The WOZA - Women in Law South Africa Awards first came on scene in 2019. Founded by Rehana Khan Parker and Asha Ramdin Singhania who were later joined by Subashnee Moodley and Laura Morwesi Dlepu, WOZA created a platform to recognize and celebrate the achievements of South African women in the legal profession. Fast-forward three years: they have soared to new heights. By popular demand, the WOZA Africa Women in Law Awards returned on 31 July 2022, broadening their scope to honor women in law across the African continent.
Speaking on the importance of the WOZA Women in Law Awards, the organizers shared:
The WOZA Africa Women In Law Awards seek to acknowledge female lawyers for their excellence, outstanding achievements, and contributions made to the legal profession. Nominees can include practicing and non-practising attorneys, legal advisors, state attorneys, advocates, members of academia, and the judiciary. The nominees are adjudicated upon by an independent panel of judges, all of whom have a legal background. The ultimate aim of WOZA is to upskill, elevate and empower so that some headway is made with regard to gender parity in the legal profession.
The 2022 edition of the awards attracted over 170 nominations from across the continent and a panel of 12 judges faced the challenge of narrowing it down to the top three awardees per category. IAWL congratulates the recipients of the 84 awards presented across 33 categories including corporate law, AI/ICT law, and intellectual property law among many others.
IAWL Board member, Judge Margie Victor was one of the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the award ceremony. IAWL Founder and Executive Director, Professor Jarpa Dawuni, Ph.D. received two high honors – the Global Transformation Leadership award and the Best in Thought Leadership, Innovation and Academia award. Professor Dawuni’s recognition at the WOZA Awards affirms the importance of creating platforms to showcase the formidable works of African women in law dedicated to social change and development as IAWL strives to do in all its endeavors.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, South Africa Chief Justice Raymond Zondo celebrated WOZA’s efforts to amplify the achievements of women in law and expressed his willingness to get involved in pushing for gender parity in the legal profession.
Find the full list of awardees here: