Realising Gender Justice in the 21st Century: Law, Policy, and Socio-Legal Challenges

Abstract

 Gender justice has emerged as a central concern in contemporary legal and policy discourse, reflecting the persistent gap between formal equality guarantees and lived realities of discrimination. Despite constitutional commitments and international human rights obligations, women and gender diverse persons continue to face structural, institutional and socio-cultural barriers that undermine substantive equality. This paper examines gender justice as a multidimensional legal concept situated at the intersection of law, society and power structures. Drawing upon feminist legal theory, intersectionality, and human rights frameworks, the study critically analyses the evolution of gender justice debates and evaluates existing legal and policy mechanisms at both international and national levels. It engages with key instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), constitutional equality provisions and gender specific legislation addressing domestic violence, workplace discrimination and access to justice. The paper further explores socio-legal barriers, including patriarchal norms, institutional deficits, and the compounded marginalisation experienced by women across caste, class, disability and other axes of identity. Through an examination of landmark judicial decisions, the study assesses the role of courts in advancing gender justice while identifying persistent gaps in judicial protection. Comparative perspectives from selected jurisdictions highlight both innovative practices and continuing limitations. The paper concludes by proposing targeted policy and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening enforcement, promoting gender-sensitive legal systems, and advancing substantive gender justice. By integrating doctrinal, socio-legal and comparative analysis, this study contributes to contemporary gender justice scholarship and offers pathways for more inclusive and effective legal reform