Fair representation and the gender perspective

Abstract

Any justice system without women, and more specifically without women judges, is incomplete and lacks equality. Having women judges ensures fair representation, such that the courts are reflective of the composition of the society. Understanding the role of women judges is fundamental to understanding the relevance of the gender perspective. The gender perspective is a narrative which is based on the experiences of women in the context of their stories, their responses, and their needs. The lack of a gender perspective in the justice sector is a common issue in this region, and the book Women and the Judiciary in the Asia-Pacific is a comprehensive collection of articles by authors from Asia-Pacific that address it and talk about the challenges and opportunities women judges face in different areas, from the appointment process to the rendering of judgments. This collection of experiences of women judges expands on the role and impact of women judges and raises two questions: What is the role that courts play in promoting gender equality, and what difference, if any, do women judges make? The book examines the causes and implications of not having enough women on the bench, and elaborates on how women judges contribute this different thinking along with a different set of emphases; this, in turn, brings out the gender perspective which is necessary for equity and cohesion. The book makes for a relevant and compelling read and constitutes a useful resource for policymakers and lawmakers in the region, as it draws on the experiences of Asia-Pacific. In fact, it opens up necessary debates, as it invites readers to consider the challenges of gender equality in the Global South, a region often overlooked in the prevailing literature.