June 2012 – In the fourth volume of our 100 Extraordinary Muslim Women Past and Present profile series, we celebrate the rich history of Muslim women in the legal profession. This month we feature two Muslim women who have broken boundaries in the legal field.
#7. Umm al-Muqtadir-Billah (Unknown – 932 CE) was the first Muslim woman to create a tribunal court system, where she appointed a female judge to hear lawsuits and settle disputes.
#8. Fatou Bensouda (1961 – Present) is the first African and Muslim woman to hold the position of Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In 2012, TIME Magazine named Bensouda as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
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Umm al-Muqtadir-Billah
Umm al-Muqtadir-Billah directed state affairs in Baghdad due to the incapacity of her son, the caliph of Baghdad. She is known for the creation of a weekly tribunal in the public square to hear disputes, petitions, and lawsuits, and for appointing a female courtier as judge. Although the community initially disapproved of the female judge, access to justice increased for all, so the appointment was accepted.
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Fatou Bensouda
On June 16, 2012, Fatou Bensouda was sworn in as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) – the world’s first permanent war crimes tribunal, where she became the first African and Muslim woman to hold this esteemed position. Known for her intellect and leadership in pressing governments to support the rule of law, TIME Magazine named her as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2012.
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| Read more about Umm here. | Read more about Fatou here. |
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