The Gender and the Judiciary

The book underscores the importance of integrating a gender perspective into judicial systems worldwide, revealing how gender sensitivity enhances the legitimacy, equity, and efficacy of the judicial process.
The judiciary serves as a cornerstone of democratic societies, upholding principles of fairness, equality, and justice for all. Yet, the effectiveness of the judiciary can be compromised when it fails to reflect and respond to the diverse experiences and needs of those it serves. A gender perspective within the judiciary addresses this challenge by recognizing that laws and judicial decisions impact individuals differently based on gender, and by working to counteract systemic biases that may disadvantage certain groups. The integration of a gender perspective in the judiciary is essential to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and representative justice system. While judicial institutions uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality, they also operate within broader societal frameworks where gender dynamics and biases play significant roles. Across national jurisdictions and international judicial bodies, gender representation in the judiciary remains imbalanced, with women often underrepresented, particularly in higher courts and leadership roles. This disparity reflects and reinforces traditional power structures, limiting the judiciary’s capacity to address the unique experiences and legal needs of all members of society. By incorporating a gender perspective, judicial systems worldwide can better respond to gender-based inequalities and ensure that their practices, policies, and decisions reflect the diverse realities of those they serve.
Incorporating a gender perspective within the judiciary supports a more equitable legal system that honors the experiences and rights of all individuals. By improving women’s representation at all levels, facilitating career advancement, and promoting gender-sensitive practices, judicial institutions can better fulfill their mandate of delivering impartial and fair justice. In both national and international contexts, a judiciary that values gender diversity and awareness is better positioned to address the nuances of gender in the law and to uphold the principles of justice in a way that truly reflects and serves society as a whole.

Susanne Baer, Professor of Public Law and Gender Studies, Humboldt University, Berlin
Ivana Jeli-, Vice-President of the European Court of Human Rights
Ivana Krsti-, Professor of International Human Rights Law, Faculty of Law, Belgrade University