Nairobi, Kenya – Over the course of three transformative days, leaders, practitioners, advocates, and aspiring lawyers gathered to interrogate and reimagine the future of justice through a distinctly feminist and intergenerational lens. The convening, themed “Women Leading in Shaping Justice Across Generations”, served as a platform for collaboration, mentoring, and movement-building for women in the legal and justice sectors across the continent. The convening was held from July 14-16, 2025  in Nairobi Kenya where 20 countries including Ethiopia were represented.  The event was hosted by FEMNET and C0-Impact.

A Legacy of Strength: Bridging Generations in Law

A key highlight was the Legacy Talk session, where pioneering women jurists shared the stage with emerging legal professionals. It was a powerful testament to the wisdom that comes with experience and the innovative drive that accompanies youth.

Speakers emphasized that while generational differences bring different challenges, ranging from patriarchal laws and institutional sexism to new digital-age obstacles, one thing remains constant: the resilience of women in law. The dialogue related leadership to a baton relay, underscoring the need for mutual respect. The younger generation is urged to approach their elders with grace, while seasoned professionals are encouraged to lead with empathy and open-mindedness.

At the heart of this exchange is a call for structured mentorship and coaching, recognizing that continuity of leadership in justice can only be ensured when knowledge is intentionally transferred.

“Who Made the Ceiling Anyway?” – Women Rewriting the Legal Leadership Script

A provocative panel titled “Who Made the Ceiling Anyway?” took direct aim at the often invisible yet deeply rooted barriers faced by women in law. The so-called “ceiling” was exposed as a construct of patriarchal norms, harmful traditional practices, misinterpreted religious beliefs, and systemic economic inequality.

The panel was a rallying call for dismantling not only institutional ceilings but also the psychological ones that deter women from ascending into leadership roles in law.

Speakers called on legal institutions to address implicit bias in promotions, case assignments, and leadership selection, while advocating for proactive policies that support women in navigating both professional and personal roles.

Reshaping the Narrative: Media as Ally or Adversary?

The plenary session on Media’s Role in Shaping Public Perceptions of Women in Law spotlighted a critical, yet often overlooked, piece of the puzzle: representation. While media holds great potential to amplify women’s voices, participants noted that, all too often, current practices fall short of truly supporting and uplifting women leaders.

Some participants expressed concern about the gendered nuances in how interviews with women are sometimes conducted by journalists. Frequently questioning female leaders about marital status, family life, and personal appearance, topics rarely directed at their male counterparts. Such double standards discourage women from engaging with media and expose them to public scrutiny and online harassment.

Participants recommended a collaborative approach: legal institutions and media must co-create ethical, gender-sensitive storytelling. Journalists should be involved early in the legal process, allowing them to understand the complexity of legal cases and reflect them more accurately and respectfully. Suggestions also included funding fellowships and capacity-building initiatives that equip journalists to report on justice and gender with distinction.

Systemic Change Requires Systemic Action

In a workshop series that addressed barriers across different critical areas, legal institutions, legal education, regulatory bodies, civil society, and regional bodies, participants worked to co-create long-term strategies. These included policy reform frameworks, advocacy roadmaps, and tools to monitor gender equity in legal education and practice. These Strategies provided hands-on guidance for navigating power structures. From drafting gender-inclusive legislation to lobbying for judicial appointments, real-world case studies offered participants the tools to influence change from the grassroots to the continental level.

From Dialogue to Action: Building women focused Legal Future

The conference culminated in a call to action. Working groups presented a collective vision that prioritizes mentorship, dismantling institutional sexism, partnering with media, and embedding gender equity into legal programs and oversight systems.

The message was clear: Women are not just participants in the legal system, they are architects of its future. With collaborative leadership that touches generations, strategic alliances with the media, and bold advocacy, women in law are not merely breaking ceilings, they are building entirely new structures.

Mihiret Fekadu is a communication and media senior consultant.

Contributed by Mihiret Fekadu