Navigating a million obstacles: A woman magistrate’s commitment to integrity and disability inclusion in the judiciary 

(Image: Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye)  People with disabilities often face significant barriers in society, and the judiciary is no exception. From navigating physical spaces that lack accessible infrastructure to confronting biases about their capabilities, individuals with disabilities encounter many challenges.  

Inclusivity is deeply intertwined with judicial integrity, as a transparent and ethical judiciary must reflect the diversity of the society it serves. When the judiciary is inclusive, it affirms the principle that all individuals - regardless of physical abilities – are entitled to equal opportunities and fair treatment within the legal system.  

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Global Judicial Integrity Network raises awareness about different aspects of judicial integrity, including by providing a space for participating judges to share their insights and fostering mutual learning.  

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, UNODC met with Ifeyinwa Nasiah Okoye from Nigeria, the first person with a physical disability to be appointed as a chief magistrate for Anambra State judiciary in Nigeria.  

She spoke about overcoming obstacles, creating positive change and the importance of inclusivity in the judiciary.    

“I knew I wanted to be a voice.”  

Ifeyinwa smiles as she reflects on her motivations to pursue a judicial career.  

“It goes back to my childhood; I was always very protective of people. I knew I wanted to be a voice. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer and a judge to defend people and bring justice.

“In particular, my late dad is the reason I’m everything I am today. He always challenged me,” Ifeyinwa explains. “My major support system has always been people, my family. When people around you don’t make you feel smaller than you are, it really helps.” 

Once working for the judiciary, Magistrate Okoye faced many practical challenges related to accessibility, stereotypes and misconceptions.  

She recalls one particular memory: “Once I attended a conference in Abuja. There were no ramps, and I had to climb a very steep staircase. By the time I got to the hall, the conference had started. This is one of the million examples I could give. 

“Confidence can be deflated by little issues. How would you feel as a judge when you can’t even climb a staircase because there is no ramp, and the litigants are watching you? When proper facilitates are in place, it makes you feel bolder about what you do.”  

Creating change within the judiciary 

The UNODC Global Judicial Integrity Network serves as a platform for judges and judiciaries from around the world to share their experiences, discuss challenges and identify potential solutions. It aims to inspire change within the judiciary, including by creating space for judges to share their perspectives.   

On what it takes to build an inclusive culture that supports judges with disabilities, Ifeyinwa pauses before responding: “Frankly speaking, a lot more.

“Structures need to be put in place to accommodate judges with disabilities. It is often so easy for us to assume that everybody is ok, especially as there are only very few judges with disabilities.”  

Real change also needs a shift in attitudes. “People need to be more emphatic, so that people with disabilities don’t feel like you’re doing them a special favour by understanding their needs. There is a difference between empathy and pity. I don’t like pity,” Ifeyinwa remarks. 

Inclusivity as the cornerstone of judicial integrity 

A judiciary that mirrors the diversity of the society it serves can deliver meaningful and equitable justice. Contemplating why greater inclusivity brings greater justice, Ifeyinwa explained: “In Nigeria, we are multi-ethnic and multi-religious people. And personally, I feel that the richness of our diversity makes us better as we can understand other people’s beliefs, religions and differences.”   

Magistrate Okoye also hopes to break existing gender stereotypes: “In my country, we are still burdened with belief that women shouldn’t be too ambitious. It appears that the higher courts are tilted in favour of the men while more women are relegated to the Magistracy and other lower courts. Inclusivity brings more integrity within the judiciary in a sense that women bring balance, empathy and different perspectives.” 

Further information

• Learn more about UNODC’s anti-corruption work: unodc.org/corruption 
• Learn more about the Global Judicial Integrity Network: unodc.org/ji