Mentorship programme: Empowering women in justice / for justice

Creating an inclusive and equitable legal environment is crucial for successfully combating corruption and achieving more justice in the society. This involves empowering women to fully participate and take leadership roles in criminal justice professions, utilizing their unique perspectives, experiences and talents to improve the quality and effectiveness of the justice system. The crucial role of women justice leaders was most recently highlighted in December 2023 at the 10th session of the largest UN anti-corruption conference – the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (CoSP10) – where one of the adopted resolutions underscored the importance of “meaningful participation, leadership and representation of women and girls in anti-corruption activities, programmes and initiatives, including by developing robust awareness programmes that address challenges to their participation.”

Objectives

The mentorship programme Empowering Women in Justice / for Justice: A Mentorship Programme for Women Professionals in Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement and the Judiciary aims to empower and advance women serving in judicial and law enforcement institutions, fostering their professional growth and leadership potential. The Programme will strive to support women professionals facing challenges such as discrimination, biases, stereotyping and other obstacles, helping them fully thrive in their careers by fostering a supportive community for peer-learning and experience-sharing.

The Global Judicial Integrity Network and Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) stand as important initiatives of UNODC, with the power and ability to unite judges and anti-corruption law enforcement practitioners, respectively, from around the world for discussions, cooperation and support on critical topics within their respective thematic areas. These two networks have succeeded in creating unique opportunities to establish meaningful connections and valuable contacts, promoting peer learning and experience-sharing.

Launched in March 2024 on the third International Day of Women Judges under the umbrella of UNODC’s Women in Justice / for Justice initiative, the mentorship programme leverages the networking capabilities of the Global Judicial Integrity network and the GlobE Network and strives to promote the advancement of women’s representation and leadership in the justice sector and gender-responsive criminal justice.

The mentorship programme is open to judges participating in the Global Judicial Integrity Network and operational anti-corruption law enforcement officials from member authorities of the GlobE Network.

Download the information flyer

“Women need to form alliances and support each other more and be there professionally for each other. I hope that through this mentorship programme we will achieve this goal and inspire women to believe in themselves, overcome challenges and belittling stereotypes and uphold women’s dignity as they ascend to leadership roles.”

Anwar Alqadeeri, Head of International Cooperation and Agreements, International Cooperation Department, Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), Kuwait

“Aside from education, mentorship is a profound tool that can help shift the trajectory of young professionals. As seasoned individuals within the justice sector, we must extend our hands and share our experiences and offer women guidance in navigating the complexities of our professions.”

Hon. Amparo M. Cabotaje-Tang, Presiding Justice of the Sandiganbayan (Special Anti-Graft) Court, the Philippines

United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime

Corruption and Economic Crime Branch

Mentorship programme: Empowering women in justice / for justice

Objectives

“Aside from education, mentorship is a profound tool that can help shift the trajectory of young professionals. As seasoned individuals within the justice sector, we must extend our hands and share our experiences and offer women guidance in navigating the complexities of our professions.”