Call for stronger support to advance women’s leadership in Bangladesh’s judiciary

Speakers at the national judicial leadership colloquium emphasized that gender-responsive reforms are essential in Bangladesh's justice system, calling for stronger representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles within the judiciary.

The two-day Judicial Leadership Colloquium for Women Judges, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on 02-03 May, 2026, aimed to strengthen leadership capacities, foster peer learning, and support the development of a more inclusive and effective justice system.

As a part of UNDP's regional initiative on women's leadership in the judiciary, the Bangladesh colloquium translated global and regional learning into the national context. Sessions focused on leadership, ethics, and gender-responsive justice.

Opening the programme, Habibur Rahman Siddiquee, Registrar General of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, emphasized institutional priorities, saying, "Strengthening women's participation in judicial leadership is key to enhancing public confidence and ensuring a more balanced and accountable justice system."

Syed Haider, Head of Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission, noted, "Gender-responsive reforms are fundamental to building institutions that are fair, transparent, and trusted. Investing in women's leadership within the judiciary is a critical step in that direction."

Romana Schweiger, Senior Advisor on Rule of Law and Human Rights at UNDP Bangladesh, stated, "A judiciary must reflect the society it serves. Advancing women's leadership is not only about representation, but it is also essential to ensuring that justice systems are more responsive, inclusive, and effective."

The programme featured Justice Fahmida Quader of the High Court Division as keynote speaker, who highlighted persistent disparities in leadership. She noted that while more than 670 women judges serve in the subordinate judiciary, representation in the Supreme Court remains limited, pointing to the need for mentorship, fair promotion practices, and sustained reform efforts.

The colloquium also brought together regional judicial leaders to share comparative experiences. Justice Mubina Asaf, High Court Division, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, reflected, "Leadership in the judiciary is often exercised beyond formal authority. Building credibility and navigating institutional challenges are essential to influencing meaningful change."

Justice Aisha Shujune Muhammad of the Supreme Court of Maldives said, "Across the region, women judges face similar structural barriers. Creating platforms for dialogue and peer learning is vital to strengthening leadership and advancing equality."

Judge Ampassacha Disatha-Amnarj of the Court of Justice in Thailand added, "Leadership is defined not only by position but by the ability to influence systems, challenge norms, and contribute to reforms that promote justice and equality."

Participants identified key barriers, including limited access to mentorship, complex promotion pathways, and workplace constraints. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening networks among women judges and fostering collective leadership to support long-term professional growth.

The colloquium concluded with a shared vision for advancing women's leadership in the judiciary by 2030, outlining practical pathways to support gender equality and institutional reform.