Participation, Accountability and Gender-responsive Institutions: Bangladesh towards a Gender-responsive Green Justice System

Abstract

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action are treated as the key global policy documents for women’s empowerment and gender equality. From its 12 areas of concern, ‘Women in Power and Decision Making’ is one of the best tools to reach the goal of this agenda. Whereas Goals 5, 10, 13, and 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provide a shared blueprint for equal, gender-responsive, and inclusive societies for sustainable development, as well as access to justice for all, and the establishment of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, while addressing climate change and working to protect the oceans and forests. Bangladesh is one of 189 countries that has adopted these agendas and included the SGDs in its 8th Fiscal Year Plan (2020–2025). Among 1800 judges, around one-fourth are women who are making significant contributions to the justice delivery system of the country. However, three green courts in Bangladesh have never been presided over by a woman judge. Furthermore, though the Constitution has safeguarded equal opportunity for men and women in every sector of the state, gender equality for women judges is not guaranteed by state laws due to a lack of state policies. Considering the present situation in Bangladesh as well as around the world, it has become a new challenge for everyone. For having women in power and decision-making to ensure sustainable development in the green justice delivery system, do we need women empowerment and gender equality or women empowerment and gender equity?

Presenters

Fatema Jahan Sharna
Judge, Law and Justice Division, 3rd Additional District and Sessions Judge Court, Kishoreganj zila, Bangladesh

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2025 Special Focus—Sustainable Development for a Dynamic Planet: Lessons, Priorities, and Solutions

KEYWORDS

Sustainable Development, Green Justice, Gender Equality, Gender Equity, Bangladesh