Algerian Radio
The Constitutional Court is participating in the second high-level meeting of African women judge leaders, organized by the South African judiciary in collaboration with the Conference of African Constitutional Jurisdictions (CJCA) in Johannesburg, South Africa, according to a Wednesday communiqué from the body.
Algeria is represented at the gathering, which opened on Monday and will continue until next Friday, by Ms. Naït Kaci Ouardia, a member of the Constitutional Court, the communiqué specified.
Building on the inaugural meeting held in Libreville, Gabon, in 2023, this session aims to "strengthen cooperation and the exchange of experience among women in judicial leadership roles and to promote constitutional justice and gender equality within the framework of international and regional instruments, such as the CEDAW Convention and the Maputo Protocol on women's rights."
In her address, Ms. Naït Kaci presented the Algerian framework for protection against violence against women, highlighting its institutional and legislative foundations across three complementary levels.
The first level is constitutional, enshrined in the 2020 Constitution, which explicitly established the principle of protecting women from violence, equality before the law, and the primacy of international conventions over national legislation.
The second level is legislative, exemplified by the 2024 amendments to the Penal Code, which criminalize domestic violence, harassment, and the dissemination of harmful images, backed by deterrent sanctions. The third level focuses on operational aspects, including the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy to combat violence and the reactivation of support and care units for victims.
According to the same source, this meeting "is of particular significance" as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, the 30th anniversary of the South African Constitution, and the 60th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March.
Discussions will center on strengthening gender-sensitive jurisprudence and establishing a more inclusive justice system.
