Guaranteeing Equal Access of Women to Justice in Europe: Obstacles and Solutions

Achieving effective gender equality is a foundation of good governance and a key-element for promoting the rule of law. In the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2014-2017 guaranteeing equal access of women to justice was a strategic objective because accessing justice is more difficult for women than men due to gender inequalities, stereotypes and other legal and socio-economic barriers. After the completion of the Strategy the paper takes stock of certain solutions implemented by States to reduce these barriers and facilitate women’s access to justice. The 2017 “Training Manual for Judges and Prosecutors on Ensuring Women’s Access to Justice” which provides guidance on practical and daily actions to improve women’s access to justice and it is also a capacity-building tool for state institutions when training and educating judges and prosecutors is also analysed as well as some brief references to the new Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023 are made.