Legal experts and gender advocates has called for a systemic overhaul of Nigeria’s legal profession to enable “a cultural transformation that prioritises inclusivity and national development.”
This was the core of discussions at a roundtable meeting focused on advancing women’s leadership in the legal sector, convened by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in partnership with Co-Impact.
Blueprint report that speakers identified entrenched patriarchal norms and rigid institutional structures as major barriers to women’s upward mobility in the legal field.
Founding Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, described the legal profession as a male-dominated space that must be redefined to reflect gender equity.
“The institution must evolve. We need a change in the culture and value system that currently limits women’s inclusion. When women lead within the legal profession, it doesn’t just change the law, it shapes the society and fuels national progress,” she said.
She stressed the need for institutional reforms that respond to the gender-specific needs of legal professionals, noting that such shifts would create a more enabling environment for women to thrive.
Corroborating this, Mary Wandia, Co-Impact’s Africa Regional Director, pointed out that the problem is not merely numerical underrepresentation but also the deep-seated attitudes embedded within legal institutions. “Patriarchal mindsets aren’t exclusive to men; they are built into the systems. These mindsets influence how institutions operate and often marginalise women,” she noted.
Wandia advocated for intentional efforts to reshape internal policies and foster mentorship opportunities that will support women in stepping into leadership roles. “Women must be encouraged to speak up and take up space. But institutions must first be designed to support them in doing so,” she said.
Academic and legal expert, Prof. Adefunke Bamgbose, who serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Ibadan, called for stronger support systems for women in the profession.
“Many women have internalised societal limitations, but they need to be shown that they are capable. It’s not about competence it’s about confidence,” she said, adding that mentorship from senior female lawyers is already making a difference.
Highlighting the broader social context, Danladi Plang, Head of Programme at International IDEA Nigeria, emphasised that inequality in the legal profession mirrors wider societal issues. “We are not immune to the structures that perpetuate injustice. The legal sector is conservative, and that makes it even harder for disadvantaged groups to find their footing,” he said.
Plang also urged men to actively participate in dismantling systemic barriers and encouraged women in leadership positions to pave the way for others. “Women who break through must leave a legacy one that opens the door wider for those coming after them,” he concluded.