The United Nations released a report titled “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls”, highlighting serious gaps in justice systems worldwide and warning that legal frameworks meant to protect rights are failing many women and girls.
The report, presented alongside the UN Secretary-General’s findings, stresses that inequalities in legal protections and barriers in justice systems continue to expose women and girls to discrimination, violence, and exclusion.
Global Status of Women’s Legal Rights
According to the report:
- Women globally possess only 64% of the legal rights that men enjoy.
- This disparity leaves women vulnerable to legal discrimination, economic inequality, and gender-based violence.
Major Legal Gaps Identified
| Issue | Global Situation |
| Definition of Rape | In 54% of countries, rape is not defined based on consent |
| Child/Forced Marriage | In nearly 75% of countries, girls can still be legally forced into marriage |
| Equal Pay Laws | 44% of countries lack laws mandating equal pay for work of equal value |
These gaps indicate that legal systems in many countries fail to adequately protect women’s rights.
Impact of Justice System Failures
The report warns that when justice systems fail women and girls:
- Public trust in institutions declines
- Rule of law is weakened
- Social inequality deepens
A justice system that excludes half of the population cannot effectively uphold justice.
Growing Challenges Identified
The report highlights several emerging and persistent threats to women’s rights.
1. Global Culture of Impunity
- Violations of women’s rights often go unpunished.
- In some regions, legal reforms are restricting women’s freedoms rather than expanding them.
2. Digital Violence
- Online harassment and digital abuse are rising rapidly.
- Technology is advancing faster than regulations designed to protect users.
3. Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
- Sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war in conflict zones.
- Reported cases of sexual violence have increased by 87% in the past two years.
Barriers to Justice
Even where laws exist, women and girls face multiple obstacles in accessing justice.
Social Barriers
- Stigma and victim-blaming
- Community pressure
- Cultural norms discouraging reporting
Practical Barriers
- Legal costs
- Lengthy judicial processes
- Language barriers
- Lack of trust in institutions
These factors often discourage survivors from seeking justice.
Areas of Progress
Despite challenges, the report highlights several positive developments.
| Indicator | Progress |
| Domestic Violence Laws | 87% of countries have enacted legislation |
| Constitutional Protections | Over 40 countries strengthened constitutional protections for women in the last decade |
However, the report stresses that legal reforms alone are insufficient without effective implementation and social change.
Role of Commission on Status of Women
The issue will be discussed at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the UN’s highest intergovernmental body on gender equality and women’s rights.
The upcoming session is seen as a critical opportunity to address setbacks and strengthen global commitments to gender equality.