In this special episode of Womanity for International Women’s Day, Judge Jacqueline Henriques, alongside Prof. Beatrice Opeolu and Dr. Lara Atkinson, emphasize education, leadership, policy change, and advocacy as essential tools for creating a more equitable future. Their powerful insights remind us that progress requires collective action, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment for all women and girls.

Judge Jacqueline Henriques – Women’s Rights, Justice & Legal Empowerment

Judge Jacqueline Henriques, a permanent judge of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, discusses the global regression in women’s rights, the role of the judiciary in gender equality, and the importance of legal awareness and access to justice. She reflects on International Women’s Day as a time to assess progress and reinvigorate efforts to protect women’s rights globally.

Judge Henriques expresses concern over the backsliding of gender rights worldwide, citing examples such as the Taliban’s restrictions on women in Afghanistan and the curtailment of abortion rights in the United States. While acknowledging that some countries, including Bolivia, Moldova, Ecuador, Slovenia, South Korea, and Zambia, have made strides in strengthening democracy and human rights, she stresses the need to maintain momentum in the fight for gender equality.

She highlights the critical role of the judiciary in advancing women’s rights, referencing landmark court cases in South Africa that have strengthened gender equality, such as:

1. Legal recognition of female traditional leaders, breaking patriarchal barriers in cultural leadership.

2. Judicial recognition of Muslim marriages, ensuring that women in these unions receive legal protection.

However, she emphasizes that having strong laws is not enough—women must know their rights and have the means to enforce them. She identifies a major gap in public awareness, particularly among women in rural communities, who often lack access to legal resources and support.

Judge Henriques stresses that NGOs and community organizations play a vital role in bridging this gap by educating women about their legal protections and ensuring that justice is accessible to all. She also highlights the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which are being successfully implemented in rural communities, where trained female mediators help resolve disputes locally.

She calls for greater inclusivity in legal reforms, urging governments to engage with researchers and grassroots organizations to shape policies that truly address the needs of marginalized women, including those with disabilities. She also advocates for practical improvements, such as ensuring buildings are wheelchair-accessible, to make justice more inclusive.

Her final message to women: We must not lose momentum. Women must be informed, empowered, and supported to claim their rights. True justice means ensuring that no woman is left behind.

Prof. Beatrice Opeolu – Environmental Toxicology & Gender Equality in Sustainability

Prof. Beatrice Opeolu, an environmental toxicologist, explores the interconnection between environmental justice and gender equality. She highlights how environmental degradation disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly in developing countries, and stresses the need for policy changes that prioritize gender-sensitive sustainability efforts.

She outlines three critical areas for transformation:

1. Changing societal norms – From childhood, girls are often assigned domestic roles while boys are not taught self-sufficiency. She urges families to raise boys and girls equally to break ingrained gender biases.

2. Education reform – Formal and informal education systems must be restructured to contextually reflect African realities and improve awareness about environmental sustainability.

3. Political will & leadership – Governments must be intentional about advancing gender equality by creating opportunities for women in science, policy-making, and sustainability efforts.

Prof. Opeolu also addresses women’s underrepresentation in environmental science and leadership, emphasizing that many women lack confidence despite being highly qualified. She advocates for strong mentorship networks, intentional leadership training, and support systems that uplift women in STEM fields. She also promotes the upcoming Women Leaders in Higher Education Summit in Johannesburg, an initiative to bring together female leaders globally.

Her closing message: Every woman is enough, capable, and valuable. Women in leadership must uplift others, and mentorship should be a two-way relationship that empowers future generations.

Dr. Lara Atkinson – Women in Marine Science & Ocean Conservation

Dr. Lara Atkinson, a marine scientist, shares her perspectives on gender equality in ocean research, reflecting on her experience in scientific expeditions with diverse, multicultural teams of women. She describes International Women’s Day as a moment to celebrate progress, reflect on challenges, and push forward towards greater gender parity.

Dr. Atkinson emphasizes that representation matters—seeing diverse women in science encourages young girls to pursue careers in STEM. She shares her involvement in education outreach programs for underprivileged schools in South Africa, where she actively mentors young women and ensures they see role models in marine science.

She acknowledges progress in gender equality within marine science, noting an increase in female researchers and leaders. However, she also points out that old-fashioned perceptions persist, and more work is needed to dismantle biases that suggest certain scientific fields are “male-dominated.”

Addressing the economic importance of oceans, Dr. Atkinson discusses how marine conservation efforts impact women’s livelihoods—especially those working in coastal economies reliant on fishing and marine resources. She underscores the need for sustainable resource management to ensure job security for women in these industries.

Her final message to young women: “It’s up to us to change outdated perceptions. With passion, dedication, and confidence, women can succeed in any career they choose. Never give up on your dreams.”

Tune in for more.