Women Judges Establish Network to Strengthen Judicial Cooperation

Under the initiative of the UNDP Regional Programme for Arab States, in coordination with UNDP Iraq, and hosted by the Iraq Women Judges Association, women judges from six Arab countries (Iraq, Palestine, Algeria, Yemen, Morocco, and Qatar) gathered in Baghdad on 13–14 February 2026 to formally establish the Arab Women Judges Network.

During the two-day meeting, participants adopted the Baghdad Declaration, which designates Baghdad as the permanent headquarters of the Network. The initiative aims to provide a professional and independent platform to strengthen judicial cooperation, promote the exchange of expertise and reinforce the professional roles of women judges across Arab States.

The Network will continue to expand its membership in the lead-up to its official launch, planned for May 2026. Organisers emphasise that the initiative represents a significant step toward advancing women’s leadership in the judiciary and strengthening justice systems throughout the Arab region.

The creation of the Arab Women Judges Network reflects ongoing regional efforts to empower women in leadership positions within the judiciary, contributing to more transparent, effective and equitable justice systems across the Arab world.

Source: UNDP Iraq