Access to justice is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and fostering sustainable development. Yet, in many parts of the world, legal aid systems struggle to adequately respond to the needs of women, leaving them without meaningful pathways to justice and affecting their ability to be economically included. Legal aid systems, in particular, often fail to meet women’s needs, limiting access to justice and compromising development outcomes.

This session will launch the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency's first pilot assessment on Legal Aid for Women, spanning nine countries and offering data-driven insights for reform. It will spotlight the structural barriers women face in accessing justice and the innovative solutions making a difference. Participants will discover how legal aid systems can become more responsive, inclusive, and impactful for women worldwide.

The Legal Aid for Women assessment offers valuable insights into legal aid systems across developing countries. This initiative provides a comparative analysis of best practices and persistent challenges in ensuring access to justice for women. 

Opening Remarks:

Christopher Stephens, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, World Bank Group

Speakers:

Anna Giudice, Team Leader, Accelerating Justice Team, CPCJS/DTA, UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Arturo Herrera Gutierrez, Global Director for Institutions, World Bank Group

Pascale Lagesse, Vice Chair Legal Practice Division, International Bar Association

Marwan Maalouf, Senior Counsel, World Bank Group

Return to the main LJD Week event website here.