L-R-Hon. Karen Best, Hon. Sharon Matthie, Hon. Kathy King, Hon. Lissette Fernandez, Hon. Abayomi Ajaiyeoba, Hon. Kathie Davidson, Hon. Bianka Perez, Hon. Wanda Negron, Hon. Fiordaliza Rodriguez Hon. Verris Shako, Hon. Janet Malone
The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) in Scarsdale, NY hosted the Women in Justice Seminar & Forum for the UN International Day of Women Judges. This event was to celebrate and recognize the women in the New York State Unified Court System who have made great strides towards gender equality in the judicial system. It also helped raise awareness about the continued struggles women face in the judiciary.
Keynote speakers included Hon. Kathie Davidson, Dean of the New York State Judicial Institute, and Hon. Bianka Perez, President of the National Association for Women Judges.
Opening the night’s events, Hon. Kathie Davidson delivered a powerful keynote address about the profound changes women’s roles have undergone. “You’ve heard about many women’s leadership roles here this evening. Probably 10 or 15 years ago, these [roles] just didn’t exist,” Davidson explained.
She continued to encourage discourse during Women’s History Month. “We must continue these conversations. One of the most powerful things we judges have is the power to convene, the power to bring everyone around the table. That’s not political, that’s how we do our work.”
In a follow-up keynote address, Hon. Bianka Perez spoke of the progress that has been made in gender equality within the judiciary. “There are more women judges in the Bronx than in any other counties in the state of New York,” Perez said.
Perez concluded with divine encouragement, saying, “If God saw fit to appoint Deborah as a judge in the Old Testament, by serving as judges today, we are continuing to fulfill God’s will by having women judges like us on the bench. History is still being written. We must continue the challenges, support one another, and ensure that the path we have forged is strengthened for those who will follow us.”
The evening proceeded with a forum discussion with Hon. Janet Malone, Hon. Marissa Soto, and Hon. Lisette Fernandez, led by moderator Victor Lozado. The women discussed their motivation toward the judiciary path, struggles navigating a male-dominated field, and how motherhood has shaped their judgements for the better.
After the panel discussion, a seminar was conducted showcasing Biblical prophecies that highlight the rise of women to prominent positions as we see today. The event concluded with a three-course dinner to recognize the accomplishments of the attendees.
Other attendees included Westchester and Bronx Supreme Court justices, family court judges, court attorney referees, and lawyers, among others. This event supported the Sustainable Development Goals, including “Reduced Inequalities” and “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.”
For more information about the World Mission Society Church of God, please visit newyorkwmscog.com.