G100 Law & Justice wing led by Judge Carmen Velásquez, celebrated International Women’s Day at the UN with a forum on: “Law, Justice and Empowerment of Women Judges, in the United States and the World.” The event gathering legal and civil leaders from different parts of the world including from Ghana, Mexico, Ecuador, was supported by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic – a testimony to the power of togetherness. Ambassador Johana Cedeño of the Dominican Republic lauded the approach of women supporting women, which manifested the event an and is indeed a key driver of accelerating equity and equality, be it in any domain or country. 

Judge Velasquez opened the meeting with a perspective on gains made in the past and a vision for the future. She shared that  “In the US, it was in 1928 that we had a female Judge for the first time”, and that it has taken 95 years to have 6056 female judges in the entire United States, with 4 female judges on the US Supreme Court.” Parity would be the next milestone and it can be achieved collectively.

Judge Carmen Velásquez introduced and welcomed other judges and speakers.  

Judge Blanca Pérez, born in the United States, to Dominican parents, shared her story and journey on being elected to the Supreme Criminal Court.

Judge Karina Martínez Jiménez from Mexico, member of the International Women’s Association of Judges and President of the Tierras Negras lawyers in Mexico, shared about the prejudices that she had to overcome including being notified by human resources during her pregnancy that she could not access the position of notifier in a criminal court, something that she felt was unfair. With the support of magistrates, she could overcome that situation, lifting one more obstacle on our collective path. 

Tanya Loor Zambrano from Ecuador elaborated on the history of the women’s struggle in Ecuadorian society, highlighting role models and trailblazing women who paved the way for political and legal participation of women. Ecuador has now 771 female judges.

Judge Adoley Azu of Ghana, pointed out the discrimination that is experienced and experienced in her country, which fights for a greater representation of women in the field of Law and Justice.

Ecuadorian lawyer, Cecilia Proaño, and judge from Mexico, Alicia Ximénez Carrasco, shared as well. G100 Global Chair for Climate Action & Environment, Gina Otto, also joined the event. 

It was an empowering meet with exchange and inspiration, cementing the sense of common purpose, shared commitment and urgency of action. Together we can push the pace of change and do not have to delay any more the imperatives of equity, justice, progress and parity for all.

Convenor: Grateful regards to meetings Convenor, Hon’ble Justice Carmen R. Velasquez, NY Supreme Court Justice and Immediate Past President of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, USA, and G100 Global Chair, Law & Justice.