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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:To 'mother' or not to 'mother': the representative roles of women judges in Ghana
Author:Dawuni, Josephine J.
Year:2016
Periodical:Journal of African Law (ISSN 1464-3731)
Volume:60
Issue:3
Pages:419-440
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:judges
women
women's rights
External link:https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021855316000115
Abstract:Feminist scholars have debated questions of gender and judging by focusing on variables such as representation, difference, diversity and legitimacy. While illuminating, most of these studies are by scholars in the global north. More research is needed to understand issues of gender and judging in the global south. This article adds to existing literature by asking whether women judges promote women's rights. Through in-depth interviews with women judges in Ghana, the article demonstrates that women judges do promote women's rights. The article presents a new method of analysis: exploring the dichotomy between 'direct and indirect' modes of representing women's rights. Recognizing the importance of substantive representation and the contributions of female judges in promoting women's rights, it argues that female judges are not a sufficient condition for promoting women's rights. Necessary conditions include laws guaranteeing women's rights, working partnerships with women's civil society organizations and an enabling socio-cultural climate. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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