Introduction � A comprehensive understanding of the unique ways in which society’s most vulnerable per­ sons are affected by torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (ill-treatment) requires the recognition of a gendered analysis and framework that fully encap­ sulates these atrocities. Historically, the framework underrepresented this perspective, as the torture and ill-treatment framework emerged in response to practices and situations dispropor­ tionately affecting men. Full incorporation of a gendered analysis brings with it the acknowl­ edgment of structural gender discrimination, patriarchal and heteronormative power structures, and socialized gender stereotypes. Incorporation of a gendered analysis also allows the torture and ill-treatment framework to more effectively qualify and address human rights violations committed against all people across sexual and gender norms. In this way, a gendered analy­ sis is important for a comprehensive understanding of torture as much as a study of torture is important for gender studies, and the full recognition of the lived realities of the world’s most disenfranchised people. This publication is a follow-up to the report I presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in March 2016 (A/HRC/31/57). The report examined how the prohibition of tor­ ture and other ill-treatment in international law must take into account the unique experiences of women, girls, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons. The report was a reminder to States of their obligation to prevent and combat gender-based violence and discrimination against women, girls, and LGBTI persons that amount to torture or ill-treatment, irrespective of whether the acts are committed in the private or public spheres. Moreover, my report underscored that States must look at the totality of the circumstances of women, girls, and LGBTI persons in order to account for the lived realities and compounded forms of oppression that include race, social status, ability to pursue life goals, and extant discriminatory legal, nor­ mative, and legislative frameworks. Reparations for harms suffered should be comprehensive and accompanied by diverse measures and reforms designed specifically to combat gender-based discrimination. This volume is a compilation of articles and essays submitted by global experts, activists, schol­ ars, and practitioners, invited to reflect and expound upon various areas of my report, its recom­ mendations, and on the diverse contexts women, girls, and LGBTI persons experience violence, often in the form of torture and other ill-treatment. The articles within the publication span the different topical areas that stand at the intersection of gender and torture and re-centers the nar­ ratives. They are both academic and advocacy pieces, covering, inter alia, gender-based violence, gender and sexuality as the basis for specific harms, conditions of confinement, and healthcare and reproductive rights. I am proud to present this compilation, which reflects and expands upon the way the traditional torture and ill-treatment framework failed to account for the experiences of women and LGBTI persons for too long. The key topical areas from my report further expanded upon in this volume include: xi