The Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) and the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), supported by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, held Women Lead: Transforming Asia-Pacific and Changing the World from May 8-10, 2024, in Cebu, Philippines. The event coincided with the 29th Annual Convention of the PWJA and the 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the IAWJ - it provided a welcoming environment for dialogue and collaboration among women judges from diverse backgrounds. Women Lead facilitated knowledge exchange on gender fairness, equality, and inclusivity, and promoted sharing best practices to address these issues effectively within the legal sphere and beyond. 

Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, concurrent Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) Executive Vice President and International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Regional Director emphasized the lasting impact of the Philippine Judiciary's work on the feminist cause. She stated, "Through our steadfast commitment to fairness, justice, and equal rights, the judiciary stands poised to establish significant precedents and influence societal perspectives on gender equality".

During the convention, the JIN ASEAN Advisory Working Group held a productive side meeting to present ideas for the Regional Networking Meeting and People-Centred Justice Conference, scheduled to take place in Bangkok in the fall of 2024, and explore collaborative opportunities with the International Association of Women Judges.

The conference culminated in the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on judicial cooperation between the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, which was approved by the Court En Banc on April 3, 2024.

Browse the pictures.