Between December 10th and 12th, 2013, the Virtue Foundation co-sponsored the 2013 Women in Justice Conference, State Responsibility for Eliminating violence Against Women: The Due Diligence Principle and the Role of Judges. Led by the Avon Global Center for Women and Justice at Cornell Law School, this conference brought together more than 30 judges from around the globe at the United Nations Headquarters to initiate discussions on topics ranging from victim care and services, involvement of law enforcement, and the practices judges. Representatives from various non-governmental organizations were present for the discussions, such as Vital Voices and Women in the World, as well as other stakeholders involved in work ensuring women’s rights.

Conference participants also had the honor of hearing Ms. Rashida Manjoo, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, it’s Causes and Consequences deliver the keynote address.

The conference concluded on December 12th with a daylong roundtable discussion, during which the judges were able to exchange ideas, speak about personal experiences, and ways they can move forward in ensuring women’s rights.