Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Women globally hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men, highlighting persistent gender inequality in legal systems around the world, according to a new United Nations report.
The report released on Sunday titled “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls,” warns that despite decades of progress, women and girls remain legally unequal in every country.
Released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, the report highlights systemic barriers preventing women from accessing justice.
“The reality is stark. In more than half of the world’s countries, rape laws are not based on consent,” the report states.
It also finds that nearly three out of four nations still legally permit child marriage, cutting short girls’ education and opportunities.
Additionally, 44 per cent of countries lack laws guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, while 54 per cent do not have consent-based definitions of rape.
According to UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, the consequences of unequal justice extend far beyond individual cases.
“When women and girls are denied justice, public trust erodes and institutions lose legitimacy,” Bahous says.
“A justice system that fails half the population cannot claim to uphold justice.”
The report acknowledges some progress, noting that 87 per cent of countries now have laws against domestic violence, and more than 40 nations have strengthened constitutional protections for women and girls in the past decade.
However, it warns that laws alone do not guarantee justice.
“Survivors often face stigma, financial barriers and fear when seeking legal redress,” the report says.
The UN also raises concern over increasing setbacks, including digital abuse and the rollback of women’s rights in some regions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for urgent global action.
“When women are not equal under the law, equality does not truly exist,” he says.
“Ensuring justice for all women and girls is essential for building fairer societies.”
About the Author
Korede Abdullah 
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius