Access to justice is not only a right in and of itself, applicable in all contexts and for all people; it is a requisite for the achievement of equality and human rights. Yet Arab women face persistent inequalities rooted in discriminatory laws and institutions, which prevent them from accessing judicial processes to obtain just remedy for violations of their rights. This study examines women’s right of access to justice in the Arab region, focusing on citizens and non-citizens, refugees and migrant workers, and women in minority groups.

This study assesses the legal, institutional and structural impediments and challenges facing women’s access to justice in the region. It analyses the extent to which national legal frameworks meet the requirements set forth in ratified international human rights treaties and reviews the measures currently taken by Arab Governments to improve the availability, accessibility, adaptability and affordability of women’s access to justice. It concludes with policy recommendations to improve women’s access to justice and thereby translate internationally guaranteed rights into practice.