Abstract Book of the 6th International Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality
Year: 2025
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Gender and The Law
Rwubatswenimana Etienne
ABSTRACT:
This research indicates the advancing connection between gender and the law, emphasizing how legal systems have both strengthened and challenged gender-based injustices among different socio-political frameworks. From historical doctrines such as coverture and marital property laws to current discussions on transgender rights, reproductive autonomy, and workplace equity, the legal system remains an influential site of both discrimination and protest. By analyzing major legal achievements such as the implementation of fair treatment legislations, the legitimization of homosexual marriage, and current transitions in laws surrounding gender identity acknowledgement, this analysis emphasizes how legal definitions of gender persist to influence lived experiences. Moreover, it examines how legal modification addresses intersecting problems faced by people whose gender identities intersect with race, class, and sexuality. Drawing on precedents, legislative advancements, and international human rights agreements, the research maintains that while significant progress has been made, the law still represents and preserves normative gender functions in many legal systems. A more inclusive, rights-based legal strategy is required to guarantee gender justice and equal protection under the law for all people, irrespective of gender identity or expression.
Keywords: discrimination, equity, identity, intersectionality, justice