LocationsInvesting in Women’s Rights and Access to Justice: A Catalyst for Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
March 13, 2026
Group photo of female MPs in Ghana, alongside representatives from partner organizations and consultants supporting the Training Programme to Empower Female MPs and Advance Gender-Responsive Governance.
Across the world, progress toward gender equality continues to face complex setbacks — from rising economic inequalities to persistent barriers in justice systems. Yet the evidence remains clear: societies thrive when women and girls can fully exercise their rights, have equal access to justice, and participate meaningfully in decision‑making. On thisAs we commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 and celebrate women in March, the global community rallies under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for all women and girls”, a powerful reminder that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Around the world, women continue to experience disproportionate levels of discrimination, legal exclusion, and gender‑based violence. UN Women estimates that nearly 1 in 3 women globally have faced some form of violence in their lifetime, while millions more struggle to access fair legal processes due to socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional barriers. When justice systems fail women, the cost reverberates, affecting development outcomes, community stability, and generational wellbeingwell-being.
In development contexts, investing in women’s legal empowerment is directly linked to improved economic participation, increased household resilience, better health and education outcomes for families, and stronger governance systems. Evidence from multiple countries shows that when women understand, claim, and exercise their rights, communities become more inclusive, productive, and peaceful.
Ghana has made notable progress in advancing gender equality, including law reforms, policy commitments, and programmes focused on women’s economic empowerment, justice delivery, and social protection. Yet gaps remain.
Women in rural communities still face limited access to legal aid, long travel distances to justice institutions, high costs, and cultural norms that discourage reporting of violence or property disputes. Many women navigating divorce, child custody, inheritance, land issues, or gender‑based violence cases continue to encounter delays and barriers within formal and informal justice systems.
Recent initiatives, including investments in Legal Aid Commission reforms, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, digitalization of justice services, and community‑level awareness campaigns, demonstrate that transformation is possible when institutions, civil society, and development partners work together with a shared commitment.
UNDP’s work with national institutions such as the Legal Aid Commission (LAC), the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection continue continues to strengthen access to justice, expand legal empowerment, and ensure no woman or girl is left behind. Through collaborations with justice sector institutions, civil society, and development partners, UNDP supports:
- Legal aid expansion to underserved districts.
- Capacity strengthening for justice actors to deliver rights-based services.
- Digital innovations that modernize modernise legal processes and reduce delays.
- Community engagement programmes that challenge harmful norms and empower women with knowledge of their rights.
- Strengthening of platforms and capacities to advance women’s participation in decision makingdecision-making
- Providing livelihood opportunities for to enhance the economic empowerment of women
- Evidence‑based policy advocacy, development and implementation support
These actions reinforce Ghana’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
From the right: UNDP Deputy Resident Representative handing over ICT and office equipment to the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission, Mr. Edmund Amarkwei Foley, on behalf of the Commission.
Internationally, the call for justice is gaining momentum. Countries are increasingly prioritizing prioritising legal reforms, gender‑responsive budgeting and accountability systems to protect and promote women’s rights. Emerging research shows that societies with strong gender‑just institutions enjoy greater social cohesion, more inclusive economic growth, and enhanced resilience against crises.
As the world navigates conflict, climate shocks, and economic uncertainty, investing in women’s rights is one of the most impactful strategies for building a sustainable and equitable future.
To truly realize realise “Rights, Justice, Action for all women and girls,” we must move beyond commitments to sustained, collective action:
- Strengthen legal frameworks and action to address gender‑based violence, discrimination, and economic exclusion.
- Expand accessible and affordable justice services, especially at the community level.
- Invest in women’s economic empowerment, recognizing its direct impact on autonomy and justice‑seeking capacity.
- Engage men and boys as allies to shift harmful norms and foster inclusive communities.
- Leverage data and evidence to design solutions, track progress, and ensure accountability
- Prioritize Prioritise partnerships across government, development agencies, the private sector, and civil society to drive scalable, sustainable change.
Women’s rights are not aspirational, ; they are non‑negotiable. Justice is not a privilege; it is a universal entitlement. And equality is not optional; it is essential for the future we seek.
As we commemorate IWD 2026, we are reminded that every investment in women’s rights and access to justice is an investment in stronger institutions, healthier communities, resilient economies, and sustainable development for all.
Now is the time for bold leadership, inclusive policies, and unwavering commitment.
Now is the time for Rights, Justice, Action for all women and girls.