NBA Women Forum Unveils Speakers for the 2nd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2022)

In preparation for the 2nd Annual Conference of the NBAWF, the women Forum has unveiled speakers and topics for panel discussions:

See details below:
SESSION 1
Hidden Biases in Courtroom Dynamics: Gender and The Judiciary
The judicial decision-making must be independent and impartial at all times, unfortunately certain gender stereotypes ultimately compromise the impartiality and integrity of the justice system.
This session will provide insight into
I. The role of gender bias relating to judges and the need to Eliminate judicial stereotyping to ensure equality and justice for victims and survivors.
II. New ways to implement appropriate and effective national strategies for the advancement of women in judicial justice systems and institutions at the leadership, managerial and other levels.

  1. Hon Justice Roli Harriman,
    High Court of Delta State
  2. Joyce Oduah, General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association

SESSION 2
Rising to the occasion: Leadership from The Eyes of a Contemporary Young Women
This session will be on leading rather than following. The goal is to provide insights into how you can inspire other people, make a positive difference to your life and the lives of the people around you. It is crucial that women no longer stand on the side-lines, waiting for instruction and instead, reach out for the limelight and take control.
This session will also discuss
I. The professional, patriarchal structures in the legal profession that affect the compatibility of work, family life and the work-life balance for women
II. The Everyday experiences that contribute to the success of women in the legal profession
III. How the legal profession’s mental health challenges have one-in- four women mulling career change

  1. Wola Joseph, Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary, EKO Electricity Distribution PLC
  2. Sheryl Galler, Chairperson New York State Bar Association Women in Law Section
  3. Nta Ekpiken, Principle Partner, NECS

SESSION 3
Advancing Society:
The National Assembly as a Friend or Foe?
On March 1st, 2022, Nigeria’s 9th National Assembly which consists of 95.9% men voted against greater participation of women in public governance, leadership in political parties, citizenship rights, etc.
This session will discuss
I. How the National Assembly refusal to support women reinforces the lack of support for gender inequality
II. The effect of the National assembly refusing to pass crucial amendments that support gender inclusive laws for Nigeran women.

  1. Kunle Lawal, Executive Director, Electoral College Nigeria
  2. Prof. Uche Ewelukwa Ofodile (SJD Harvard), E.J. Ball Professor of Law, University of Arkansas

SESSION 4
The road less travelled: Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the legal profession:
With increased national attention on sexual harassment and related issues. Lawyers need to be on the front line in the fight against sexism and harassment.
The session will
I. provide the tools to challenge the issue, issues involved in reporting sexual misconduct, including the gap between reporting and prosecuting cases, as well as how reporting will often limit a survivor’s access to job opportunities.
II. Discuss effective employee behaviour policies and possible penalty for the accused

  1. Ose Okpeku, Partner, The Law Crest
  2. Eno-Obong Akpan Esq, Chairperson Emeritus, NBA Uyo Branch

SESSION 5
Shattering Stereotypes
Heels In the Boardroom – A case for Navigating or Negotiating the Corporate Ladder.
Gender imbalance and women under representation in leadership positions and the Boardroom have been on the front burner for a while.
This session will analyze:
I. How women can ascend the corporate ladder without compromising competence and improve their bargaining power.
II. And suggest key success strategies and whether or not there should be deliberate policies on women representation on Boards.

  1. Tonye Patrick Cole – Former MD Sahara group
  2. Ifeoma Utah – General Counsel MTN
    Moderator – Cecilia Akintomide Former Vice President AFDB

SESSION 6
The Debate
Justifying diversity – Should quotas be used to achieve legal parity?
Policy makers and organisations have been working toward achieving gender diversity in the legal profession for many decades, but progress has been slow and is perhaps even stagnating. This session would consist of two debaters discussing the following:
Georgette Monnou, Africa, Legal Consultant, PawPay

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