What justice means to women – and how to deliver it

What does equal access to justice mean for women and girls?
What is justice? How do we access it?

Justice is a means to restore rights, dismantle systematic discrimination, build trust, and prevent future abuses by increasing accountability. This form of justice listens to and believes survivors, provides reparations, and holds perpetrators accountable. And in conflict settings, justice is not something to be delayed or reserved – but is essential for moving towards peace.

Justice recognizes women’s and girls’ rights, dignity, voice, and freedoms, and protects them: Women’s rights mean nothing if we cannot enforce them.

When we talk about how we access justice, we’re referring to the laws and systems, formal or traditional, that uphold and protect our rights and freedoms, address historic inequalities, and hold perpetrators accountable. These systems include police forces, criminal and civil courts, as well as community and religious leaders who enforce traditional justice systems.

What does access to justice look like in practice?
Laws that protect women and girls from violence and end impunity. A woman can call the police – free from fear of retaliation or inaction – when she experiences abuse. Perpetrators know that they will be held accountable by the justice system.
Laws that prevent and end discrimination. Women are guaranteed equal pay for work of equal value under the law – and can bring their employer to court for discrimination when those laws are broken. Or a girl’s right to attend school is legally protected, so she can grow up with the same opportunities as her male peers.
Justice systems that believe women and girls, without bias. Police, lawyers, judges, and others in the justice system stop judging women and girls based on stereotypes and gender bias – so that survivors are not revictimized or blamed and justice is delivered.
Legal aid that ALL women and girls can access and afford. For example, legal aid is made free for a woman who cannot afford the fees – and she can report injustice regardless of her race, language, income, or citizenship status.
Support to recover when rights are violated. Survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual violence, or online abuse can access the health centres, counselling, and social services they need to recover.

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