Part of our International Women’s Day series on women, peace and security.

This International Women’s Day, the global community is reminded that women worldwide hold just 64 per cent of the legal rights afforded to men. At the current rate of progress, closing these protection gaps could take nearly three centuries. In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, these disparities deepen further. Justice systems are often weakened or destroyed, leaving survivors of sexual and gender-based violence without protection, recourse or safe reporting mechanisms. Women and girls account for at least 95 per cent of reported conflict-related sexual violence cases, yet many incidents remain unreported due to stigma, retaliation and lack of trust in institutions.

United Nations peacekeeping missions play a direct role in rebuilding justice systems where they have collapsed. In South Sudan, the peacekeeping mission United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has deployed mobile courts to remote areas where residents had never accessed formal justice. These courts hear cases including murder, sexual and gender-based violence, forced and early marriage, helping extend formal legal protection beyond urban centres. In locations such as Yei, the majority of cases adjudicated through mobile courts have involved sexual violence, resulting in convictions that strengthen community confidence in justice mechanisms.

Beyond temporary tribunals, peacekeepers also invest in long-term national capacity. Training investigators to handle sexual violence cases and strengthening policing institutions are essential to ensure sustainability after missions draw down. However, financial constraints affecting peace operations threaten these gains. Reduced capacity means fewer patrols, fewer mobile courts and diminished support to survivors - a reminder this International Women’s Day that sustained investment in justice systems is indispensable to women’s rights and lasting peace.

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