Context:
Women in Mexico frequently face discrimination because of their gender. The country’s legal and judicial system is no exception and displays signs of gender biases.
Vulnerable groups, especially indigenous women, women with disabilities and the LGBTIQ+ community depend on the provision of free legal advice and representation by public defenders. The initial contact plays a crucial role in dismantling barriers to accessing justice and in building trust. In practice, however, lawyers have yet to pay sufficient attention to justice from a gender and diversity perspective.
Objective:
Legal access for disadvantaged population groups in Mexico, particularly for women, is improved.
Approach:
The project seeks to support public defender services at national level and in the states of Oaxaca and Quintana Roo to ensure that gender-responsive perspectives and diversity are given due consideration. The legal system should pay greater attention to the needs of women in its policies, procedures and services.
For the purpose, the project develops manuals and training programmes that raise awareness and help in practical application. It also puts a system into place for the systematic monitoring of service provision. Analyses of how gender roles can be changed will also help improve public legal services, especially in the case of initial contact.
In addition, the project organises events that intensify cooperation and facilitate the sharing of information between public and civil society leaders, enabling them to better represent and defend women and their rights.
Improved access to justice creates a fairer and more secure society.