Statement by the Director-General, Ms Jan Beagle
General Discussion
New York
17 March 2026
Madam Chair, Distinguished delegates,
We are all aware that we gather at this 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at a time of immense global upheaval.
The Agreed Conclusions adopted last week confirm the importance of “promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice.”
We should celebrate the reaffirmation of these fundamental principles at a time when there is global pushback against hard won progress on human rights and gender equality.
At the same time, we must recognize that for too many women and girls, those commitments remain distant from everyday reality.
In nearly 70 per cent of countries, women still face greater legal, financial, social and cultural barriers to justice than men.
As the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to advancing the rule of law to promote peace and sustainable development, IDLO’s four decades of experience in some 100 countries confirm that turning equality from principle into practice requires strong laws, effective institutions, and justice systems that work for women and girls.
It also requires challenging patriarchal views and persistent social norms.
Allow me to highlight five key actions that drive change.
First, eliminating discriminatory laws and policies is the first step towards removing structural barriers to equality.
Second, by building people-centred justice systems that listen to, and reflect, the needs of women and girls, we don’t just deliver fair outcomes, we also rebuild trust.
Women’s equal participation and leadership in justice institutions is also key to achieving this objective.
Third, legal empowerment is essential to ensure that women are able to use the law to claim their rights.
Fourth, ending gender-based violence, including cyberviolence, is fundamental for women and girls to live free from fear, and to contribute fully to their societies.
Fifth, and finally, we must invest strategically to address women's justice needs at all levels and close the gender justice gap – locally, nationally and internationally.
Empowering women through the rule of law can be transformational. It leads to more resilient families and communities, more dynamic economies, and more peaceful and inclusive societies.
SDGs 5 and 16 are mutually reinforcing.
Accelerating progress requires sustained political commitment, innovative approaches, adequate funding, and mobilizing broad multisectoral coalitions for change.
IDLO remains committed to working with all partners to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice as an essential pathway to gender equality.