Statement by the Director-General, Ms Jan Beagle
At the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), we believe that justice is essential to enable women and girls to fully participate in their societies and economies.
Let us be clear.
When efforts to close the gender justice gap remain underfunded, women and girls are not only left behind; they are pushed behind.
In the face of intersecting crises, which have exacerbated gender inequality, investing in gender justice is more urgent than ever.
Against this reality, IDLO welcomes the Commission’s focus on accelerating gender equality through strengthened institutions and gender-inclusive financing.
As the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development, IDLO works to champion justice for women and girls through its research, programming and policy advocacy.
Our four decades of experience have shown that gender-responsive laws and policies, trusted and inclusive institutions, effective judiciaries, and accountability are preconditions for gender equality.
They help to break cycles of poverty, uphold women’s human rights, and support their economic empowerment, unlocking women’s potential to lead innovative solutions for peace and sustainable development.
During this session we will be advocating for action to break down the barriers hindering gender equality and justice around three critical areas.
First, we must identity and remove discriminatory laws and build gender-responsive legal and policy frameworks.
Second, we must champion survivor-centred approaches to address gender-based violence.
Third, we must amplify the voices and leadership of women in the justice sector, as policy makers, adjudicators and implementers of justice.
At a time when multilateralism is being tested, and there is significant pushback against the rights of women, IDLO aligns with partners in reaffirming our collective commitment to push forward against the pushback.
We must increase financing and amplify our efforts to eliminate discrimination in law and in practice, close the gender justice gap, and empower women and girls everywhere.