Universal-Womens-accesss-to-justice-Publications-Practitioners-Guide-Series-2016-ENG

150 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE No. 12
At all levels of education, integrate educational
programmes on women’s rights, gender equality and
access to justice, which also emphasize the role of men
and boys as advocates and stakeholders. 393
Women subjected to gender-based violence should have
access to legal aid
“A crucial element in guaranteeing that justice systems are
economically accessible to women is the provision of free or
low-cost legal aid, advice and representation in judicial and
quasi -judicial processes in all fields of law”. 394
To that end, the CEDAW Committee recommends that States
parties to the Convention:
“a) Institutionalize systems of legal aid and public defense
that are accessible, sustainable and responsive to the
needs of women; and ensure that these services are
provided in a timely, continuous and effective manner at
all stages of judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings,
including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and
restorative justice processes. Ensure unhindered access
to legal aid and public defense providers to all relevant
documentation and other information including witness
statements;
“b) Ensure that legal aid and public defense providers are
competent, gender-sensitive, respect confidentiality and
are granted adequate time to defend their clients;
“c) Conduct information and awareness-raising programmes
for women about the existence of legal aid and public
defense and the conditions for obtaining them.
393
Ibid, paragraph 33.
394
Ibid, paragraph 36. See also Protocol to the African Charter on
Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo
Protocol) of 11 July 2003, Article 8(a) also requires “effective access
by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid”.