Breaking Bias: Empowering Judges to Challenge Gender Stereotypes in Courts
Addressing gender stereotypes within judicial proceedings is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring equality before the law. The rise of anti-gender movements in Europe threatens women, LGBTIQ* persons, and the universal concept of human rights. Consequently, safeguarding the rights of individuals affected by gender stereotypes in courtrooms is paramount. This project employs a multimethod approach to examine the impact of gender stereotypes on national judicial proceedings in Europe and explores how human rights training can empower judges to combat them.
This research addresses the current gap in categorizing where gender stereotypes manifest in national court proceedings. Using the Council of Europe Programme Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) as a case study, the project explores strategies for addressing stereotypes in these categories. The findings have significant implications for scholarly discourse and practical interventions in tackling gender stereotypes within judicial proceedings. The research seeks to identify best practices and lessons that can inform further training and capacity-building courses in Council of Europe member states.
Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to advancing the Council of Europe's mission of promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law amidst anti-gender and anti-human rights movements in the region
