Recognising the Role of Women in the Justice System
International Day of Women Judges 2025: Celebrating Judicial Equality: Every year on March 10, the world observes the International Day of Women Judges—a day dedicated to acknowledging the growing presence and impact of women within judicial systems. This occasion shines a light on how female judges contribute to fairer, more balanced justice, and the importance of their perspectives in court decisions. As the call for gender equality continues globally, representation in the judiciary has become vital in shaping inclusive, democratic institutions and inspiring young women to enter legal careers with confidence.
How the Day Was Established Globally
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially designated March 10 as the International Day of Women Judges through Resolution 75/274, passed on April 28, 2021. The momentum for this global initiative began during a key UNODC meeting in Doha, Qatar in February 2020, where pressing issues like gender discrimination, harassment, and the underrepresentation of women in courts were brought to the forefront. The first global observance took place in 2022, and the day now serves as a yearly platform to promote judicial diversity and female leadership.
Why This Day Holds Importance
This observance goes beyond celebration—it calls attention to the need for gender diversity in legal leadership, more inclusive policies, and systemic changes that support women’s growth in judicial careers. Women judges bring unique insights that challenge deep-rooted gender bias and contribute to the credibility of court judgments. In countries like India, efforts are being made to reduce gender gaps through reform strategies and awareness, but there is still much progress to be made in terms of numbers and leadership roles.
India’s Pioneers and Current Reality
India’s journey in judicial gender inclusion began with Anna Chandy, who became the first woman judge of a High Court in 1937. Later, in 1989, Justice Fathima Beevi became the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of India. These women were trailblazers in a time when gender equality was far from mainstream. However, the situation today still reflects underrepresentation. As of August 2024, only 14% of High Court judges were women—106 out of 754, and just 2 women served as Chief Justices in High Courts. These figures underscore the ongoing challenges in achieving equal representation.
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International Day of Women Judges 2025: Celebrating Judicial Equality:
| Feature | Details |
| Day Observed | March 10 every year |
| First Celebrated | 2022 (Declared by UNGA in 2021 via Resolution 75/274) |
| Origin Event | UNODC Conference, Doha (Feb 24–27, 2020) |
| India’s First Woman Judge | Anna Chandy – High Court, 1937 |
| First Woman SC Judge in India | Justice Fathima Beevi – Appointed in 1989 |
| Women Judges in High Courts (2024) | 14% – 106 out of 754 judges |
| Women Chief Justices (2024) | Only 2 across all High Courts |
| Key Challenges | Gender bias, low representation, lack of leadership roles |
