March 2026 President's Letter

Dear NAWJ Family,

Considering recent events, most of my attention has focused on judicial security, judicial independence, and global instability. I must keep reminding myself to breathe. Holding our breath is not an option. Instead, we rise to face the challenges head-on with reflection, readiness, and clarity. Courts do not operate apart from society—we serve within it. And when society feels unsettled, the work of the judiciary becomes even more consequential.

The safety of judicial officers and our families is not a personal privilege; it is foundational to maintaining public confidence in the rule of law. When judges feel secure, communities can trust that cases will be heard fairly and without intimidation.

For many women judges, security concerns carry additional dimensions. Experience and research confirm that women on the bench are often subject to gendered threats and harassment that extend beyond disagreement with a ruling. These realities should not be minimized. At the same time, we must not allow fear to define our service. Security measures are prudent safeguards, not signs of retreat. We keep breathing. We continue to show up disciplined, consistent, and steady. We continue to preside and discharge our duties faithfully.

Judicial independence is not about the comfort of judges; it is about the rights of litigants and the stability of constitutional governance. We are not policymakers, political actors, or participants in public debate. We are guardians of process. Independence is preserved not by proclamation but by conduct—through well-reasoned decisions, impartial courtroom management, and unwavering adherence to the law. Especially when rhetoric intensifies or criticism grows sharper, our most powerful response is restraint and fidelity to our oath. The judiciary’s strength lies in its consistency.

To our NAWJ members and to women judicial officers across this nation and around the world: your presence on the bench matters profoundly. Women judges often carry dual visibility—both as neutral arbiters of the law and as symbols of progress in systems that were not always designed with us in mind. With that visibility can come additional scrutiny. Yet it also brings influence, mentorship, and opportunity. NAWJ was founded on the belief that advancing women in the judiciary strengthens judicial independence and equal justice. That mission continues to guide us. In times of uncertainty, collegiality and solidarity matter even more. We support one another. We share resources. We speak candidly about safety. We mentor those newer to the bench. We advocate for appropriate protections. And we do so with professionalism, resolve, and grace.

We are also mindful of our Afghan women judicial colleagues—judges who faithfully upheld the rule of law in their country and were forced to flee when judicial independence collapsed. Their courage—and the price they paid for upholding justice—reminds us that judicial independence is not self-executing. It is protected. It is defended. And in some places, it is fragile. Many Afghan women judges now rebuilding their lives in the United States and elsewhere embody extraordinary resilience. Their experience underscores the importance of global judicial solidarity and reminds us never to take the stability of our own institutions for granted.

War and global conflict inevitably affect the communities we serve—immigrants, veterans, families with loved ones abroad, and individuals living with heightened anxiety and uncertainty. In such times, the courtroom must remain a place of stability. The judiciary does not escalate fear or inflame division. The judiciary models constitutional governance. Even when public discourse becomes strained, the courtroom must remain predictable anchored in fairness, due process, and dignity.

History demonstrates that courts endure turbulence when judicial officers remain faithful to their oath. We are not called to respond to headlines; we are called to constancy. The rule of law is strengthened when judges remain measured, thoughtful, and unwavering in their commitment to impartiality.

As we move forward, let us remain vigilant. Let us continue to mentor, to support, and to lead with integrity. Above all, let us keep breathing… 

With respect and resolve,

The Honorable Pamela Scott Washington
President, National Association of Women Judges