Gender dynamics in legal practices have been a significant area of study in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly within Niger where traditional and modern legal systems coexist. Despite efforts to promote gender equality, women often face systemic barriers that affect their access to justice and rights under the law. The study employs a qualitative approach involving interviews with judges, lawyers, and legal practitioners in key regions of Niger. Focus groups were also conducted with women's rights activists and community leaders to gather insights into gender dynamics within legal contexts. Findings indicate that despite recent legislative reforms aimed at gender equality, traditional norms persistently influence judicial decisions, particularly regarding inheritance disputes and child custody cases. Women often face challenges in proving their marital status or obtaining documentation necessary for claiming rights under the law. This research underscores the need for further legal education and training on gender sensitivity among legal professionals to mitigate bias and enhance equitable outcomes in legal processes affecting women's lives. Recommendations include developing comprehensive curricula for legal practitioners that emphasise intersectionality, implementing mentorship programmes to support female lawyers, and establishing community-based legal clinics to provide accessible services to underserved populations.
Muhammad et al. (Tue,) studied this question.