Making Justice Systems Just: CSW70 Policy Recommendations on Addressing Patriarchal Masculinities

How do patriarchal masculinities shape access to justice? How can feminist transformations address discriminatory norms and promote inclusive and equitable legal systems? 

On 6 November 2025, the Bahá’í International Community, MenEngage Alliance and UN Women jointly convened a dialogue with experts and practitioners on how transforming patriarchal masculinities can address discriminatory norms and promote inclusive and equitable legal systems. 

The convening was part of broader advocacy preparations for the 70^th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), to be held from 9 – 20 March 2026 in New York. CSW70 will prioritize the theme of ​“ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls by promoting inclusive legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws and practices, and addressing structural barriers.”

This Discussion Brief is a summary of key themes from the jointly convened dialogue, which examined the structural, political and cultural barriers within justice institutions — including gender bias, power asymmetries, impunity and weak accountability — that undermine fair and equitable legal outcomes. 

What’s Included

Discussion of:

• The manifestations of patriarchal masculinities across justice systems
• Addressing patriarchal masculinities at the institutional level
• Learning from emerging practices on transforming patriarchal masculinities in relation to gender equality and access to justice.
• Recommendations for transforming patriarchal masculinity norms — as a structural barrier and root cause of discriminatory legal systems and lack of access to justice 

About the Authors 

This discussion brief was jointly developed by the Bahá’í International Community, MenEngage Alliance and UN Women.