Side event organized by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), with the support of Australia, Italy and the Philippines, and in partnership with the American Bar Association and the International Association of Women Judges and the Women, Business and the Law at the World Bank, on the occasion of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
Monday, 16 March 2026
3-4:15 pm
Conference Room 11, United Nations Headquarters, New York
UN Web TV Livestream
Access to justice for women and girls is essential to gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development, and to peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. Yet, at a time of shrinking development aid and competing global priorities, the justice sector – particularly justice for women and girls – remains under-resourced and deprioritized.
Without access to justice, women and girls are often unable to own or inherit property, access credit or financial services, secure decent work, or seek protection from violence and discrimination. These barriers exclude women from economic and social life and limit the impact of broader development efforts.
On the other hand, when justice systems are fair, accountable and responsive to women’s needs, they can strengthen trust in institutions, support social cohesion and enable women to contribute fully to economic and social development.
Moderated by IDLO Director-General Jan Beagle, this high-level event will examine the key challenges, effective approaches, and political and financial investments needed to advance access to justice for all women and girls.
Please Note: Due to the limited seating, admission to the event is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Agenda
Moderator
Jan Beagle, Director-General, IDLO
Special Remarks
- Hon. Ruth Cross Kwansing, Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, Kiribati
- Hon. Majken Anika S. Gran-Ong, Undersecretary of the Department of Justice, Government of Philippines
- H.E. Giorgio Marrapodi, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations in New York
- Padma Raman, Executive Director of the Office for Women, Department of the Prime Ministry and Cabinet, Australia
Panel Discussion
- Justice Maria Filomena Singh, President-Elect of the International Association of Women Judges and Supreme Court of the Philippines
- Tea Trumbic, Manager, Women, Business and the Law, World Bank
- Doreen Kyazze, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Penal Reform International
- Michelle A. Behnke, President, American Bar Association
- Rangita de Silva de Alwis, Member, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women