Gender Equality

Gender inequality is an affront to human dignity, a challenge to the rule of law and an obstacle to development. Denying women of their rightful place in society – by depriving them of equal access to education, justice or livelihood – means robbing societies of the talent and potential of half of their members. In securing every social need from peace to food, the role of women has been shown to be paramount.

Although gender equality is increasingly a feature of national Constitutions, the law often continues to restrict women's rights and freedoms, dictates their submission to male relatives, or limits what they may own or inherit.

Justice for the vulnerable: alternative dispute resolution in Somalia

Amina*, a mother of two from Mogadishu, found herself in a difficult position: her husband left five years ago to live abroad and never returned. Already living in poor conditions, she struggled to feed herself and her family.

Women judges in Kenya: Closer to parity, far from meaningful equality

There is an urgent need to achieve meaningful equality and gender parity in leadership positions within Kenya’s justice sector, according to a new report.

International Women's Day 2020

International Women's Day 2020

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION

By Jan Beagle, Director-General, IDLO

Today, around the world, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls and the commitments made for gender equality.

Eliminate legal discrimination against women to advance food security and nutrition

This blog post is co-authored by Dr. Ilaria Bottigliero, Director, Policy, Research and Learning, International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and Françoise Trine, Senior Food Security Officer, Secretariat of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).

Bus campaign in Yangon: commuters share thoughts on sexual harassment

HRC43 | High-level Panel Discussion on 25th Anniversary of the BPFA

43rd Session of the Human Rights Council: High-level Panel Discussion Commemorating the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION

Room XX, Palais des Nations, Geneva

Key Initiatives

Strengthening the Legal Environment for Food Security and Nutrition of Vulnerable Groups as part of the COVID-19 Response and Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to the right to food for populations, and especially for marginalized groups. In many countries, COVID-19 is intertwining with pre-existing factors affecting food security and nutrition, by limiting the access to affordable and nutritious food, including lack of economic opportunities, extreme weather conditions, ongoing conflicts and more.
Reducing the Impact of Insecurity on Afghanistan’s Legal System

For over 15 years, IDLO has been assisting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan develop accessible, accountable, effective and efficient justice sector institutions. While significant progress has been made, many challenges remain, frequently perceived to be rooted in the ongoing conflict, the impact of insecurity and the public’s fear for their safety. There is a strong need to address the concerns and goals of the justice sector and find innovative solutions and methods to strengthen its resilience.
Strengthening the Alternative Dispute Resolution in Somalia

Lack of access to a fair and equitable justice system is one of the most pressing problems confronting modern Somalia on its path towards stability and reconstruction. Informal justice systems, offering alternative dispute resolution are often much better placed to respond to the immediate justice needs of many Somalis seeking justice, as they have more legitimacy and are more easily accessible. To enhance access to justice in Somalia, it is therefore essential to engage with the alternative dispute resolution systems.
Improving the response to gender-based violence in Mongolia

The Government of Mongolia has taken a number of legislative and policy steps aimed at tackling domestic violence. While the new legal framework undeniably offers an improved, holistic and more victim-centered approach, its practical implementation and adherence to ensuring the needs of victims requires significant technical assistance, ongoing monitoring, and effective coordination among all the relevant actors.