European Commission says access to justice must be universal
Key points
Access to justice underpins gender equality
Justice must protect diverse women from violence
TL;DR
European Commission says access to justice is the backbone of gender equality and must become a reality for every woman and girl.
European Commission says justice systems must train judges, lawyers and police to recognise gender-based discrimination and violence, reinforce equality bodies, and promote gender balance in leadership.
European Commission notes the EU adopted the Violence Against Women Directive, supports Member States with legal aid and stronger sexual violence laws, and reports the Spotlight Initiative has helped prevent violence against more than 21 million women and girls in 26 countries.
Original text
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Lahbib on Access to Justice for All Women and Girls New York, 10 March 2026 Without justice, there is no equality. This is a simple statement, but it is true. When we talk about women and girls, access to justice is the backbone of gender equality. It is what ensures that every woman and girl can be heard, protected, and treated with dignity...
Speech Brief