their paths and achieve their full potential.
When UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, launched the Women in Justice / Women for Justice campaign in 2022, one of its goals was to raise awareness of and address the ongoing struggles women in the justice sector face as they advance in their careers. These struggles often include navigating gender biases and stereotypes that undermine their credibility, dealing with social or institutional barriers, and balancing demanding work schedules with personal responsibilities and societal expectations. The campaign was launched on the occasion of the first-ever International Day of Women Judges on 10 March 2022, a day that reminds us of the importance of the full and equal participation of women in the judiciary.
In March 2024, building on the spirit and vision of the Women in Justice / Women for Justice campaign, UNODC launched a new mentorship programme for women professionals in the judiciary and anti-corruption law enforcement, with the goal of fostering meaningful connections that inspire and empower. The mentorship programme provides women professionals with a safe and confidential space to discuss their challenges with more experienced mentors, and creates a place where women from around the world can share, reflect and grow together.
As part of the pilot phase, UNODC organized an event in Vienna in November 2024, bringing together women judges participating in the mentorship programme under the umbrella of the UNODC Global Judicial Integrity Network.
Reflecting on their participation in the mentorship programme, one mentee shared: “Being a participant in the mentorship programme has been an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. The meeting in Vienna was especially impactful, offering opportunities for meaningful networking and knowledge-sharing. The programme significantly boosted my confidence and broadened my perspective on leadership and problem-solving within the judicial system.”
To embrace their authentic leadership, women judges need the right skills to stand up for themselves, negotiate effectively, make decisions under pressure and navigate complex court dynamics and work environments. Equally important is prioritizing their health and well-being, developing strategies to manage stress and build resilience and emotional intelligence in their leadership. Addressing ethical challenges is also crucial, including understanding the gender dimensions of corruption, the impact of new technologies and social media, and embracing transparency to build public trust. These are some of the topics that were at the heart of discussions at the event in Vienna.
The mentorship experience has proven to be valuable not only for mentees but also for mentors, offering them a chance to gain fresh perspectives and enrich their own leadership approach. “[This was] a remarkable event in Vienna in which you could actually feel the transfer of experience, ideas and support amongst women judges around the world to create a mutual sense of empowerment and enlightenment. The ripple effects from this programme will spread across the globe to strengthen the role of women judges“, remarked one of the programme mentors.
“There is so much that can benefit a person in terms of living diversity, appreciating other cultures, learning different and sometimes more effective methods and ways of dealing with common issues and challenges, and sometimes recognizing what are and are not challenges that may be important to other persons. Moreover, supporting each other in this role is an enduring and endearing advantage and benefit. I am so grateful for being allowed the opportunity!”, shared another participant.
As the pilot phase of this programme continues, women in anti-corruption law enforcement – mentors and mentees - will also have an opportunity to meet in 2025 to discuss current challenges and find common solutions.
Learn more about the Global Judicial Integrity Network: Judicial Integrity
Learn more about the mentorship programme: Mentorship programme: Empowering women in justice / for justice
