Ten Recommendations to Make Justice Systems Work for Women The past century has seen a transformation in women’s legal rights, with countries the world over expanding the scope of women’s legal entitlements. However, for millions of women worldwide, the laws that exist on paper do not translate into equality and justice. Despite progress, discriminatory laws and critical gaps in legal frameworks remain a problem in every region. Moreover, governments are responsible for providing a functioning and accessible justice system, but too often they fall short, with major institutional barriers denying women’s access to justice. Progress of the World’s Women shows that where laws and justice systems work well, they can provide an essential mechanism for women to realize their human rights. Laws and justice systems shape society, by providing accountability, by stopping the abuse of power and by creating new norms. This report highlights the ways in which governments and civil society are working together to reform laws and create new models for justice service delivery that meet women’s needs. They have risen to the challenge of ensuring that women can access justice in the most challenging of situations, including after conflict and in the context of legal pluralism. Women themselves play a central role as agents for change, as legislators, judges, lawyers, campaigners and community activists. These ten recommendations to make justice systems work for women are proven, achievable and, if implemented, they hold enormous potential to increase women’s access to justice and advance gender equality.
118 | Progress of the World’s Women
Support women’s legal organizations
Women’s legal organizations are at the forefront of making justice systems work for women. Where government-funded legal aid is limited, women’s organizations step in to provide the advice and support that women need to pursue a legal case, to put a stop to violence, to seek a divorce or claim the land that is rightfully theirs. These organizations have been leaders in successful interventions in plural legal environments, showing that it is possible to engage with plural legal systems while simultaneously supporting local cultures, traditions and practices. Women’s organizations have also spearheaded law reform efforts and strategic litigation cases that have transformed the landscape for women’s rights nationally, regionally and internationally. These cases, including those on violence against women, sexual and reproductive health, citizenship and inheritance have enforced or clarified laws already on the books, challenged laws that should be repealed and created new laws to fill legislative gaps. Supporting these organizations is an urgent priority and a vital investment to increase women’s access to justice.