Access to justice is a fundamental human right, a cornerstone of the rule of law and good governance. It is a pre-requisite for achieving gender equality and realizing other human rights.

At the same time, the compounding effects of climate change, conflicts, economic downturns and COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the justice gap for women. According to the 2023 World Justice Project Index, women face greater barriers to justice than men in nearly 70 percent of countries surveyed. In many places, formal justice systems are geographically inaccessible, expensive and/or fail to respond to the justice needs of women. This gap signifies a troubling trend given that access to justice is intrinsically linked to poverty, access to resources, financial independence, access to healthcare and education. 

To meet and respond to the needs of women, justice systems have to be transparent, accessible, inclusive and accountable. And women need to be actively present in these systems. Equal and effective participation of women in the judiciary enhances gender equality in justice systems and makes justice more accessible to women, as well as to marginalized and/or vulnerable groups. 

With their different perspectives and experiences, women leaders in justice can challenge gender stereotypes, reshape narratives about women’s roles in society under an intersectional approach and enable better responses to address gender-based violence and inequality.

UNDP and UN Women study on women in justice in Africa 

In Africa, despite numerous challenges, inspiring initiatives showcase the transformative role of women in the judiciary. Women’s participation has an impact on closing the justice gap, facilitate better access to justice for all and instil trust in justices systems. 

Through the Gender Justice Platform partnership, UNDP and UN Women conducted a regional study of women judges in 14 African countries. The research helped to understand the situation with women’s representation in justice, identify what prevents women from entering the system and moving up in the hierarchy. The  study provides recommendations and demonstrates best practices to support and strengthen gender-responsive justice institutions.

The event

UNDP and UN Women will present their study to showcase good practices and opportunities for women to champion justice responses. The objective of this event is to underscore the crucial contribution of women judges to advancing gender equality and facilitating access to justice for women in their communities and countries.  

The event will provide expert insights and practical tools to achieve and sustain progress on gender equality in justice, including through strategic programming interventions that can bring transformative change.

Fostering women’s leadership in the justice system contributes to a more inclusive and gender-responsive legal environment. The event is a call for the international community and national partners to amplify efforts and advocate stronger for gender-responsive justice institutions and to provide strategic solutions for women’s access to justice, reduction of poverty, social cohesion and, ultimately, development. 

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