Logo
about us

Background

African Women in Arbitration (AWA) was established in 202З, and is a trailblazing organization dedicated to tackling the underrepresentation of African women in arbitration and ADR. As the first pan–African and international hub, the African Women in Arbitration (AWA) unites key stakeholders.
AWA is devoted to providing training and mentoring programs while actively promoting themes related to Women, Business, and Africa. Additionally, AWA seeks to enhance the visibility and participation of female arbitrators, particularly in African–related arbitrations. This initiative symbolizes hope, empowering women across the continent with crucial support and resources for their growth and dignity. AWA’s efforts play a vital role in fostering gender diversity and inclusion in international dispute resolution.
Its network comprises legal professionals, arbitrators, mediators, and academics from across Africa and the diaspora, aiming to connect, support, and elevate African women in arbitration, ensuring their voices and expertise are acknowledged globally.

Our Objectives

The objectives of African Women in Arbitration are to promote gender diversity and inclusivity in alternative dispute resolution, establish a global network of women in various ADR roles, provide professional development and mentoring opportunities, raise awareness about the role of women in ADR, and engage in collaborative efforts to further these goals.
Promote Women & Diversity in ADR
Advance the interests of female practitioners and promote women and diversity in alternative dispute resolution.
Professional & Cultural Exchange
Enable women to meet for professional, cultural, and academic purposes.
Global ADR Network
Establish and maintain an international network of women involved in alternative dispute resolution in any capacity, including arbitrator, mediator, expert, adjudicator, surveyor, facilitator, lawyer, neutral, ombudswoman or forensic consultant.
Raise Awareness
Raise awareness about the role of women and diversity in alternative dispute resolution.
Professional Development
Assist in the professional development of women in alternative dispute resolution.
Mentorship
Provide mentoring for women to advance their careers in alternative dispute resolution.
Knowledge Sharing
Foster communications and exchanges of information of interest to Members and other practitioners in alternative dispute resolution.
Organize Events & Training
Organize meetings, conferences, training seminars and other events connected with alternative dispute resolution.
Research & Publications
Publish information papers, notes of conferences or other research documents.
Promote Women's Activities
Promote and publicize the activities of women in arbitration and its members through social media, digital communication, and publications.
Collaborate with Professionals
Liaise with other professional organisations to further its purpose, and conduct any activities or initiatives in furtherance of the purpose of the association.
Support Women in Law
Provide sponsorship, to the extent possible and under the conditions established by the board, for women law students and young women lawyers to participate in law competitions.