Summary of Side Event "Progress of the World's Women – In Pursuit of Justice"

The purpose of the event was to discuss the report by UN Women; “Progress of the World's Women” and how women's access to justice is linked to the full implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. Lakshmi Puri, from UN Women, spoke of the need for a well functioning and targeted law and justice system as the foundation of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Three actions are needed for this; adopting laws where needed, filling gaps and improving existing laws as well as monitoring and ensuring the implementation of the laws. Gender specific laws should exist to protect women and promote their participation while avoiding stigmatizing and victimizing their experiences. Further action calls for implementing gender sensitive law reform, investing in infrastructure and eliminating financial and other barriers that hinder women's access to justice.