Justice for Women Lecture Series
The Justice for Women Lecture Series brings a distinguished speaker to Maine annually to present a public lecture and to contribute to a global conversation about justice for women and girls in the developing world.
The University of Maine School of Law established the Lecture Series in 2011 with the leadership and generous support of Catherine Lee of Lee International.
Maine Law serves as a catalyst for justice and learning well beyond the walls of the academy, and the Justice for Women Lecture Series is notable in combining an outstanding public lecture with deep community involvement.
Notable Speakers
Leymah Gbowee delivered the 2013 Justice for Women Lecture on March 20 at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center. Recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, trained social worker and women’s rights advocate. She is Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa and Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Women Peace and Security Network Africa. She is the author of Mighty Be Our Powers.
Additional information on the 2013 Justice for Women Lecture
- Introduction of the Leymah Gbowee at the 2013 Justice for Women Lecture - by Cora Weiss
- Maine Law welcomes Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee
- Nobel Winner Gbowee: Relentless Focus on Peace Led to Success in Liberia - MPBN (audio recording)
- Nobel Peace Prize winner to come to Portland - Bangor Daily News
- Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee to speak at Maine Law - Portland Press Herald
The Honorable Unity Dow of Botswana delivered the 2012 Lecture entitled “Juggling Truths: When Justice is a Moving Target.” Judge Dow is an international human rights advocate and novelist. She served for over a decade as the first woman high court judge in Botswana. Her visit to Portland included visits with Law School faculty and students, community leaders, high school students and other groups, including the Mitchell Institute and the global educational exchange organization CIEE. While in Maine, she received a key to the City of Portland from Mayor Michael Brennan.
Additional information on the 2012 Justice for Women Lecture
- Introduction of the Hon. Unity Dow at the 2012 Justice for Women Lecture - by Chief Justice Leigh Saufley
- Audio Recording of the 2012 Justice for Women Lecture - Speaking in Maine, MPBN
- Unity Dow lecture: Education is key to justice for women
- Retired Botswana judge visits high school, kicks off law school lecture series - Bangor Daily News
Advisory Council
The Justice for Women Lecture Series Advisory Council, which includes leaders from the U.S. and abroad, assists in identifying and welcoming distinguished lecturers annually.
Support
The Justice for Women Endowment Fund was established to sustain the lecture series for years to come. To support the Justice for Women Lecture Series with a donation, please contact the University of Maine School of Law Foundation at 207-780-4342.
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