The Judiciary marked International Women’s Day on Friday 6 March with a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the many women who form the backbone of our institution.
The day began with the distribution of small tokens of appreciation to our women staff, recognising their dedication, professionalism, and daily contributions to the administration of justice.
We were then honoured to welcome Marie May Jeremie, who delivered an inspiring talk reflecting on her journey as a woman in leadership and encouraging our team to remain confident, resilient, and purposeful in their paths.
The celebration was made even more special with a surprise visit from the First Lady, Véronique Herminie, who shared heartfelt reflections on womanhood, leadership, and the importance of supporting one another.
It was truly meaningful to hear both women speak candidly about their experiences and offer valuable advice to our team, a community made up predominantly of women committed to serving the public with integrity.
The Judiciary of Seychelles joins the international community in commemorating International Women Judges Day, recognising the important role women play in strengthening justice systems and promoting equal access to justice.
Observed each year on 10 March, the day highlights the growing contribution of women in the judiciary and celebrates the progress made toward greater gender representation on the bench. This year’s theme, “Women Judges on the Bench and Beyond,” reflects both the responsibilities and the wider influence of women judges in upholding the rule of law and engaging with the communities they serve.
In Seychelles, the Judiciary continues to see more women rising through the legal profession and assuming positions of leadership and responsibility. The composition of the bench increasingly reflects this progress, with women serving across various levels of the courts and contributing significantly to the development and administration of justice in the country.
Justice of Appeal Samia Andre highlighted the significance of the theme and the broader role of women judges within the justice system.
“This year’s theme — ‘Women Judges on the Bench and Beyond’ — captures both our responsibility and our opportunity. On the bench, we interpret the law with fairness and precision. But protecting access to justice demands we step beyond it: into our communities, where we demystify legal processes and build public trust; into collegial spaces, where we learn from fellow judges across borders; and into our own chambers, where ethics must guide every decision.
To every woman judge reading this: your presence on the bench transforms what justice looks like to those who seek it. Your voice, your perspective, your leadership — they matter immensely. Continue to model integrity, extend empathy, and remember that in protecting access to justice, you are not only upholding the law but shaping a more inclusive vision of what justice can be. The bench is stronger because you are on it.”
Supreme Court Judge Natasha Burian also reflected on the importance of representation within the justice system and the broader impact it can have on society.
“Happy International Women Judges Day!
Justice is only truly accessible when the people delivering it reflect the diversity of those seeking it. As a young woman currently sitting on the Supreme Court bench, I am acutely aware that my presence alone, not only for a young girl watching court proceedings but also for a woman navigating a system that has historically not been built for her, demonstrates that this space belongs to her too.
Beyond the courtroom, we carry that responsibility into every room we enter. Protecting access to justice is not simply procedural but personal too and for those of us who are also mothers, it is the world we are actively building for our daughters.”
The Judiciary of Seychelles recognises the dedication, integrity, and leadership of the many women who serve across the courts and within the broader justice sector. Their contributions continue to strengthen the justice system and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law.
As the global community marks International Women Judges Day, the Judiciary reaffirms its commitment to supporting an inclusive, fair, and representative justice system for all.