About us

Arab Women Judges Network

Driven by the conviction that gender-balanced judicial institutions are a cornerstone of impartial justice that is accessible to all members of society, and by the belief in the pivotal role women judges play in upholding the rule of law and strengthening judicial independence, as well as recognizing the pressing need to highlight and reinforce this role across the Arab region—where several countries continue to face challenges that hinder the meaningful participation of women in the judiciary and in decision-making processes—

And in pursuit of advancing justice systems in a manner that supports the participation of women judges and enhances their professional and institutional empowerment, the need has emerged for a sustainable regional body dedicated to removing barriers, strengthening cooperation and solidarity, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise among Arab women judges. This is pursued while respecting the unique legal and judicial systems of each country, within an independent professional framework free from political influence, thereby ensuring neutrality and long-term sustainability.

Accordingly, the Arab Women Judges Network was established as a regional professional platform for cooperation, consultation, and the exchange of expertise. It serves as a mechanism for strengthening the professional standing of Arab women judges, supporting national justice systems, enhancing public confidence in judicial institutions, and promoting fair and equitable access to justice for all.

Empowerment

We invest in building the capacities of women judges and supporting their professional development.

Cooperation

We believe in the power of partnerships and collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.

Integrity

We are committed to transparency, honesty, and integrity in everything we do.

Equality

We work to empower women and promote equal opportunities for all.

Statute


Preamble

Proceeding from the conviction that the existence of judicial bodies with balanced gender representation constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of impartial justice accessible to all members of society; believing in the pivotal role played by women judges in consolidating the rule of law and strengthening the independence of the judiciary; and recognizing the urgent need to highlight and activate this role in the Arab region, where women in some countries continue to face challenges that hinder their effective participation in judicial work and decision-making;

Desiring to develop justice systems in a manner that supports the participation of women judges and empowers them professionally and institutionally, there is a need to establish a sustainable regional body that works to remove obstacles, strengthen cooperation and solidarity, and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise among Arab women judges, while taking into account the particular circumstances of each country and its judicial system, within an independent professional framework that is not subject to any political orientation, thereby ensuring neutrality and sustainability.

Accordingly, the “Arab Women Judges Network” has been established as a regional professional platform for cooperation, consultation, and the exchange of expertise, and as a means of strengthening the professional standing of Arab women judges, supporting national justice systems, enhancing public confidence in judicial institutions, and ensuring fair and equitable access to justice for all.

Vision

Pioneering women judges leading change toward more gender-responsive judicial institutions, contributing to the fair application of laws, and enhancing women’s access to justice across Arab countries.

Values and Principles

  1. Judicial independence.
  2. Equality and non-discrimination.
  3. Integrity and professionalism.
  4. Regional solidarity and integration.
  5. Transparency and accountability.
  6. Sustainable institutional development.

Objectives

The Network works to support the principles of justice and the rule of law, promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge among Arab women judges, and expand understanding of issues concerning women in general and women judges in particular, through the following:

  1. Supporting the participation of Arab women in judicial institutions and promoting equal opportunities in assuming judicial positions.
  2. Strengthening the rule of law and highlighting the professional competence of Arab women judges at the national and regional levels by showcasing their legal and judicial roles and contributions and raising public awareness of their effective professional and social roles.
  3. Coordinating with judicial authorities in Arab countries to support and empower women judges, facilitate their advancement to the highest levels, and strengthen their participation at the regional and international levels.
  4. Cooperating with various governmental and non-governmental bodies that may contribute to achieving the objectives set forth in this Statute, in accordance with its provisions.
  5. Providing the necessary support for the establishment of women’s judicial associations in Arab societies and building bridges of cooperation and communication with them.
  6. Organizing conferences, seminars, and training courses, and establishing coordination channels with relevant entities at the Arab and international levels.
  7. Taking the necessary legal and administrative measures to achieve the objectives of the Network and carrying out activities consistent with its scope of work.

Name

Pursuant to this Statute, an Arab regional body for women judges shall be established under the name “Arab Women Judges Network.”

The establishment, operation, and dissolution of the Network shall be governed by the provisions of this Statute and by any instructions and internal regulations issued pursuant thereto.

Legal Nature of the Network

  • The Arab Women Judges Network is a regional, professional, non-governmental, and non-profit Arab body established and composed of Arab women judges, whether through institutional bodies or individual membership, working within a common framework to achieve the objectives set forth in this Statute.
  • The Network shall enjoy full independence in its decision-making.
  • The Network shall have legal personality and shall perform its functions in accordance with the provisions of this Statute, without being subject to any governmental or non-governmental authority and without engaging in or adopting any activity of a political nature, while respecting the domestic legal systems and particular circumstances of each country.

Headquarters of the Network

The permanent headquarters of the Network shall be located in Iraq.

Meetings may be organized in any Arab country in accordance with the decisions of the Executive Office.

Membership

Membership in the Network shall consist of the following categories:

  1. Individual Membership: Granted to every woman judge who holds a judicial position and meets the membership requirements stipulated in the Internal Regulations.
  2. Judicial Associations and Networks: Includes Arab judicial bodies concerned with the affairs of women judges.
  3. Honorary Membership: Granted to prominent judicial, legal, or academic figures whose influence supports the objectives of the Network, pursuant to a decision of the Executive Office.

Organizational Structure of the Network

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest deliberative body of the Network. It consists of the Executive Office and all women judges who are members of the Network.

The General Assembly shall be responsible for setting the general policy of the Network.

Executive Office

The Executive Office is the body responsible for implementing the decisions of the General Assembly and overseeing the administrative and technical operations of the Network.

The Executive Office shall consist of representatives of the founding countries and countries that have joined the Network. Its composition, working mechanisms, and functions shall be determined in accordance with the Internal Regulations.

Decision-Making Mechanisms

  1. The General Assembly shall adopt its decisions by a simple majority of the members present, except in fundamental matters, such as amendments to the Statute, which shall require a two-thirds majority.
  2. The Executive Office shall seek to adopt its decisions by consensus. Where consensus cannot be reached, decisions shall be adopted by majority vote.
  3. All decisions shall be documented in officially approved minutes.

Final Provisions

  1. This document shall constitute the foundational reference instrument of the Arab Women Judges Network.
  2. Detailed Internal Regulations shall be issued to determine the procedures and organizational mechanisms supplementing this Statute.
  3. This Statute shall enter into force from the date of its adoption by the founding meeting of the Network.

Based on the approved founding document, these Internal Regulations are hereby adopted to regulate the administrative, organizational, and procedural aspects of the work of the Arab Women Judges Network.

CHAPTER ONE
General Provisions

Article (1): Definitions

For the purposes of these Regulations, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned to them below:

  1. The Network: The Arab Women Judges Network.
  2. The General Assembly: The supreme body composed of all members of the Network, the Executive Office, and the members admitted thereto.
  3. The Executive Office: The administrative and executive body elected or appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Statute.
  4. The Committees: The specialized committees established by the Executive Office.
  5. Member States: The Arab states whose women judges or judicial bodies have joined the Network.

Article (2): Objectives of the Internal Regulations

These Regulations aim to:

  1. Establish the organizational and procedural mechanisms necessary for implementing the provisions of the Statute.
  2. Establish the administrative and financial governance rules of the Network.
  3. Define the powers and responsibilities of the Network’s bodies and committees.
  4. Regulate membership, admission, resignation, suspension, and termination of membership.
  5. Regulate meeting procedures and the mechanisms for decision-making and voting.

CHAPTER TWO

Membership

Article (3): Types and Conditions of Membership

First: Individual Membership

Any woman holding a judicial office in accordance with the national legislation of her country shall be entitled to apply for membership in the Network by completing the approved membership application form.

The membership application form and the procedures for its approval shall be determined by a decision issued by the Executive Office following deliberation.

Conditions of Individual Membership

  1. The applicant must be a serving or retired woman judge.
  2. She must comply with the values and principles of the Network set forth in the Statute.
  3. She must pay the admission fee and annual membership subscriptions.
  4. She must not engage in any political activity under the auspices of the Network.

Second: Membership of Judicial Associations and Networks

Judicial associations and bodies may join the Network subject to the following conditions:

  1. Commitment to paying the applicable membership subscriptions.
  2. Their objectives must not conflict with the objectives of the Network.
  3. Participation in meetings, expression of opinions, and nomination for positions shall be exercised in accordance with the rules adopted by the Executive Office.
  4. Where more than one association or network exists in the same country, the right of representation shall be granted to the association or network that joined the Network first.

Third: Honorary Membership

  1. Honorary membership shall be granted to individuals who have made distinguished contributions in judicial, legal, or academic fields relating to women.
  2. Honorary members shall have the right to attend meetings and provide advice, but shall not have the right to vote or stand for election. They shall be exempt from membership subscription fees.

Article (4): Admission Procedures

  1. An application for membership shall be submitted by individuals or institutions by completing the application form designated for that purpose, in accordance with the form approved by the Executive Office.
  2. The Executive Office shall decide on membership applications through deliberations conducted in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Decisions shall be adopted by a majority vote of its members.
  3. Upon the issuance of preliminary approval of a membership application, the applicant shall complete payment of the prescribed annual subscriptions. Such payment shall constitute a condition for the final completion of admission to the Network.

Article (5): Rights of Members

  1. Participation in meetings of the General Assembly.
  2. Voting and standing for election to the Executive Office.
  3. Benefiting from the activities, programs, and initiatives implemented by the Network.

Article (6): Loss, Suspension, and Termination of Membership

First: Cases of Loss of Membership

Membership shall be lost in any of the following cases:

  1. Death.
  2. Loss of any condition required for membership.
  3. Failure to pay membership subscriptions for two consecutive years, unless an exemption is granted by the Executive Office of the Network.
  4. Issuance of a judicial judgment for an offence involving dishonour or moral turpitude.

Second: Suspension or Termination of Membership

The Executive Office may, by a two-thirds majority of its members, suspend or terminate the membership of any member of the General Assembly where the member commits a substantial violation of the principles and objectives of the Network set forth in the Statute, in any of the following cases:

  1. A serious breach of the provisions of the Statute or these Internal Regulations.
  2. Making statements or publications that may harm the reputation of the Network or affect its credibility.
  3. Exploiting membership in the Network, its activities, or its name for personal purposes or for purposes inconsistent with its objectives.

The concerned member shall be guaranteed the right to respond and present a defence before a final decision is taken.

Third: Resignation and Removal from Office

  1. Any member may submit her resignation in writing after settling all financial and legal obligations owed to the Network. The Executive Office shall consider and approve the resignation at its first meeting following the date of submission.
  2. The President of the Executive Office, the Vice-President, or the Secretary-General may be removed from office where any of the grounds specified in Article (6), First, concerning loss of membership, or Article (6), Second, concerning suspension or termination of membership due to serious violations of the Statute or Internal Regulations, is established.
  3. A decision to remove the President of the Network or the Vice-President shall not become effective unless approved by two-thirds of the members of the General Assembly.

CHAPTER THREE

The General Assembly

Article (7): Composition of the General Assembly

The General Assembly is the highest deliberative body of the Network. It consists of the Executive Office and all members of the Network.

It shall have the authority to determine the general policy of the Network, direct its activities, and issue the decisions necessary to achieve its objectives.

Article (8): Powers of the General Assembly

The General Assembly shall have the following powers:

  1. Discussing plans, programs, and activities.
  2. Approving general policies and annual plans.
  3. Approving amendments to the Statute and the Internal Regulations.
  4. Deciding on the dissolution of the Network in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.

Article (9): Meetings of the General Assembly

  1. The General Assembly shall meet once every two years. An extraordinary meeting may be convened at the request of one-third of the members or of the Executive Office, subject to approval by the majority.
  2. The President shall notify the members of the date of the meeting at least thirty days in advance.
  3. A quorum shall be constituted by the attendance of a majority of the members.
  4. Meetings of the General Assembly shall be chaired by the eldest member present, assisted by two members selected by her. Sessions shall be held under the supervision of a member of the Executive Office to ensure the proper conduct of procedures.
  5. Meetings may be held in person or through approved electronic means in a manner that ensures the participation of all members.
  6. Decisions of the General Assembly shall be adopted by a simple majority. However, amendments to the Internal Regulations, dissolution of the Network, and removal of members of the Executive Office shall require the approval of two-thirds of the members of the General Assembly.

CHAPTER FOUR

The Executive Office

Article (10): Composition of the Executive Office

  1. The Executive Office shall consist of officially nominated representatives of all founding states and member states.
  2. The President and Vice-President of the Executive Office shall be elected by the members of the General Assembly in accordance with the approved procedures.
  3. All members of the General Assembly shall have the right to stand for election to the Executive Office.
  4. Each Arab state shall be represented by one member in the Executive Office.

Article (11): Functions of the Executive Office

The Executive Office shall undertake the following functions:

  1. Preparing the annual plan, instructions, and organizational regulations.
  2. Deciding on membership applications.
  3. Developing mechanisms for implementing the objectives of the Network.
  4. Issuing administrative and financial decisions and approving the budget.
  5. Establishing technical committees and following up on their work.

Article (12): Term and Composition of the Executive Office

Each candidate shall express her intention to stand for membership of the Executive Office or for any of its positions by submitting a written declaration of candidacy, after fulfilling the membership conditions stipulated in these Regulations.

Fair geographical representation of Arab states shall be observed in the allocation of positions.

The positions referred to herein shall rotate regularly among Arab states. Any candidacy submitted in violation of this principle shall be automatically rejected.

The Executive Office shall be composed of:

  1. President of the Network: Elected periodically for a term of two years.
  2. Vice-President: Elected periodically for a term of two years.
  3. Secretary-General: The Executive Office shall elect the Secretary-General of the Network periodically for a term of two years. Her term may be renewed once, exceptionally, during the first term following the establishment of the Network.
  4. Treasurer: Elected periodically for a term of two years.

Article (13): Functions of the President of the Executive Office

The President of the Executive Office shall:

  1. Represent the Network at regional and international forums and activities.
  2. Act as the legal representative of the Network before all official and semi-official authorities.
  3. Chair meetings of the Executive Office and sign the decisions issued after their approval.
  4. Sign contracts and agreements after their approval by the Executive Office.
  5. Sign payment and disbursement orders following financial approval.

Article (14): Functions of the Vice-President

  1. The Vice-President shall perform all the functions of the President in her absence.
  2. She shall undertake any duties or assignments entrusted to her by the President or the Executive Office in accordance with the provisions of these Internal Regulations.

Article (15): Functions of the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General shall:

  1. Manage administrative and coordination affairs.
  2. Prepare official files and documents.
  3. Maintain records and decisions.

Article (16): Functions of the Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

  1. Manage the financial affairs of the Network and supervise its funds in accordance with the provisions of the Internal Regulations and the approved financial regulations.
  2. Collect membership subscriptions, donations, and financial contributions, and maintain the relevant financial records and documents.
  3. Prepare periodic and annual financial reports and present them to the Executive Office and the General Assembly.
  4. Supervise the preparation of the draft annual budget and monitor its implementation following approval.
  5. Disburse approved expenditures in accordance with the applicable financial rules and procedures and after obtaining the necessary approvals.
  6. Perform any other duties assigned to her by the Executive Office within the scope of her competence.

Article (17): Meetings of the Executive Office

  1. An ordinary meeting shall be held every six months.
  2. Meetings of the Executive Office shall be held in person and may also be conducted electronically.
  3. In the case of in-person meetings, the President shall send invitations to the members no fewer than thirty days before the date of the meeting.
  4. Decisions shall be adopted by agreement. Where agreement cannot be reached, they shall be adopted by majority vote.
  5. Necessary decisions may be taken without convening a meeting, provided that all members give their written or electronic approval.
  6. The legal quorum for meetings of the Executive Office shall be constituted by the attendance of two-thirds of its members. Decisions shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting in which the required quorum has been achieved.

CHAPTER FIVE

Technical Committees and Administrative Staff

Article (18): Establishment of Technical Committees

  1. Technical committees shall be established by a decision of the Executive Office.
  2. The decision establishing a committee shall specify its mandate and duration.
  3. Each committee shall prepare and implement an annual work plan.
  4. Each committee shall operate under the supervision of a member of the Executive Office appointed by the President.
  5. Committees shall submit periodic reports to the Executive Office.
  6. Committees may be reconstituted as necessary.

Article (19): Administrative Staff

The Network shall operate through administrative staff whose number and composition shall be determined by a decision of the Executive Office.

The administrative staff shall be subject to the direct supervision and direction of the Executive Office and shall provide the administrative and logistical support necessary for the proper functioning of the Network.

CHAPTER SIX

Financial Administration

Article (20): Financial Resources

The financial resources of the Network shall consist of:

  1. Membership subscriptions paid by members.
  2. Grants, donations, or unconditional funding compatible with the objectives of the Network.
  3. Revenue generated from research, studies, and workshops conducted by the Network in support of its activities.

Article (21): Management of Financial Resources

  1. The financial resources of the Network shall be deposited in a bank account held in the name of the Network at its headquarters.
  2. Expenditures shall be approved in accordance with a mechanism determined by the Executive Office.
  3. An annual financial report shall be prepared and presented to the Executive Office.
  4. The Network shall comply with an approved financial system based on transparency and accountability.
  5. All movable and immovable property of the Network shall constitute the private property of the Network. No member shall have the right to claim such property or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever.
  6. The accounts of the Network shall be subject to an annual audit conducted by an accredited auditor.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Database and Information Protection

Article (22): Data Protection

  1. The database shall be managed in accordance with confidentiality and information-protection standards.
  2. Data shall not be shared except for professional purposes related to the objectives of the Network.
  3. A member shall have the right to request the amendment or deletion of her personal data.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Partnerships and External Representation

Article (23): Partnerships and Representation

  1. The Network may conclude memoranda of understanding with judicial, academic, or international entities.
  2. External representation of the Network shall be authorized by a decision of the Executive Office.

CHAPTER NINE

Amendment of the Internal Regulations

Article (24): Amendment of the Internal Regulations

  1. These Regulations may be amended by a decision of the General Assembly adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members present.
  2. A proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing at least thirty days before the meeting.

CHAPTER TEN

Dissolution and Merger

Article (25): Dissolution of the Network

  1. The Network shall be dissolved by a decision of the General Assembly approved by two-thirds of its members.
  2. Upon dissolution, the property of the Network shall be transferred to an organization with similar objectives.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Final Provisions

Article (26): Entry into Force

  1. These Internal Regulations shall enter into force from the date of their approval by the Executive Office.
  2. In the event of ambiguity, reference shall be made to the Statute of the Network as the supreme governing instrument.