7th October 2012
This report examines how discriminatory laws and ineffective legal systems expose women and girls to violence and deny them justice. Using global case examples, it shows the consequences of missing legal protections, explicitly discriminatory legislation, and failures to enforce existing laws. The paper also highlights the barriers that survivors face, such as bias, re-traumatisation, and a lack of legal support, and presents cases where civil remedies have created positive change. It concludes with recommendations urging governments to repeal discriminatory laws, enact strong protections, and ensure proper implementation so women and girls can fully realise their rights.