On International Women's Day, March 8, 25 women law students from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law had the opportunity to meet, talk to, and dine with four women judges at an event generously hosted by Justice Sheila Greckol.
The event was a collaboration by the Faculty's Women's Law Forum (WLF) and the Canadian Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (CCIAWJ). The WLF hosts events and activities throughout the year for its members, to examine the relationship between women and the law; to provide networking, mentoring and support for women in the law; to educate and increase awareness of women's issues; and to contribute to the community. The CCIAWJ works with its members to empower future lawyers, eradicate gender bias from judicial systems, and promote women's access to the courts.
After an informal meet-and-greet between the students and judges, Justice Greckol provided welcome remarks and introduced the students to the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). The IAWJ is working on judicial leadership in many countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nepal and Nigeria; enhancing access to justice in Malawi; and building networks of support and dialogue for women judges in Egypt, Jordan, Libya, and Tunisia. After the remarks, the students divided into groups of six and had the opportunity to speak with each of the judges for 15 minutes. The judges reflected on their career paths - from articling through to their time on the bench - and welcomed questions from the students on a variety of topics. After the sessions, the group enjoyed dinner and further conversation with the judges.
The Women's Law Forum would like to extend their sincere thanks to Justice Greckol for hosting the event, and thank all of the judges for participating in this remarkable - and inspiring - evening