ON this year’s International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of women and to challenge the status quo, it is impossible to overlook a longstanding practice in Nigeria’s legal profession: the notion that there are “no ladies at the bar, only gentlemen in skirt.” At first glance, this might be seen as a harmless and empowering compliment, but beneath that veneer lies a longstanding tradition that reinforces gender exclusion and in reality masks a deeper, systemic issue with far-reaching implications for human rights, professional equality, and societal progress. For decades, the Nigerian legal community has had this tradition that inadvertently reinforces gender hierarchies. The phrase “the bar” is not just a reference to an establishment or a legal institution, it symbolizes the threshold to membership in the legal profession. Yet, when a woman steps over that threshold, she is, in a twist of linguistic irony, dubbed a “gentleman in skirt.” This peculiar label reflects an archaic mindset where femininity is seen as an anomaly in what is supposed to be an impartial realm of justice.
I still remember my very first law class at the University of Ibadan where one of the first things I learned was that “there are no ladies at the bar, only gentlemen in skirt.” It was a fanciful notion, something to be proud of. Several years ago, I did become a gentleman in skirt and proudly embraced the title; a quirky badge of honour that I wore with a sense of novelty. Yet, over time and with the right lenses, I now see how this so-called compliment is as discriminatory as it is problematic. When we say “gentleman in skirt,” such a label should raise eyebrows; it subtly sends the message that the legal profession is inherently male and that for female lawyers to be accepted, they must don a metaphorical disguise—a veil of masculinity that obscures their true selves. It suggests that true membership at the bar requires adopting a version of masculinity, and implies that to be accepted in the legal profession, a woman must hide her femininity behind a masculine label as if being a woman is inherently at odds with being a lawyer.
This is not merely a matter of semantics, it is about a language and a culture that makes women feel like outsiders in a space that should be defined by fairness and impartiality. It is a stark reminder of the systemic barriers many women face in their professional lives—barriers that extend to career advancement, mentorship opportunities, and overall workplace morale. Are we to say that the only way for a woman to be accepted in the legal profession is to distort how she is perceived, to undergo minor surgery or accept a misnomer? Certainly not! This is 2025, and true empowerment must begin with the acknowledgment of women as they are. As Margaret Fuller once stated, “The condition of woman is the condition of civilization.” By insisting on terms like “gentleman in skirt,” we risk not only the marginalization of women but also the erosion of a truly egalitarian society. It is high time we replaced archaic labels with language that recognizes the worth and dignity of every individual. Language is never neutral. The persistent use of gendered phrases such as “gentleman in skirt” underscores an environment where women’s presence is considered an exception rather than the norm. Over time, this linguistic double standard erodes a sense of belonging, reinforcing the notion that success in the legal arena requires a tacit renunciation of one’s femininity. In many places, women are to be seen but not heard, while in Nigeria’s legal profession, it would seem that they are to be heard but not seen, seen but not acknowledged and there goes the essence of true “gentleman in skirtness.”
The implications of these outdated gender norms reach far beyond the confines of the legal profession, it sends ripples throughout society. The notion that certain roles or titles are “naturally” male instils in young girls and boys a skewed understanding of gender roles. Virginia Woolf famously observed, “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” Even today, women have to grapple with a legacy of marginalization, often cloaked in traditions that once seemed harmless. When an institution that prides itself on justice and fairness clings to such archaic practices, we remove the speck from the eyes of others while ignoring the conspicuous log in our own eyes; leading human rights, women equality and empowerment actions while not tidying up our own house—a paradox that undermines the very essence of human rights, equality, and empowerment. This battle must be fought not only in courtrooms, policy& law making, and in the media but also in the everyday language that shapes perceptions and attitudes. Furthermore, rebranding female lawyers as “gentlemen in skirt” minimizes the unique perspectives and experiences they bring to the table. It forces an implicit comparison with their male counterparts, suggesting that only by adopting a form of masculinity can one succeed in the legal field. One other thing I learned in that first law class is that law is dynamic, and so, I believe, must those who profess and practice it be.
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that change is not only necessary, it is inevitable. In an era marked by rapid social and cultural shifts, clinging to outdated traditions is a disservice to progress. The Nigerian legal profession and indeed every professional institution must re-examine its customs and language, questioning whether they serve to empower or to exclude. Perhaps this explains why Nigeria’s legal landscape is rich in talent but female representation at its very pinnacle remains scant. In 37 presidencies since 1960, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is yet to elect a female president. The only woman to have ever led the association, the highly respected Dame Priscilla Kuye, got there not by election but by circumstances, when she had to step in as President, in a moment of ‘Goodluckism’, after her predecessor was appointed Attorney General of the Federation during her term as 1st Vice President. When she afterwards dared to contest for a substantive term? History recalls the unprecedented chaos that characterized the period. Nigeria has only just seen its second female Chief Justice in 63 years. Only one female Attorney General in all its history. Female Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs)? Barely more than 5 percent of the Inner Bar. We like to say we are all “gentlemen”—some in trousers, some in skirts.
But somehow, it is the overwhelmingly the gentlemen in trousers who rise to the top. These are not just numbers, they tell a deeper story of how deeply entrenched perceptions and traditional practices continue to shape opportunities and access at the very top because talent knows no gender, but opportunities, it seems, still do.
Imagine a future where the Bar is not a bastion of male dominance but a vibrant, inclusive forum, a future where titles are dictated not by outdated notions of gender but by merit, passion, and dedication. The call is clear: break the mold, challenge the norms, and demand a culture that celebrates equality in all its forms.
In conclusion, what is good for the gentlemen is good for the ladies; acknowledgment is a basic right that women lawyers should access freely. There is nothing derogatory, disempowering or s3xual about being addressed correctly as a lady. The paradox of the “gentleman in skirt” is a vivid reminder that the struggle for gender equality spans legal, social, and cultural domains. It calls us to action to discard language and practices that enshrine exclusion and to embrace a future where the Bar is truly open to all. In the immortal words of Maya Angelou, “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”Today, on International Women’s Day, let us stand united in our commitment to a fairer, more inclusive world. As we move forward, let us ensure that every female professional in Nigeria is recognized for her true identity, intellect, integrity, and contributions without the need for ironic rebranding.
Having said all this, may I take the liberty to wish Your Ladyships on the Bench and Ladies in the Bar a happy International Women’s Day 2025. As feminist icon Gloria Steinem once remarked, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” And in line with the theme of International Women Day this year, “For all Women, Girls and Lady Lawyers: Rights, Empowerment and Equality.”
May we all be architects of change!
- Ibikunle-Adigun is a lawyer & gender/development expert
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