In South Africa, Sunday, September 1, marks a historic moment as Judge Mandisa Maya, 60, begins her tenure as Chief Justice, becoming the first woman to lead the judiciary and head the Constitutional Court. This appointment is a landmark achievement, as the position has traditionally been occupied by men.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Maya, who was previously the Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, to this prestigious role. Her appointment is seen as a significant step forward for gender equality in South Africa’s judicial system.
Thoba Poyo-Dlwati, president of the South African branch of the International Association of Women Judges, expressed optimism about this milestone. She stated, “This appointment recognizes that women are equally capable of holding top leadership positions within the branches of government. In 1994, there were only a few female judges out of 174, and none were Black. Today, of 248 judges, 115 are women.
“Although there is still progress to be made—such as the fact that only five out of fifteen highest court magistrates are women—this appointment provides hope. It signifies a shift in attitudes and serves as an inspiration for women judges and future generations. With continued efforts to challenge stereotypes and advance gender equality, we can expect further improvements in the representation of women in the judiciary.”