Advocate for the advancement and full participation of women lawyers.
About the Forum
Championing Women in Law
United by purpose, driven by justice: the story, mission and values of the GBA Women's Forum.
Equityat the Bar & Bench
Our Profile
A dedicated platform for women lawyers in Ghana
The Ghana Bar Association is established to provide a dedicated platform for advancing the interests, participation and professional development of women lawyers in Ghana.
Through advocacy, professional development, outreach, collaboration, mentorship and public-interest initiatives, the Forum enables women lawyers to contribute collectively to the development of the legal profession and the wider society.
The Forum is established under sections 16 to 18 of the Constitution of the Ghana Bar Association. Its mandate is to strengthen the position of women within the legal profession, promote their meaningful participation in the justice system, and contribute to improved justice delivery in Ghana.
Our Compass
Purpose, Mandate & Values
Our Purpose
To create an institutional platform through which women lawyers can advance their professional interests, support one another, promote cooperation and mentorship, address barriers affecting women in the profession and contribute meaningfully to the administration of justice.
Our Mandate
Established under sections 16 to 18 of the GBA Constitution, to strengthen the position of women within the legal profession, promote their meaningful participation in the justice system, and contribute to improved justice delivery in Ghana.
Our Values
Integrity, sisterhood, excellence, service and courage: the principles that guide how we practise and how we lead.
Our Objectives
What the Women's Forum Seeks to Do
Promote women's meaningful participation in the justice system.
Encourage gender-balanced representation in the legal profession.
Strengthen cooperation and mutual support among women lawyers locally and internationally.
Advance gender transformation within the legal profession.
Promote improved justice delivery and access to justice for vulnerable women.
Undertake lawful activities that further the Forum's objectives.
Our Story
History of the Women's Forum
Roots
The Forum has its roots in the Ghana Bar Association's earlier Women's and Minors' Rights Committee, set up to promote and protect the rights and welfare of women and minors.
2008
Discussions began among women lawyers on the need for a dedicated platform focusing specifically on the professional interests, participation and development of women lawyers.
2014
During the Ghana Bar Association Conference, women lawyers held their first informal meeting to discuss creating a body dedicated to women within the Association. The Forum operated informally from this point.
2022
The Women's Forum gained formal recognition under the 2022 amendment to the Constitution of the Ghana Bar Association, becoming one of its recognised Fora.
Today
The Forum continues to build on the contribution of pioneering Ghanaian women lawyers, creating opportunities for succeeding generations to participate fully, assume leadership roles and contribute to national development.
Honouring Trailblazers
Pioneering Women Who Shaped the Profession
At the First Biennial Women Lawyers' Conference, the Forum honoured ten distinguished women whose pioneering service has helped shape Ghana's legal profession and national development.
Mrs. Efua Ghartey
First Female President of the Ghana Bar Association
Read profile
Mrs. Felicia Gbesemete
First Female Vice-President of the Ghana Bar Association
Read profile
Mrs. Essie Matilda Forster
Ghana's First Female Lawyer
Read profile
Justice Mrs. Annie Jiagge
First Woman Judge
Read profile
Justice Georgina Theodora Wood
First Female Chief Justice of Ghana
Read profile
Justice Prof. Ekua Kuenyehia
First Female Law Professor & Dean, University of Ghana School of Law
Read profile
Justice Joyce Adeline Bamford-Addo
First Female Speaker of Parliament
Read profile
Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu
First Female Attorney-General of Ghana
Read profile
Mrs. Grace Adubea Orleans
First Woman Solicitor General
Read profile
FIDA-Ghana
Ghana's First Women Lawyers' Association
Read profile
Our Pledge
Women of Law, United in Justice
United in purpose, united in law,
Women of courage, advancing the Bar.
With justice our calling and service our guide,
Together we flourish, standing with pride.
We lead and we mentor, we serve and inspire,
Upholding our honour, reaching still higher.
For women, for justice, for Ghana we stand,
GBA Women's Forum, strong hand in hand.
What We Stand For
The Principles Behind Our Work
Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards of the profession.
Sisterhood
Lifting one another through solidarity and support.
Excellence
Pursuing mastery and distinction in all we do.
Service
Giving back through justice, outreach and advocacy.
Membership Benefits
Grow, connect and lead with the Forum
- Access to mentorship from Ghana's leading women in law
- Priority access and discounts to conferences and trainings
- A powerful nationwide professional network
- Advocacy that protects and advances your interests
- Leadership and career-advancement opportunities