Women in Africa must experience justice as a lived reality: Chikunga


Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says women across Africa must experience justice as a lived reality and not only as a constitutional promise.

She was speaking to the media in Sandton, Johannesburg, on the sidelines of the 2nd High-Level Meeting of Women Judicial Leaders of Africa, where judges and policymakers are discussing gender equality in the courts.

Chikunga says women judges have a critical role in ensuring court decisions protect women from violence and make justice meaningful in their daily lives.

“If a woman who is being raped does not see justice in the court, she remains trapped in a relationship that is abusive, and therefore you need the executive, you need the legislature, you need the judiciary working together without interference,” adds Chikunga.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has also urged countries across Africa to appoint more women to senior positions in the justice system.

It is hoped that this will strengthen the continent’s troubled constitutional institutions.

VIDEO | Maya calls for more Women in the judiciary