Liberating: Gender disparity highlighted through mock court tribunal

Speakers emphasise need to change attitudes about gender

A mock court tribunal was organised on Thursday by the Aurat Foundation (AF) to highlight issues faced by women in accessing justice.

The tribunal, held on the occasion of AF’s USAID-supported Gender Equity Programme’s Annual Event titled “Overcoming Barriers to Justice for Women” was conducted by women lawyers trained under the programme.



Speaking on this occasion, USAID Mission Director Gregory Gottalieb said “All of us—men and women—need to take an active role in increasing the commitment to change attitudes about gender. Only then can we hope to redress the social and cultural barriers to women equality.”

Adding to this, Federal Judicial Academy Director General Faqir Hussain agreed that accessing justice is a frustrating exercise in Pakistan but said the National Judicial Policy has worked for quick expedition of decisions in courts throughout Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

AF Chief Operating Officer Naeem Mirza was of the opinion that there is a need to strengthen the support system for women who dare to take a stand against injustice. “Presence of trained women lawyers will contribute in creating enabling environment for women who face discrimination and insecurity at every level in the courts,” a press release quoted him as saying.

Like in other parts of the world, women face various forms of legal inequalities in Pakistan. Women lawyers can be a source to help to them in ensuring their rights through legal process but the number of women lawyers is limited in the country.

There are several factors responsible for limited number of trained young women lawyers including existing cultural taboos and family resistance, male dominated chambers and court environment, financial constraints, and lack of opportunities to learn and excel in the legal profession.

A large number of civil society representatives, lawyers, law students, retired and serving judges from session and high courts and GEP beneficiaries attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2014.