For the past seven years, Global Health 50/50 (GH5050) has been a leading voice in advancing gender equality and accountability within global health. Through rigorous research, evidence-informed advocacy, and strategic engagement with key stakeholders, we have driven measurable progress in transparency and institutional change across global health organisations.
Now, recognising the critical role that the law and justice sector plays in shaping gender equality and access to justice worldwide, we are expanding our proven model of research and accountability into this field sector. Global Justice 50/50 (GJ5050) will apply the same robust methodology that has catalysed transformation in the health sector to the institutions that uphold justice and the rule of law, ensuring gender equality is not just a principle, but a practice within the structures that govern societies.
“The Global Health 50/50 report is considered by the Gates Foundation’s Gender Equality Division to be among the most impactful funded assets and reports in their grant portfolio.”
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2024Page Navigation
Why Gender Equality Matters in the Justice Sector
The justice sector is central to upholding the rights of all individuals across the world, ensuring equal treatment under the law, and shaping societies that are fair and just. Yet, gender inequality persists at every level of the legal profession and judicial system.
Women make up 50% of lawyers in many countries, yet they remain vastly underrepresented in leadership positions within the judiciary, bar associations, and global legal institutions (International Bar Association, "50:50 by 2030 – A Longitudinal Study into Gender Disparity in Law: Progress Report", 2023).
Gender imbalances in power structures within the justice sector have far-reaching consequences, shaping whose voices influence legal systems, whose rights are prioritised, and how justice is delivered. Achieving gender-equitable leadership is critical to addressing systemic inequalities and fostering fairer outcomes. Evidence, such as IDLO’s literature review (2018), highlights that women judges often improve justice outcomes for women and girls by challenging gender bias and stereotyping. However, persistent career inequalities—such as barriers to entry, promotion, and retention for women and marginalised groups—must be addressed to ensure justice systems are both representative and effective.
Existing research highlights significant inequities in women’s representation:
(GQUAL Campaign, “GQUAL Rankings,” 2023)
and at last count in 2022, just 31 countries worldwide had a woman chief justice
(World Bank, “Women, Business and the Law,” 2022).
(International Bar Association, "Women in Commercial Legal Practice," 2017).
Enoosaen, Kenya - 2022
Enoosaen, Kenya - 2022
Our Methodology
GH5050’s groundbreaking and trusted model is built on independent, evidence-based research that both drives more ambitious pledges and holds organisations accountable for their commitments to gender equality. Global Justice 50/50 will apply this methodology to over 200 organisations, systematically reviewing their policies, leadership, and approaches to promoting gender equality.
An interim report on the Global Judiciary will be published in July 2025. The inaugural full Global Gender & Justice report and Index will be published in October 2025.
For a comprehensive overview of our approach and methodology, you can explore the full details here: GH5050 Report research framework & methods – Global Health 50/50Our methodology includes:
- Independent collection of publicly available data on gender-related workplace policies, leadership demographics, and practices to achieve equal opportunity for leadership.
- Internal validation of data by dual researcher reviews to ensure accuracy, complemented by external verification through direct engagement with organisations to confirm accuracy and enhance transparency.
- Benchmarking performance through the creation of the Global Gender & Justice Index, the first of its kind in the legal sector.
- Engagement with organisations, media, and advocacy groups to drive accountability and change.
Srimangal district, Bangladesh - 2017
Srimangal district, Bangladesh - 2017
Who is in the Sample?
Kolkata, India - 2017
Our research includes 170 organisations, spanning:
- global courts and tribunals, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice
- intergovernmental organisations, such as the UN Human Rights Committee
- commissions and expert mechanisms
- international NGOs, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Transparency International
- global law firms
- global funders and philanthropies
- global bar associations
(To understand how we selected the organisations shaping global justice click here)
Through this comprehensive approach, Global Justice 50/50 will provide the most detailed and systematic assessment of the gender-related policies and practices, and identify who leads the law and justice sector globally.
For a full breakdown of the organisations included in our sample click here.Trusted Voices, Shared Commitment
This initiative is backed by some of the world’s most respected voices in gender equality and justice. Leaders such as Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Former Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP); and Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recognise the urgency of this work and the need for greater accountability in the justice sector.
When institutions are neither representative, inclusive, nor accountable, they entrench inequality. Global Health 50/50 has led the way in holding global health institutions to account on these attributes, using rigorous research and advocacy to help drive real change across this sector. Now, by expanding into the justice sector, GH5050 is shining a critical spotlight on the gender imbalances in law and justice. I am proud to support Global Justice 50/50 in this new chapter. We cannot allow justice systems to remain unexamined in the fight for gender equality. It is time to hold them to account—ensuring that justice is not only served, but that it is truly just, inclusive, and representative for all.
Read the full quote hereAt the heart of justice is the fundamental truth that everybody matters, that every voice must be heard and every individual’s rights upheld. Across all sectors and across the Sustainable Development Goals, we must apply the same scrutiny to power and representation. Justice does not exist in isolation. It intersects with economics, with climate, with health, and with politics. If we are to build a just future, we need a systemic response that spans every sphere of society. Because without gender justice, there is no justice at all. Global Justice 50/50 promises to contribute to the building of just legal systems around the world – ensuring every voice counts.
Read the full quote hereWhen institutions are neither representative, inclusive, nor accountable, they entrench inequality. Global Health 50/50 has led the way in holding global health institutions to account on these attributes, using rigorous research and advocacy to help drive real change across this sector. Now, by expanding into the justice sector, GH5050 is shining a critical spotlight on the gender imbalances in law and justice. I am proud to support Global Justice 50/50 in this new chapter. We cannot allow justice systems to remain unexamined in the fight for gender equality. It is time to hold them to account—ensuring that justice is not only served, but that it is truly just, inclusive, and representative for all.
Read the full quote hereAt the heart of justice is the fundamental truth that everybody matters, that every voice must be heard and every individual’s rights upheld. Across all sectors and across the Sustainable Development Goals, we must apply the same scrutiny to power and representation. Justice does not exist in isolation. It intersects with economics, with climate, with health, and with politics. If we are to build a just future, we need a systemic response that spans every sphere of society. Because without gender justice, there is no justice at all. Global Justice 50/50 promises to contribute to the building of just legal systems around the world – ensuring every voice counts.
Read the full quote hereWhen institutions are neither representative, inclusive, nor accountable, they entrench inequality. Global Health 50/50 has led the way in holding global health institutions to account on these attributes, using rigorous research and advocacy to help drive real change across this sector. Now, by expanding into the justice sector, GH5050 is shining a critical spotlight on the gender imbalances in law and justice. I am proud to support Global Justice 50/50 in this new chapter. We cannot allow justice systems to remain unexamined in the fight for gender equality. It is time to hold them to account—ensuring that justice is not only served, but that it is truly just, inclusive, and representative for all.
Read the full quote hereAt the heart of justice is the fundamental truth that everybody matters, that every voice must be heard and every individual’s rights upheld. Across all sectors and across the Sustainable Development Goals, we must apply the same scrutiny to power and representation. Justice does not exist in isolation. It intersects with economics, with climate, with health, and with politics. If we are to build a just future, we need a systemic response that spans every sphere of society. Because without gender justice, there is no justice at all. Global Justice 50/50 promises to contribute to the building of just legal systems around the world – ensuring every voice counts.
Read the full quote hereWorking Together to Drive Change
Global Justice 50/50 is built on collaboration. Our work is strengthened by a powerful network of partners—organisations and individuals who share our commitment to gender equality and accountability in the law and justice sector.
We are proud to be supported by Co-Impact, whose dedication to dismantling systemic barriers has been instrumental in making this initiative possible. Our research is further guided by insights from legal experts and institutions, including GQUAL, the University of Johannesburg, and the International Bar Association (IBA), among others. Together, we are ensuring that justice systems worldwide are held to account for gender equity at every level.
Stay Engaged. Stay Informed.
Be part of the Global Justice 50/50 movement for accountability and follow GH5050 on social media for the latest updates, insights, and opportunities to engage with our work.
