Reviewed by Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare Esq
Lady Justice indicates impartiality, but how are the female judges faring? The blindfolded woman, Lady Justice, who holds a scale and a sword, is an important figure for many justice systems all over the world.
One might say that this is a gender-based question, but it’s fair because women faced hurdles in the past in the legal profession. They were considered unfit for the courtroom. Besides this, they were barred from attending law school or practicing after graduation.
There are now many female judges across the globe. In 23 EU member states, they make up over 50%, and in the UK, 35% of court judges are female. Women make up 49.7% of the judges in the US; India has 13%; Morocco has 25%; and Nigeria has 32%.
Challenges Female Judges Face
Female judges bring unique perspectives to the bench because they can relate to diverse experiences. But they struggle with work-life balance, public perception, and double standards.
It’s the International Day of Women Judges, and this article talks about some of the challenges female judges face.
Gender Bias
There is a certain prejudice about the capabilities of women, and female judges are not free of it. They are often deemed too emotional, not knowledgeable, or experienced. These stereotypes can affect decision-making and lead to a lack of respect and credibility from colleagues.
They also experience bias in selection processes. Although this applies to certain regions only, it limits opportunities for career advancement. Besides, it can affect the confidence and authority of female judges.
Also Read:10 Popular Misconceptions About Women
Work-Life Balance
Judging people’s fate is a hard job, and female judges are under constant pressure to perform at a high level. The heavy workload, long hours, and high-stakes decision-making take a toll on them. This makes it difficult for them to balance family responsibilities with their judicial duties.
The mothers might have limited support for childcare, and this applies too if they are the primary caregivers. These can impact mental and physical health.
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Lack of Representation
Female judges are often underrepresented in the judiciary. This reduces their chances for advancement and can limit them from breaking through the “glass ceiling.” As a result, it can restrict perspectives in decision-making and impact public perceptions of the judiciary.
It also amounts to missed opportunities for talented female legal professionals.
Discrimination and Harassment
Women are discriminated against, and this is true even in the judiciary. Like many women, female judges are not exempt from sexual harassment and other wrongdoing.
However, the fear of retaliation can prevent some of them from reporting misconduct. They also get intimidated and experience verbal abuse in the courtroom.
Furthermore, female judges encounter online harassment and threats. And these have negative effects on mental health and job satisfaction. Accordingly, this can cause impediments to a fair discharge of duty.
Also Read: 10 Major Effects of Discrimination
Double Standards
Female judges are often scrutinized based on their appearance and behavior. They are expected to conform to traditional gender roles, and this can usually be a problem in the courtroom.
Moreso, they are under pressure to prove competence and authority, and as a result, they face harsh criticism. These assumptions about them can have psychological effects on their job fulfillment.
Judicial Decision-Making
Because of cultural expectations, women are seen as non-traditional leaders. This often puts female judges under pressure. As a result, they are usually more careful in striving for fairness and equality in judgments.
Sometimes, they are strongly criticized when they decide a case favorably for a woman. This makes them fear being perceived as too harsh or too lenient, and this can affect how they apply the law impartially.
Professional Development
All judges need continuous training and skill development, regardless of gender. However, female judges have limited time for networking and skill-building. This might be because of the difficulty of managing their homes and work duties.
They also need more access to training programs and workshops and, as a result, fewer mentorship opportunities. This limits career growth and can lead to unequal treatment in the workplace.
Public Perception
This is one of the most popular challenges female judges face. How they are portrayed by the media influences public perception and trust. They focus on their personal lives rather than their professional accomplishments.
This can impact their credibility and authority. In addition, misconceptions about the abilities of women increase media scrutiny of female judges.
Female Judges: Dedicated to Fairness
The challenges female judges face can decrease their job satisfaction and morale. Addressing these challenges will promote wellness, diversity, and inclusivity in the judiciary.
This is important because it helps them focus on fairness, thereby increasing fair judgments.
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