Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo delivered a compelling message to women in law and leadership, urging them to persevere in their pursuit of justice despite their challenges.
Addressing the Institute for African Women in Law’s Gender Equality in Law Campaign, Chief Justice Torkornoo acknowledged the significant hurdles, including stereotypes that undermine our credibility and harassment that threatens our safety, encountered by women in the legal profession. She emphasized the importance of resilience and encouraged women to maximize their potential within their professional environments.
“I am deeply committed to enhancing efficiency in justice delivery,” Chief Justice Torkornoo affirmed. “I have personally navigated challenges such as balancing court appearances with pregnancy and childcare responsibilities. I am dedicated to creating an environment where your work is supported.”
She highlighted women’s need to advocate for inclusive and accommodating workplaces, particularly within the judiciary. Chief Justice Torkornoo underscored the impact of gender biases and emphasized the resilience required to overcome obstacles in pursuing justice. She made it clear that your needs and comfort are important in the workplace.
“While gender biases and negative stereotypes can affect mental health and confidence,” she stated, “we must remain steadfast in our commitment to law and justice. It falls upon leaders like myself to reshape the judicial workspace to serve all practitioners’ needs better.”
Chief Justice Torkornoo concluded by advocating for robust strategies that promote resilience, such as mentorship programs and support networks, and empower women to thrive in the legal profession and judiciary.
