UN Agreement Strengthens Access to Justice for Women & Girls

• A global agreement is reached by governments during a meeting held in New York, USA, at the UN
• Emphasis is given to strengthening access to justice for women and girls
• A new framework is developed that seeks to close the gender equality gap in justice

At a UN meeting in New York, representatives from around the world developed a new framework for improving access to justice for women and girls in all countries.

The new framework will include legal equality, support and justice systems that are designed to meet the needs of women and girls. While all countries have yet to achieve complete legal equality for men and women, the new framework will work to close that gap so that women and girls the world over will receive equal access to justice.

The consensus on the new framework came from several Government representatives on March 9, 2026. The governments of all nations are encouraged to repeal all laws that discriminate against women and girls.

Governments should also ensure that all justice systems are designed to accommodate and provide access to justice for women and girls.

The agreement was developed at the inaugural session of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which will be held 9th through 19th March 2026 in New York.

It is a global meeting that includes representatives of governments, Civil Society and the UN to discuss women's rights and equality.

Although the agreement is not binding in law, it is likely to have an impact on national policies and help achieve the UN’s 2030 sustainable development objectives in terms of gender equality.

The UN Women reported the agreement as an important step forward in the promotion of gender equality, especially in light of the challenges facing women’s rights globally.

Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, stated: “The Agreed Conclusions represent a commitment to the advancement of justice for women and girls, an end to impunity, and the creation of a more equitable justice sector.”

The agreement highlights the importance of access to justice in promoting equality and non-discrimination. It helps protect women and girls from violence and abuse and builds trust in public institutions.

While there have been advances in equality and justice in law, violence, discrimination, and inequality persist in millions of women and girls worldwide.

The agreement also emphasizes the role of civil society and feminist organizations by affirming their rights to protect civic space, as well as calling for ongoing flexible funding of a sufficient duration in order to adequately support their work.