We work with governments & parliaments

Equal laws create stronger, more prosperous societies

Since 1992, Equality Now has worked to eliminate all barriers to legal and systemic gender equality through expert advocacy, strategic litigation, partnerships, and grassroots collaboration. As a recognised international human rights expert, convener and reformer, we shape laws, unite powerful movements, and hold power to account—delivering enduring change to the benefit of all.

Around the world, laws still fall short of guaranteeing gender equality. We inform and advise national and local governments and parliamentary bodies, supporting them to align their legal systems with international human rights law and best practice. 

How we support governments and parliaments

Legal analysis & frameworks

Legal analysis and model legislative frameworks: from sexual violence to family law, female genital mutilation to tech-facilitated gender based violence. 

Technical assistance

Technical assistance on international and regional human rights obligations: including the Maputo Protocol and the Belem do Para Convention, to United Nations Treaty Body obligations. 

 

Policy development

Context-specific policy development informed by our global expertise: guided by our global expertise and grounded in local realities. 

 

Our impact: Transforming policy into action

Over 30 years, we’ve helped reform more than 120 discriminatory laws across the globe transforming the lives of millions of people for generations to come.

In 2024 alone, we contributed to legal reform in 10 countries, strengthening protections for over 52 million women and girls. In past years, our work informed reforms in Nepal, Mexico, Uzbekistan, the USA, and Bolivia – ensuring gender-sensitive legislation and enforcement systems across regions.

Everything we do at Equality Now is based around our four strategic aims, all of which are defined by key drivers of global (in)equality.

Explore the issues we work on: 

When laws treat everyone equally everyone benefits.

The impact of legal inequality is felt most directly by girls, women, and their families, but the wider economic and social consequences affect everyone. Research has shown that if women were to achieve full parity in the workforce, the global economy would increase by $7 trillion USD.

Securing legal equality for women and girls unlocks the full promise of gender equality – and with it, a more stable, prosperous, sustainable future for everyone.

Learn.

Use our women’s rights around the world resource to explore legal gaps and how your government can lead the change. 

Connect.

Partner.

Partner with us to align your laws  with global standards of equality and justice, to build a just world for everyone.

Explore more resources

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Uruguay: Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee on gender-based and sexual violence

Equality Now and CLADEM Uruguay urge stronger laws, resources and justice systems to address gender-based and sexual violence in Uruguay.

Submission to the CEDAW Committee for the Follow-up Assessment of Tajikistan

Equality Now’s submission on Tajikistan highlights domestic violence, sexual violence, child marriage, and legal reforms needed to protect women and girls.

Five myths and facts about sexual violence

This practical guide debunks common myths about sexual violence and explains how international human rights standards can strengthen survivor-centred laws and justice systems.

Latest News & Insights

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29th July 2026

6 mins

What to know about human trafficking this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

News and Insights

22nd July 2026

10 mins

Survivors of sexual violence in South Asia struggle to access compensation, new report finds

Press Releases

14th July 2026

4 mins

Reflections from a Retreat in The Adirondacks: Foundational Conversations

Stories

14th July 2026

7 mins

Reflections from a Retreat in The Adirondacks: Intersex and FGM/C activists in conversation

Stories

13th July 2026

17 mins

Equality Culture Club: Ruchira Gupta on writing for a young audience and the power of hope

Culture Club

10th July 2026

11 mins

Maputo at 23: 23 reasons why the Maputo Protocol remains vital for women and girls in Africa

News and Insights

10th July 2026

6 mins

23 years after the Maputo Protocol: From promise to practice for women and girls in Africa

News and Insights

9th July 2026

8 mins

Female genital mutilation/cutting found in Kerala, new research shows

Press Releases

9th July 2026

7 mins

Reflections from a Retreat in The Adirondacks: Confronting Leopold’s Ghost and The Fight for Autonomy and Democracy

Stories

Latest event

Join the 10th Round of the Women’s Human Rights Training Institute (WHRTI-10)

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