List of female justice ministers

Last updated

Leena Meri O45A9984 (cropped).jpg
EU2024BE 240126 Informal Meeting of Justice Ministers Egmont Palace JNZT0096 (53487504907).jpg
Andreja Katic, 2024 (cropped).jpg
Rita Judice 2024 (cropped).jpg
Shabana Mahmood Official Cabinet Portrait, July 2024 (cropped) 2.jpg
Liisa Pakosta 2021. aasta Arvamusfestivalil.jpg
Thorbjorg Sigridur Gunnlaugsdottir 2021.jpg
Annelies Verlinden, January 2024.jpg
Pam Bondi in 2025 (cropped) (cropped).jpg
Incumbent female justice ministers of various countries

Worldwide, 262 women[ citation needed ] have overseen a ministry of justice or analogous government agency [a] responsible for executing a country's legal system. [b] Of that number, 141 women have been in charge of ministries of justice or analogous agencies in Europe, 39 have been in North America, 27 women have been in Africa, 26 women have been in Asia, 18 women have been in South America, and 11 women have been in Oceania.

Contents

Adriana Olguín became the first female justice minister worldwide upon becoming Chile's minister of justice and human rights on 29 July 1952. Five years later, Ho Jong-suk became the first female justice minister in Asia, serving in this role in North Korea. In 1960, Stella Soulioti became the first female European justice minister as Minister of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus. North America would see the first woman serve in such a role when Yolanda Myers de Vásquez assumed charge of El Salvador's Public Ministry in 1967. Twenty-nine years later, Hawa Sisay-Sabally became Minister of Justice of The Gambia, the first such minister in Africa. Finally, Hilda Lini became the first minister of justice in Oceania in 1996 upon becoming Minister of Justice of Vanuatu.

Norway is the country with the most female justice ministers, with 15 ministers of justice and public security. In contrast, various countries, such as Lebanon and Samoa, have only had one female justice minister or equivalent political officeholder.

The totals for this list include only female justice ministers or equivalents of sovereign states. Acting justice ministers, as well as administrators of justice of dependent territories and subnational entities, are excluded from this article.

African ministers

The following list includes all women who have served as national justice ministers or analogous governmental officials in Africa. Politicians are listed based on the starting dates of their tenures.

 *  denotes an incumbent justice minister or equivalent officeholder
NameImageCountryTitleMandate startMandate endTerm length
Hawa Sisay-Sabally No image.svg Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia Minister for Justice April 199631 July 19982 years, 121 days
Fatou Bensouda Fatou Bensouda.jpg Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia Minister for Justice31 July 1998March 20001 year, 214 days
Januaria Moreira No image.svg Flag of Cape Verde.svg  Cape Verde Minister of Justice and Labor199920012 years, 0 days
Antonieta Rosa Gomes No image.svg Flag of Guinea-Bissau.svg  Guinea-Bissau Minister of Justice19 February 200019 March 20011 year, 28 days
Cristina Fontes Lima No image.svg Flag of Cape Verde.svg  Cape Verde Minister of Justice and Labor200120065 years, 0 days
Alda Alves Melo dos Santos No image.svg Flag of Sao Tome and Principe.svg  São Tomé and Príncipe Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Human Rights20022002364 days
Hyacinthe Wodobodé No image.svg Flag of the Central African Republic.svg  Central African Republic Minister of Justice and Human Rights12 December 20032 September 2004265 days
Brigitte Mabandla No image.svg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development 29 April 200425 September 20081 year, 149 days
Martha Karua Martha Karua (cropped).jpg Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya Minister of Justice 20056 April 20094 years, 95 days
Mary Nagu Mary Nagu.jpg Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs200620082 years, 0 days
Carmelita Pires No image.svg Flag of Guinea-Bissau.svg  Guinea-Bissau Minister of Justice13 April 20072 January 20091 year, 264 days
3 July 201413 October 20173 years, 102 days
Marie Saine-Firdaus No image.svg Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia Minister for Justice14 September 200719 March 20102 years, 186 days
Marisa Helena Morias No image.svg Flag of Cape Verde.svg  Cape Verde Minister of Justice and Labor200820113 years, 0 days
Betty Mould-Iddrisu No image.svg Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana Attorney General 7 January 20093 January 20111 year, 361 days
Edite Tenjua No image.svg Flag of Sao Tome and Principe.svg  São Tomé and Príncipe Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Human Rights201220142 years, 0 days
Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong FB 2014-02-04.jpg Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana Attorney General14 February 20137 January 20173 years, 328 days
Amie Joof No image.svg Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia Minister for Justice25 May 201327 August 201394 days
Mama Fatima Singhateh AG mama.jpg Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia Minister for Justice27 August 201327 August 20141 year, 0 days
12 January 201517 January 20172 years, 5 days
Ilza Amado Vaz No image.svg Flag of Sao Tome and Principe.svg  São Tomé and Príncipe Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Human Rights201420184 years, 0 days
Asha-Rose Migiro Asha-Rose Migiro (7098939303) (cropped).jpg Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs20 January 20145 November 20151 year, 289 days
Janine Lélis Janine Lelis speech (cropped).jpg Flag of Cape Verde.svg  Cape Verde Minister of Justice and Labor22 May 201620 May 20214 years, 363 days
Gloria Akuffo No image.svg Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana Attorney General21 January 20176 January 20213 years, 351 days
Priscilla Schwartz No image.svg Flag of Sierra Leone.svg  Sierra Leone Attorney General and Minister of Justice11 June 20187 July 20202 years, 26 days
Jeanine Nibizi No image.svg Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Minister of Justice28 June 20207 September 20222 years, 72 days
Leïla Jaffel* No image.svg Flag of Tunisia.svg  Tunisia Minister of Justice 11 October 2021Incumbent3 years, 143 days

Asian ministers

The following list includes all women who have served as national justice ministers or analogous governmental officials in Asia. Politicians are listed based on the starting dates of their tenures.

 *  denotes an incumbent justice minister or equivalent officeholder
NameImageCountryTitleMandate startMandate endTerm length
Ho Jong-suk Huh Jung-sook.jpg Flag of North Korea.svg  North Korea Minister of Justice195719572 months [1]
Ritsuko Nagao No image.svg Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Minister of Justice 11 January 19967 November 1996301 days
Yeh Chin-fong No image.svg Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Taiwan Minister of Justice 1 February 199920 May 20001 year, 109 days
Mayumi Moriyama Mayumi Moriyama.jpg Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Minister of Justice16 April 200119 November 20032 years, 217 days
Ana Pessoa Pinto Ana Pessoa Pinto.jpg Flag of East Timor.svg  East Timor Minister of Justice 20 May 20022003226 days
Merceditas Gutierrez No image.svg Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines Secretary of Justice 27 November 200215 January 200349 days
24 December 200331 August 2004251 days
Kang Kum-sil KumsilKang.JPG Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea Minister of Justice 27 February 200329 July 20041 year, 153 days
Chieko Nōno Chieko Nono.jpg Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Minister of Justice22 September 200431 October 20051 year, 39 days
Wu Aiying Wu Aiying 2016-10-31.jpg Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China Minister of Justice 1 July 200524 February 201711 years, 238 days
Tzipi Livni Livni at Iftar dinner peace talks Kerry Erekat washington dc CROPPED.jpg Flag of Israel.svg  Israel Minister of Justice 29 November 20067 February 200770 days
18 March 20134 December 20141 year, 261 days
Lucia Freitas Lobato No image.svg Flag of East Timor.svg  East Timor Minister of Justice8 May 20078 August 20125 years, 92 days
Agnes Devanadera
Agnesdev.jpg
Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines Secretary of Justice3 September 200715 November 200773 days
12 January 20108 March 201055 days
Wang Ching-feng Wang Ching-feng.jpg Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Taiwan Minister of Justice20 May 200812 March 20101 year, 296 days
Keiko Chiba Keiko Chiba Kawasaki campaign.jpg Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Minister of Justice16 September 200917 September 20101 year, 1 day
Leila de Lima Leila de Lima (cropped).jpg Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines Secretary of Justice30 June 201012 October 20155 years, 104 days
Luo Ying-shay Luo Ying Xue .jpg Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Taiwan Minister of Justice30 September 201320 May 20162 years, 233 days
Midori Matsushima Midori Baba cropped 2 Midori Baba and Li Yong 20131105.jpg Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Minister of Justice3 September 201420 October 201447 days
Yōko Kamikawa Yoko Kamikawa cropped 2 Taku Otsuka Tim Hitchens and Yoko Kamikawa 20150401.jpg Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Minister of Justice20 October 20147 October 2015352 days
3 August 20172 October 20181 year, 60 days
16 September 20204 October 20211 year, 18 days
Ayelet Shaked AYELET SHAKED.jpg Flag of Israel.svg  Israel Minister of Justice14 May 20152 June 20194 years, 19 days
Thalatha Atukorale Thalatha Atukorale.jpg Flag of Sri Lanka.svg  Sri Lanka Minister of Justice 25 August 20174 August 20202 years, 345 days
Masako Mori Masako Miyoshi cropped 2 Tim Hitchens and Masako Miyoshi 20150401.jpg Flag of Japan.svg  Japan Minister of Justice31 October 201916 September 2020321 days
Choo Mi-ae Choo Mi-ae ministerial portrait.png Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea Minister of Justice2 January 202027 January 20211 year, 25 days
Marie-Claude Najm No image.svg Flag of Lebanon.svg  Lebanon Minister of Justice 21 January 202010 September 20211 year, 232 days
Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe No image.svg Flag of Nepal.svg    Nepal Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs 17 February 202025 December 2020312 days
He Rong* He Rong-20221019.jpg Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China Minister of Justice24 February 2023Incumbent2 years, 7 days
Harini Amarasuriya No image.svg Flag of Sri Lanka.svg  Sri Lanka Minister of Justice24 September 202418 November 202455 days

European ministers

The following list includes all women who have served as national justice ministers or analogous governmental officials in Europe. Politicians are listed based on the starting dates of their tenures.

 *  denotes an incumbent justice minister or equivalent officeholder
NameImageCountryTitleMandate startMandate endTerm length
Stella Soulioti No image.svg Flag of Cyprus.svg  Cyprus Minister of Justice and Public Order 1960197010 years, 0 days
Elisabeth Schweigaard Selmer 68870 Elisabeth Selmer.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 12 October 19653 October 19704 years, 356 days
Svetla Daskalova No image.svg Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Minister of Justice12 March 19668 February 199023 years, 333 days
Auður Auðuns No image.svg Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Minister of Interior10 October 197014 July 1971277 days
Inger Louise Valle No image.svg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 16 October 19738 October 19795 years, 355 days
Nathalie Lind No image.svg Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Minister of Justice 19 December 197313 February 19751 year, 56 days
30 August 197826 October 19791 year, 57 days
Inkeri Anttila Inkeri-Anttila-1961.jpg Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice 13 June 197530 November 1975170 days
Colette Flesch Colette-Flesch--w.jpg Flag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg Minister of Justice22 November 198020 July 19843 years, 241 days
Mona Røkke No image.svg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 14 October 19813 October 19853 years, 354 days
Elisabeth Kopp Elisabeth Kopp.gif Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police 2 October 198412 January 19884 years, 102 days
Wenche Frogn Sellæg Wenche Frogn Sellaeg.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 4 October 19859 May 1986217 days
Helen Bøsterud Helen Bosterud.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 9 May 198616 October 19893 years, 160 days
Anna-Greta Leijon Anna-Greta Leijon.JPG Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden Minister for Justice 19 October 19877 June 1988232 days
Laila Freivalds Sveriges utrikesminister Laila Freivalds.jpg Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden Minister for Justice4 October 19884 October 19913 years, 0 days
7 October 199421 September 20005 years, 350 days
Else Bugge Fougner No image.svg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 16 October 19893 November 19901 year, 18 days
Tarja Halonen Tarja Halonen in 2000.png Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice1 March 199026 April 19911 year, 56 days
Kari Gjesteby No image.svg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 3 November 19903 September 19921 year, 305 days
Hannele Pokka Hannele Pokka.jpg Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice26 April 199130 April 19943 years, 4 days
Gun Hellsvik No image.svg Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden Minister for Justice4 October 19917 October 19943 years, 3 days
Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger (Berlin Film Festival 2011) (cropped).jpg Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Federal Minister of Justice 18 May 199217 January 19963 years, 244 days
28 October 200917 December 20134 years, 50 days
Grete Faremo Norges forsvarsminister Grete Faremo vid Nordiska Radets session i Reykjavik. 2010-11-03.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 4 September 199225 October 19964 years, 51 days
11 November 201116 October 20131 year, 339 days
Anna Benaki-Psarouda No image.svg Flag of Greece.svg  Greece Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights 3 December 199213 September 1993284 days
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn 20111203191857 Maire Geoghegan-Quinn International Year of Chemistry (cropped).jpg Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland Minister for Justice 4 January 199315 December 19941 year, 345 days
Pia Gjellerup No image.svg Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Minister of Justice25 January 199329 March 199363 days
Anneli Jäätteenmäki Jaatteenmaki Anneli 2014-02-06 1.jpg Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice1 May 199413 April 1995347 days
Winnie Sorgdrager Winnie Sorgdrager 2009 (1).jpg Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands Minister of Justice and Security 22 August 19943 August 19983 years, 346 days
Nora Owen No image.svg Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland Minister for Justice15 December 199426 June 19972 years, 193 days
Margarita Mariscal de Gante (Mariscal de Gante) Miguel Angel Rodriguez durante la rueda de prensa posterior al Consejo de Ministros junto a la ministra de Justicia. Pool Moncloa. 23 de agosto de 1996 (cropped).jpeg Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Minister of Justice 6 May 199628 April 20003 years, 358 days
Anne Holt Anne Holt.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 25 October 19964 February 1997102 days
Vlasta Parkanová Vlasta Parkanova.jpg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic Minister of Justice7 January 199722 July 19981 year, 196 days
Gerd-Liv Valla Gerd-Liv Valla.JPG Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 4 February 199717 October 1997255 days
Élisabeth Guigou Elisabeth Guigou.jpg Flag of France.svg  France Minister of Justice 4 June 199718 October 20003 years, 136 days
Suzanna Stanik No image.svg Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine Minister of Justice 21 August 19977 May 20024 years, 259 days
Aud Inger Aure No image.svg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 17 October 199715 March 19991 year, 149 days
Hanna Suchocka Hanna Suchocka 1992-12-02.jpg Flag of Poland.svg  Poland Minister of Justice 31 October 19978 June 20002 years, 280 days
Herta Däubler-Gmelin Herta Daubler-Gmelin 1009.jpg Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Federal Minister of Justice27 October 199822 October 20023 years, 360 days
Ingrīda Labucka No image.svg Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia Minister of Justice26 November 199816 July 1999232 days
5 May 20007 November 20022 years, 186 days
Sólveig Pétursdóttir Solveig Petursdottir, talman i det islandska parlamentet, talar vid sessionens oppnande.jpg Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Minister of Interior28 May 199923 May 20033 years, 360 days
Hanne Harlem No image.svg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and the Police [c] 17 March 200019 October 20011 year, 216 days
Marylise Lebranchu Marylise Lebranchu (crop).jpg Flag of France.svg  France Minister of Justice18 October 20006 May 20021 year, 200 days
Rodica Stănoiu No image.svg Flag of Romania.svg  Romania Minister of Justice 28 December 200010 March 20043 years, 73 days
Ingrid Antičević-Marinović Ingrid Anticevic Marinovic.jpg Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia Minister of Justice28 September 200123 December 20032 years, 86 days
Barbara Piwnik Barbara Piwnik.JPG Flag of Poland.svg  Poland Minister of Justice19 October 20016 July 2002260 days
Lene Espersen Danmarks utrikesminister Lene Espersen pa Nordiska Radets session i Reykjavik pa Island 2010-11-03 (1).jpg Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Minister of Justice27 November 200110 September 20086 years, 288 days
Celeste Cardona No image.svg Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal Minister of Justice 6 April 200217 July 20043 years, 102 days
Brigitte Zypries WLP14-ri-0279- Brigitte Zypries (SPD).jpg Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Federal Minister of Justice22 October 200227 October 20097 years, 5 days
Karin Gastinger No image.svg Flag of Austria.svg  Austria Minister of Justice 28 February 200311 January 20073 years, 317 days
Laurette Onkelinx Laurette Onkelinx.JPG Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Minister of Justice 11 July 200321 December 20074 years, 163 days
Vesna Škare-Ožbolt Vesna Skare-Ozbolt.jpg Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia Minister of Justice23 December 200310 February 20062 years, 49 days
Vineta Muižniece Vineta Muizniece.jpg Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia Minister of Justice9 March 20042 December 2004268 days
Monica Macovei Conventia PD-L 2013 - Monica Macovei (2) (cropped).jpg Flag of Romania.svg  Romania Minister of Justice29 December 20045 April 20072 years, 97 days
Victoria Iftodi No image.svg Flag of Moldova.svg  Moldova Minister of Justice 8 July 200420 September 20062 years, 74 days
Solvita Āboltiņa Solvita Aboltina 2011.jpg Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia Minister of Justice2 December 20047 November 20061 year, 340 days
Leena Luhtanen Leena Luhtanen.jpg Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice23 September 200519 April 20071 year, 208 days
Lucia Žitňanská Lucia Zitnanska.jpg Flag of Slovakia.svg  Slovakia Minister of Justice 8 February 20064 July 200655 days
8 July 20104 April 20121 year, 271 days
23 March 201622 March 20181 year, 364 days
Ana Lovrin No image.svg Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia Minister of Justice10 February 200610 October 20082 years, 243 days
Beatrice Ask Sveriges justitieminister Beatrice Ask.jpg Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden Minister for Justice6 October 20063 October 20147 years, 362 days
Maria Berger Berger Maria Passbild.jpg Flag of Austria.svg  Austria Minister of Justice11 January 20072 December 20081 year, 326 days
Tuija Brax Tuijabrax.jpg Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice19 April 200722 June 20114 years, 64 days
Rachida Dati Rachida dati.jpg Flag of France.svg  France Minister of Justice18 May 200723 June 20092 years, 36 days
Miglena Tacheva No image.svg Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Minister of Justice19 July 200727 July 20092 years, 8 days
Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf 2011.jpg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police1 January 200831 December 20102 years, 364 days
Snežana Malović Snezana Malovic.jpg Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia Minister of Justice7 July 200827 July 20124 years, 20 days
Claudia Bandion-Ortner Claudia Bandion-Ortner (Gala-Nacht des Sports 2009).jpg Flag of Austria.svg  Austria Minister of Justice15 January 200921 April 20112 years, 96 days
Ragna Árnadóttir Ragna Arnadottir, tidigare justitieminister Island.Konferens om lagstiftningssamarbete i Norden 16-17 november 2010.jpg Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Minister of Interior1 February 20092 September 20101 year, 213 days
Aurelia Frick Aurelia Frick - 2017 (cropped).jpg Flag of Liechtenstein.svg  Liechtenstein Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture25 March 20092 July 201910 years, 99 days
Daniela Kovářová Daniela Kovarova - debata 2009 - 4.jpg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic Minister of Justice8 May 200913 July 20101 year, 66 days
Michèle Alliot-Marie Michele Alliot-Marie, French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs (5277700729) (cropped).jpg Flag of France.svg  France Minister of Justice23 June 200913 November 20101 year, 143 days
Margarita Popova Margarita popova.jpg Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Minister of Justice27 July 200929 November 20112 years, 125 days
Simonetta Sommaruga Simonetta Sommaruga 2011.jpg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police1 January 201031 December 20188 years, 364 days
Beatrix Karl Beatrix Karl1.jpg Flag of Austria.svg  Austria Minister of Justice21 April 201116 December 20132 years, 239 days
Paula Teixeira da Cruz Paula Teixeira da Cruz (politician).png Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal Minister of Justice21 June 201130 October 20154 years, 131 days
Anna-Maja Henriksson Anna-Maja Henriksson.jpg Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice22 June 201129 May 20153 years, 341 days
6 June 201920 June 20234 years, 14 days
Paola Severino Paola Severino - Quirinale.jpg Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Minister of Justice 16 November 201128 April 20131 year, 163 days
Diana Kovatcheva No image.svg Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Minister of Justice30 November 201121 February 20131 year, 83 days
Annemie Turtelboom Annemie-turtelboom-1379350142 (cropped).jpg Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Minister of Justice6 December 201125 July 20142 years, 231 days
Christiane Taubira 1601MBeek7569 (24620898645) (cropped).jpg Flag of France.svg  France Minister of Justice16 May 201227 January 20163 years, 256 days
Mona Pivniceru No image.svg Flag of Romania.svg  Romania Minister of Justice23 August 201228 March 2013217 days
Tea Tsulukiani Eastern Partnership justice and home affairs ministers' meeting Thea Tsulukiani (35609681782) (cropped).jpg Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia Minister of Justice25 October 20121 October 20207 years, 342 days
Anna Maria Cancellieri Annamaria Cancellieri.jpg Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Minister of Justice28 April 201322 February 2014300 days
Octavie Modert Octavie Modert, Inauguration plaque commemorative, <<Villa Pauly>>-101.jpg Flag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg Minister of Justice30 April 20134 December 2013218 days
Olena Lukash Elena Lukash foto.jpg Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine Minister of Justice4 July 201327 February 2014238 days
Marie Benešová No image.svg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic Minister of Justice10 July 201329 January 2014203 days
Karen Hækkerup Karen Haekkerup, pressefoto.jpg Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Minister of Justice12 December 201310 October 2014302 days
Baiba Broka Baiba Broka.jpg Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia Minister of Justice22 January 20146 August 2014196 days
Helena Válková No image.svg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic Minister of Justice29 January 20141 March 20151 year, 31 days
Frances Fitzgerald Frances Fitzgerald 2014 (cropped).png Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland Minister for Justice8 May 201414 June 20173 years, 37 days
Maggie De Block Maggie De Block 2016.jpg Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Minister of Justice25 July 201411 October 201478 days
Mette Frederiksen Mette Frederiksen 20120501.jpg Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Minister of Justice10 October 201428 June 2015261 days
Ekaterina Zakharieva Zaharieva Ekaterina-new.jpg Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Minister of Justice3 January 201527 January 20172 years, 24 days
Arpine Hovhannisyan Arpine Hovhannisyan (cropped).png Flag of Armenia.svg  Armenia Minister of Justice4 September 201511 May 20171 year, 249 days
Raluca Prună No image.svg Flag of Romania.svg  Romania Minister of Justice17 November 20154 January 20171 year, 48 days
Francisca Van Dunem TOUR DE TABLE 2016-07-08 Informal Meeting of Justice Ministers (27553458143) (cropped).jpg Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal Minister of Justice26 November 201530 March 20226 years, 124 days
Liz Truss Official portrait of Elizabeth Truss crop 2.jpg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Secretary of State for Justice 14 July 201611 June 2017332 days
Nela Kuburović Nela Kuburovic.png Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia Minister of Justice11 August 201628 October 20204 years, 78 days
Milda Vainiutė Milda Vainiute 2017-02-02 (cropped).jpg Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania Minister of Justice 13 December 20166 March 20181 year, 83 days
Sigríður Á. Andersen Informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers. Arrivals (Home Affairs) Sigridur A. Andersen (35711122216) (cropped).jpg Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Minister of Interior11 January 201714 March 20192 years, 62 days
Mariya Pavlova No image.svg Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Minister of Justice27 January 20174 May 201797 days
9 April 202416 January 2025282 days
Tsetska Tsacheva Eastern Partnership justice and home affairs ministers' meeting Urmas Reinsalu, Tsetska Tsacheva and Andres Anvelt (35778341235) (cropped).jpg Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Minister of Justice4 May 20175 April 20191 year, 336 days
Nicole Belloubet Nicole Belloubet, Ministre de la Justice (cropped).jpg Flag of France.svg  France Minister of Justice21 June 20176 July 20203 years, 15 days
Etilda Gjonaj Etilda Gjonaj, U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim and Jorida Tabaku (cropped).jpg Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Minister of Justice 11 September 201718 September 20214 years, 7 days
Sylvi Listhaug Sylvi Listhaug - 2014-02-13 at 18-49-18.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and Public Security 17 January 201820 March 201862 days
Katarina Barley Barley, Katharina-0133 (cropped).jpg Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Federal Minister of Justice14 March 201827 June 20191 year, 105 days
Dolores Delgado Dolores Delgado FIBGAR (cropped).jpeg Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Minister of Justice7 June 201813 January 20201 year, 220 days
Taťána Malá No image.svg Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic Minister of Justice28 June 201810 July 201812 days
Andreja Katič* Andreja Katic in Washington - 2018 (26409906797) (cropped).jpg Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia Minister of Justice13 September 201813 March 20201 year, 182 days
5 March 2024Incumbent363 days
Karin Keller-Sutter Karin Keller-Sutter (2022).jpg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police1 January 201931 December 20223 years, 364 days
Christine Lambrecht 2017-03-19 Lamprecht Roth SPD Parteitag by Olaf Kosinsky-3.jpg Flag of Germany.svg  Germany Federal Minister of Justice27 June 20198 December 20212 years, 164 days
Judit Varga Varga Judit 2020 wikipedia.jpg Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary Minister of Justice 12 July 201931 July 20234 years, 19 days
Áslaug Arna Sigurbjörnsdóttir No image.svg Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Minister of Interior6 September 201928 November 20212 years, 83 days
Alma Zadić* 2018 Alma Zadic (39729494940) (cropped).jpg Flag of Austria.svg  Austria Minister of Justice7 January 2020Incumbent5 years, 55 days
Monica Mæland 31.08.2013, Monica Maeland.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and Public Security24 January 202014 October 20211 year, 263 days
Albulena Haxhiu Albulena Haxhiu.jpg Flag of Kosovo.svg  Kosovo Minister of Justice3 February 20203 June 2020121 days
22 March 2021Incumbent3 years, 346 days
Lilijana Kozlovič No image.svg Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia Minister of Justice13 March 202027 May 20211 year, 75 days
Mária Kolíková No image.svg Flag of Slovakia.svg  Slovakia Minister of Justice21 March 202013 September 20222 years, 176 days
Helen McEntee Helen McEntee in 2018.jpg Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland Minister for Justice27 June 202027 April 2021304 days
1 November 202125 November 20221 year, 24 days
1 June 202323 January 20251 year, 236 days
Maja Popović* Maja Popovitsh Maja Popovic.png Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia Minister of Justice28 October 2020Incumbent4 years, 126 days
Ewelina Dobrowolska Evelina Dobrovolska.jpg Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania Minister of Justice7 December 202012 December 20244 years, 5 days
Maris Lauri RK Maris Lauri.jpg Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia Minister of Justice 26 January 202118 July 20221 year, 173 days
Marta Cartabia Marta Cartabia (cropped).jpg Flag of Italy.svg  Italy Minister of Justice13 February 202122 October 20221 year, 251 days
Graziella Marok-Wachter* No image.svg Flag of Liechtenstein.svg  Liechtenstein Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture25 March 2021Incumbent3 years, 343 days
Heather Humphreys Heather Humphreys 2016.jpg Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland Minister for Justice27 April 20211 November 2021188 days
26 November 202217 December 202221 days
Pilar Llop Pilar Llop 2021 (cropped).jpg Flag of Spain.svg  Spain Minister of Justice12 July 202121 November 20232 years, 132 days
Emilie Mehl* Emilie Enger Mehl.jpg Flag of Norway.svg  Norway Minister of Justice and Public Security14 October 2021Incumbent3 years, 140 days
Dilan Yeşilgöz Yesilgoz2018.jpg Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands Minister of Justice and Security10 January 20221 July 20242 years, 173 days
Catarina Sarmento e Castro Catarina Sarmento e Castro, proposta de lei metadados 2022 (cropped).png Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal Minister of Justice30 March 20222 April 2024−2 years, 3 days
Dominika Švarc Pipan Dominika Svarc Pipan - 52113669807 (cropped).jpg Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia Minister of Justice1 June 202216 February 20241 year, 260 days
Lea Danilson-Järg Danilson-Jarg, Lea.IMG 20220813 134212-1.jpg Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia Minister of Justice18 July 202217 April 2023273 days
Inese Lībiņa-Egnere* 4.maija sviniga sede (17366106225).jpg Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia Minister of Justice14 December 2022Incumbent2 years, 79 days
Élisabeth Baume-Schneider Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (2023).jpg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police1 January 202331 December 2023364 days
Ester Molné Soldevila* No image.svg Flag of Andorra.svg  Andorra Minister of Social Affairs, Justice and Interior 17 May 2023Incumbent1 year, 290 days
Alina Gorghiu Alina Gorghiu 44.jpg Flag of Romania.svg  Romania Minister of Justice15 June 202323 December 20241 year, 181 days
Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir No image.svg Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Minister of Interior19 June 202321 December 20241 year, 185 days
Leena Meri* Leena-Meri-02 (cropped).jpg Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Minister of Justice20 June 2023Incumbent1 year, 256 days
Elisabeth Margue* EU2024BE 240126 Informal Meeting of Justice Ministers Egmont Palace JNZT0096 (53487504907).jpg Flag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg Minister of Justice17 November 2023Incumbent1 year, 106 days
Rita Júdice* No image.svg Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal Minister of Justice2 April 2024Incumbent335 days
Shabana Mahmood* Official portrait of Shabana Mahmood MP crop 2.jpg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Secretary of State for Justice5 July 2024Incumbent241 days
Liisa Pakosta* IRL Liisa-Ly Pakosta.jpg Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia Minister of Justice23 July 2024Incumbent223 days
Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir* Thorbjorg Sigridur Gunnlaugsdottir 2021.jpg Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland Minister of Interior21 December 2024Incumbent72 days
Annelies Verlinden* Annelies Verlinden, January 2024.jpg Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium Minister of Justice3 February 2025Incumbent28 days

North American ministers

The following list includes all women who have served as national justice ministers or analogous governmental officials in North America. Politicians are listed based on the starting dates of their tenures.

 *  denotes an incumbent justice minister or equivalent officeholder
NameImageCountryTitleMandate startMandate endTerm length
Yolanda Myers de Vásquez No image.svg Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador Attorney General196719725 years, 0 days
Elizabeth Odio Benito Jueza de la Corte IDH, Elizabeth Odio Benito (39849747524) (cropped).jpg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace8 May 19788 May 19824 years, 0 days
8 May 19908 May 19944 years, 0 days
Dina Castro de Callejas No image.svg Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador Attorney General198219842 years, 0 days
Pura Luz Núñez Pérez No image.svg Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic Attorney General 198619871 year, 0 days
Semiramis Olivo de Pichardo No image.svg Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic Attorney General198819902 years, 0 days
Rhina de Rey Prendes No image.svg Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador Attorney General198919901 year, 0 days
Maruja Chacón Pacheco No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace8 May 19898 May 19901 year, 0 days
Kim Campbell Kim Campbell.jpg Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Minister of Justice and Attorney General 23 February 19903 January 19932 years, 315 days
Celin Discua No image.svg Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras Minister of Human Rights, Justice, Governance and Decentralization199319941 year, 0 days
Janet Reno Janet Reno-us-Portrait.jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States Attorney General 11 March 199320 January 20017 years, 315 days
Janet Bostwick No image.svg Flag of the Bahamas.svg  Bahamas Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs 199519972 years, 0 days
Maureen Clarke No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace19 June 19953 July 19961 year, 14 days
Anne McLellan AnneMcLellanUBC.jpg Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Minister of Justice and Attorney General11 June 199714 January 20024 years, 217 days
Mónica Nágel Berger No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace8 May 19988 May 20024 years, 0 days
Mia Mottley Mia mottley.jpg Flag of Barbados.svg  Barbados Attorney General200120032 years, 0 days
Vera Sofia Rubi No image.svg Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras Minister of Human Rights, Justice, Governance and Decentralization200127 January 20021 year, 26 days
Patricia Vega No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace25 November 20028 May 20063 years, 164 days
Allyson Maynard Gibson Allyson Maynard Gibson, ITU Telecom World 2016 (22842270868) (cropped).jpg Flag of the Bahamas.svg  Bahamas Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs200620071 year, 0 days
10 May 201224 May 20175 years, 14 days
Laura Chinchilla Laura Chinchilla Miranda with Hillary Rodham Clinton (cropped).jpg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace8 May 20068 October 20082 years, 153 days
Claire Hepburn No image.svg Flag of the Bahamas.svg  Bahamas Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs200720081 year, 0 days
Dorothy Lightbourne No image.svg Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica Minister of Justice 11 September 200723 October 20114 years, 42 days
Viviana Martín Salazar No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace8 October 200828 July 2009293 days
Claudia Paz y Paz Claudia Paz y Paz.jpg Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala Attorney General9 December 201017 May 20143 years, 159 days
Marisela Morales Marisela Morales Ibanez (cropped).jpg Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico Attorney General1 April 201130 November 2011243 days
Ana Pineda No image.svg Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras Minister of Human Rights, Justice, Governance and Decentralization201227 January 20142 years, 26 days
Ana Isabel Garita Vílchez No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace27 June 20138 May 2014315 days
Cristina Ramírez Chavarría No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace8 May 20147 July 20151 year, 60 days
Thelma Aldana Thelma Aldana 2016 cropped.jpg Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala Attorney General17 May 201416 May 20183 years, 364 days
Loretta Lynch Loretta Lynch, official portrait.jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States Attorney General27 April 201520 January 20171 year, 268 days
Cecilia Sánchez Romero No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace7 July 20151 January 20182 years, 178 days
Jody Wilson-Raybould Jody Wilson-Raybould.jpg Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada Minister of Justice and Attorney General4 November 201512 February 20193 years, 100 days
Marlene Malahoo Forte Marlene Malahoo Forte.jpg Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica Minister of Justice7 March 201610 January 20225 years, 309 days
Karla Cuevas No image.svg Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras Minister of Human Rights, Justice, Governance and Decentralization16 January 201822 January 20213 years, 6 days
Marcia González Aguiluz No image.svg Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace8 May 20187 February 20201 year, 275 days
María Consuelo Porras* Fiscal General Maria Consuelo Porras (cropped).jpg Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala Attorney General17 May 2018Incumbent6 years, 290 days
Fiorella Salazar Rojas* Fiorella Salazar Rojas.png Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica Minister of Justice and Peace14 February 2020Incumbent5 years, 17 days
Dia Forrester No image.svg Flag of Grenada.svg  Grenada Attorney General1 January 20211 July 20221 year, 181 days
Claudette Joseph* No image.svg Flag of Grenada.svg  Grenada Attorney General1 July 2022Incumbent2 years, 245 days
Pam Bondi* Bondi bio photo crop.jpg Flag of the United States.svg  United States Attorney General5 February 2025Incumbent26 days

Oceanian ministers

The following list includes all women who have served as national justice ministers or analogous governmental officials in Oceania. Politicians are listed based on the starting dates of their tenures.

 *  denotes an incumbent justice minister or equivalent officeholder
NameImageCountryTitleMandate startMandate endTerm length
Hilda Lini No image.svg Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu Minister of Justice October 1996November 19961 year, 31 days
Amanda Vanstone Amanda Vanstone.jpg Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Attorney General of Australia 9 October 199730 January 20013 years, 113 days
Isabelle Donald No image.svg Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu Minister of Justice200620071 year, 0 days
Annette King Annette King at Onslow Kindergarten.jpg Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Minister of Justice 31 October 200719 November 20081 year, 19 days
Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa Fiame Naomi Mataafa (portrait).jpg Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa Minister of Justice and Courts Administration18 March 201119 March 20165 years, 1 day
Judith Collins The Honourable Judith Collins MP.jpg Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Minister of Justice12 December 201130 August 20142 years, 261 days
Nicola Roxon Nicola Roxon Portrait 2012.jpg Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Attorney General of Australia14 December 20112 February 20131 year, 50 days
Amy Adams Amy Adams politician (cropped).jpg Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Minister of Justice30 August 201426 October 20173 years, 57 days
Michaelia Cash Michaelia Cash March 2014.jpg Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia Attorney General of Australia30 March 202123 May 20221 year, 54 days
Kiri Allan Kiritapu Allan (cropped).jpg Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Minister of Justice14 June 202224 July 20231 year, 40 days
Ginny Andersen Profile--ginnyandersen-3-390x2-UNC.jpg Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand Minister of Justice24 July 202327 November 2023126 days

South American ministers

The following list includes all women who have served as national justice ministers or analogous governmental officials in South America. Politicians are listed based on the starting dates of their tenures.

 *  denotes an incumbent justice minister or equivalent officeholder
NameImageCountryTitleMandate startMandate endTerm length
Adriana Olguín Olguin, Adriana.jpg Flag of Chile.svg  Chile Minister of Justice and Human Rights 29 July 19523 November 195297 days
Mónica Madariaga Monica Madariaga 1983..jpg Flag of Chile.svg  Chile Minister of Justice and Human Rights20 April 197714 February 19835 years, 300 days
Mónica de Greiff No image.svg Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Minister of Justice and Law 16 July 19897 August 19901 year, 22 days
Alma Beatriz Rengifo López No image.svg Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Minister of Justice and Law21 April 19977 August 19981 year, 108 days
Soledad Alvear SolAlvear.jpg Flag of Chile.svg  Chile Minister of Justice and Human Rights11 March 20001 October 20044 years, 204 days
Johana Pesántez Johana pesantez (cropped).jpg Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Cults13 May 201118 June 20132 years, 36 days
Ruth Stella Correa Palacio No image.svg Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Minister of Justice and Law12 July 201213 September 20131 year, 63 days
Patricia Pérez Goldberg Ministra de Justicia Patricia Perez Goldberg - 2012 (cropped).jpg Flag of Chile.svg  Chile Minister of Justice and Human Rights17 December 201211 March 20141 year, 84 days
Sheila Abed No image.svg Flag of Paraguay.svg  Paraguay Minister of Justice15 August 201315 August 20185 years, 0 days
Ledy Zúñiga Rocha No image.svg Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Cults19 November 201324 May 20173 years, 186 days
Virginia Velasco Condori No image.svg Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia Minister of Justice and Institutional Transparency22 January 201523 January 20172 years, 1 day
Rosana Alvarado Rosana Alvarado Carrion en la Comision de Juticia, 20 de septiembre de 2017 (37206786261) (cropped).jpg Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Cults24 May 201723 August 20181 year, 91 days
Gloria María Borrero Ministra Gloria Borrero.jpg Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Minister of Justice and Law7 August 201816 May 2019282 days
Margarita Cabello Blanco No image.svg Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia Minister of Justice and Law11 June 201917 August 20201 year, 72 days
Cecilia Chacón Castillo Cecilia chacon (cropped).jpg Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Cults3 July 201924 May 20211 year, 325 days
Marcela Losardo Marcela Losardo 2019.jpg Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina Minister of Justice and Human Rights 10 December 201929 March 20211 year, 109 days
Bernarda Ordóñez Moscoso PRESIDENTA DE LA ASAMBLEA NACIONAL, GUADALUPE LLORI, REUNION CON LA SECRETARIA DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS, BERNANDA ORDONEZ. ECUADOR, 23 DE JUNIO DEL 2021 (cropped).jpg Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Cults24 May 20215 May 2022346 days
Marcela Ríos Ministra Marcela Rios.jpg Flag of Chile.svg  Chile Minister of Justice and Human Rights11 March 20227 January 2023302 days
Paola Flores Jaramillo* PAOLA FLORES.jpg Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Cults5 May 2022Incumbent2 years, 302 days

See also

Additional lists of female ministers

Footnotes

Notes

  1. ↑ Specific names for the governmental agency in charge of administration of justice vary by country. For example, this body is called the Department of Justice in the United States. Likewise, this agency is called the Office of the Attorney General in Myanmar.
  2. ↑ Not all countries have a ministry of justice, as is the case with Monaco.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 From 2012 onwards, this position has been known as Minister of Justice and Public Security.

Citations

  1. ↑ Park, Kyung Ae (1994). "Women and Revolution in South and North Korea". In Tétreault, Mary Ann (ed.). Women and Revolution in Africa, Asia, and the New World. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. Table 7.7. ISBN   978-1-57003-016-1.
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