Justice Ayesha Malik receives lifetime award in Vienna

Supreme Court Justice Ayesha A Malik has been honoured with the International Leader/Lifetime Award at the Justitia Awards 2026 Gala in Vienna, Austria, recognising her contributions to law, justice, equality and women’s rights.

According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court, the prestigious award acknowledges Justice Malik’s efforts to strengthen the legal and justice systems and promote human rights, gender equality and greater participation of women in the legal profession and judicial institutions.

During her visit to Vienna, Justice Malik also attended the Women in Law Conference 2026, where she spoke at a session titled “Roadmap to Equality and Women’s Rights in Practice.”

Reflecting on her judicial career, Justice Malik discussed her journey from being appointed to the Lahore High Court in 2012 to making history as the first woman to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2022.

She highlighted both the challenges and opportunities faced by women serving in the judiciary and stressed the importance of considering gender perspectives when interpreting and applying the law.

Justice Malik said achieving equality requires more than providing formal legal protections. She emphasised that laws and judicial decisions should also recognise the circumstances and realities in which women experience and interact with the justice system.

The Supreme Court judge further underscored the need for legal principles and judicial institutions to respond effectively to women’s lived experiences. She also referred to elements of her judicial work involving dignity, equality and the treatment of women within the legal system.

The recognition in Vienna marks another international honour for Justice Malik and highlights her contribution to advancing gender equality and human rights through the judiciary.