On 26 June 2024, a Gender Justice Practitioner Hub regional roundtable took place in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants highlighted the need to define “gender justice” and address challenges such as limited legal access, lack of representation, and legislative gaps. Proposed activities for the Hub include creating a resource centre, supporting documentation of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and facilitating regional roundtables. Participants underscore the need to include a broad range of practitioners, including survivors and judicial officers.
Recommendations outlined how the GJP Hub could support development of domestic legal frameworks, enhanced capacity building, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders like UN Women and civil society organisations. Specific suggestions included ensuring the GJP Hub operates effectively within national jurisdictions, advocating for sufficient laws, and promoting accountability for core international crimes. Enhancing the environment for human rights defenders in the military, resource sharing, and lobbying governments for political will were also emphasised. Additionally, influencing prosecutorial strategies to include gender-based crimes in charges was recommended. The work of South Africa’s Thuthuzela Care Centres were highlighted as a best practice, offering comprehensive services to reduce secondary victimisation and support successful prosecutions.