Building Stronger Coalitions for Gender Justice in International Criminal Law

In times of mounting backlash against gender equality and international law, convening is itself an act of resistance. Over two powerful days, the Gender Justice in International Criminal Law Conference brought together over 1,400 participants in the Hague and online, uniting practitioners, academics, civil society leaders, and survivors to discuss charting the future of gender justice.

The conference took place on 29 and 30 September and was co-organized by LAW, the Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the Gender Justice Practitioner Hub (GJPHub).

The urgency of this year’s discussions could not have been clearer. Around the world, political regression and toxic authoritarianism are threatening the safety and rights of women, girls, men, boys, and LGBTQIA+ people. Ongoing atrocities, from famine to genocidal acts, including in both Palestine and Sudan, and sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), illustrate how fragile the landscape has become. As one speaker reminded us: the pushback against gender is real, and those in conflict settings are paying the highest price.  Participants repeatedly underscored the need for solidarity and to stand together. Gender justice advocates face a well-funded, organised coalition opposed to equality—and fragmented efforts will not suffice. Solidarity, however, does not mean uniformity. It means learning across contexts, supporting each other’s struggles, and building stronger, transnational coalitions. As one participant described, this conference felt like a “family reunion”—a reminder that these networks are essential to resilience and progress.

Perhaps the most powerful message was that building solidarity means bridging divides. As Rima Husseini admirably put it, “War starts with divide and conquer—but in coming together like this, we’re starting to bridge those divides.”

“Palestinian women unable to travel to meet Syrian and Lebanese colleagues exemplifies the barriers—but also the resilience— of those who continue to gather and strategise without them”, said Antonia Mulvey, Executive Director of LAW, in her closing remarks. She further emphasised that “The task is daunting, but the beams of hope are clear. New tools, bold thinking, and strengthened networks offer real opportunities for progress. LAW, together with our partners at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, and the Gender Justice Practitioner Hub (GJPHub), is committed to keeping these conversations alive—through potential regional convenings, thematic gatherings, and ongoing collaboration.”

As the conference closed, one key message resonated above all: this cannot be a one-off. The struggle for gender justice is long, but stronger coalitions and collective imagination will shape the accountability systems of the future.