3. What would a justice sector that advances
gender equality and integrates a gender
perspective look like?
A justice sector that integrates a gender perspective and advances gender equality will
be a justice sector that fairly applies the law to everyone; does not discriminate on the
grounds of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression; and actively promotes the
transformation needed to achieve gender equality. This means attending to legal, structural,
cultural and other barriers which inhibit equality of opportunity and treatment for both
people accessing justice as a service and those working in the justice sector.
This section sets out the components of a vision for achieving this overarching ideal, through
building a more representative workforce, putting in place measures to be responsive to
diverse needs, overcoming barriers to access to justice, combating GBV and discrimination,
and promoting accountability within the justice and broader security sector.
3.1 Inclusive, representative and non-discriminatory workplaces
A justice sector that integrates a gender perspective and advances gender equality is a
justice sector with the following features.
Ê Women and men of diverse backgrounds reflecting all of society (i.e. including
indigenous people, ethnic and racial minorities, different castes and religions,
persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, etc.)
are comprehensively and meaningfully employed, including in decision-making and
policy-making/law-making roles.
Ê Women and men and persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and
expressions have equal pay and opportunities (for education/training, promotion, etc.).
Ê There are facilities and policies in place which respond to the specific needs of women
(care responsibilities, separate sanitation facilities, etc.).
Ê Institutional and cultural barriers, as well as policies (or lack thereof), which inhibit
equality of opportunity and treatment have been identified and overcome, including
through the provision of maternity and paternity paid leave.
Ê Gender-based discrimination, sexual violence, GBV, harassment and violence are not
tolerated, and there are disciplinary mechanisms in place to deal with these.
3.2 Responsive to the different needs of diverse groups
A justice sector that integrates a gender perspective and advances gender equality is a
justice sector that takes steps to be aware of and responsive to the different needs of
women, men, girls, boys and people of diverse sexual orientation, identities and expressions.
Gender responsiveness applies to people who engage with the justice sector, whether as
Image: A hotline consultant
receives calls on domestic
violence at a facility supported
by the OSCE Centre in
Ashgabat, September 2009 ©
OSCE.
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents