Gender and Transitional Justice: How are gendered crimes and injustices dealt with in transitional justice processes?

Transitional justice mechanisms have become the norm in post-conflict & post-authoritarian settings. Whereas processes to address past gross human rights violations were largely nationally driven in the 1980s and early 1990s, international involvement has become increasingly common and the processes have evolved in several respects: International law has gained importance for how transitional justice measures (criminal prosecution, truth commissions, reparations, amnesty laws) are established and implemented, and lines between transitional justice and general development goals (the right to health, access to justice, reduction of inequality) are becoming increasingly blurred. Yet, scholars have argued that the strong links between transitional justice and gender equality have been overlooked and underdeveloped in both theory and practice. This panel reflects on how transitional justice processes can be used as a tool for advancing gender equality. Where and how have transitional justice measures been geared towards addressing violations against women committed during periods of authoritarianism or internal armed conflict? Do truth commissions address violence against women in their reports or include a gender perspective in their recommendations? Are reparations formulated to address women’s issues such as sexualised violence, rape, health and landownership?