During AfGAC’s November 2024 training sessions in Nairobi and Kigali, the Women in ADR (WADR) Breakfast offered a vibrant platform to celebrate women’s contributions to alternative dispute resolution. The event fostered cross-border dialogue and renewed commitment to advancing the role of women in international dispute resolution.
Celebrating Women’s Leadership in ADR
As part of AfGAC’s broader training initiative held from November 9 to 18, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, and Kigali, Rwanda, a key highlight was the Women in ADR (WADR) Breakfast on November 13. Bringing together nearly 50 professionals from legal, engineering, business, and surveying fields, the event focused on elevating women’s leadership in international dispute resolution.
With the theme “Securing the Participation of Women in International Dispute Resolution,” the breakfast created space for critical conversations on gender inclusion, mentorship, and the institutional reforms needed to support women’s advancement in ADR. It also offered an important opportunity to promote ADR as a mechanism for both legal and economic cooperation between Africa and global partners.
Voices of Insight, Inspiration, and Advocacy The session opened with remarks from Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, who powerfully emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership in shaping the future of ADR. Her message underscored the need for both visibility and opportunity for women across all aspects of dispute resolution.
This was followed by a keynote address from Prof. Dr. Antje Baumann of the Hamburg Arbitration Circle, who brought a global perspective to the conversation. Prof. Baumann spoke about the intersection of arbitration, sustainability, and commercial practice -while calling for greater representation of women in high-stakes international disputes and decision-making roles.
Hon. Millie Odhiambo, Member of the Kenyan National Assembly, delivered an equally compelling intervention, highlighting how ADR intersects with governance, legislative reform, and human rights. She stressed the importance of embedding ADR into national legal systems and ensuring that such systems are accessible to women across all levels of society.
Engaging Discussion and a Shared Commitment to Growth
A dynamic panel discussion moderated by Phyllis Wangwe brought together practitioners Noella Lubano, Zippy Musyimi, and Lilian Kithinji. The conversation delved into mentorship, capacity building, and the everyday professional challenges faced by women in ADR. The Q&A segment sparked meaningful exchanges and personal storytelling, reinforcing the sense of shared purpose in the room.
The event welcomed an impressive array of participants, including judges, parliamentarians, ADR institution leaders, and young professionals. This diverse assembly created an atmosphere of inspiration, candour, and collaboration.
Towards Sustained Partnership and Inclusion The WADR Breakfast was not just a celebratory event – it was a launchpad for long-term collaboration. Discussions identified key areas for continued partnership, including AfGAC’s support for WADR’s Annual Moot Court Competition in 2025. Such initiatives are vital for nurturing the next generation of female ADR professionals across the continent. An Integral Moment in a Broader Training Agenda
AfGAC is proud to have supported this impactful gathering as part of its wider commitment to inclusive capacity building. The energy, dialogue, and connections made during the WADR Breakfast left a lasting impression and affirmed our belief that sustainable development in ADR must be both gender-inclusive and globally connected.
We look forward to continued collaboration with WADR and other partners in creating accessible and empowering spaces where women in ADR not only participate – but lead.