The American Bar Association

Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) are legally bound to put its provisions into practice.  But how far has gender equality advanced since 1979, when the UN General Assembly adopted this prominent treaty on women's rights?

IMPOWR, the American Bar Association's International Model Project for Women's Rights, is an exciting new initiative that seeks to answer this question. IMPOWR aims to create a new model for transparency by means of an innovative, globally accessible database that contains both the national laws that implement the provisions of CEDAW and a list of a worldwide network of organizations committed to the advancement of women's rights through law.  The IMPOWR database includes summaries of gender equality laws, legal reforms, and enforcement efforts, organized into 41 specific topic areas and covering 194 countries.  Hundreds of volunteer hours by attorneys and researchers around the world have contributed to this cutting-edge project.  We welcome others to get involved.  There are no time minimums and you can set your own schedule.

IMPOWR Volunteer Opportunities:

Database Contributors: We welcome persons interested in researching and summarizing national laws that impact women's rights in various countries.  The information added to the database is published online and can be credited to contributors.

Organizational Partners: IMPOWR is looking for volunteers to help us develop contacts with nongovernmental organizations or other groups that advocate for women's rights through law.

Social Media Contributors: IMPOWR's Social Media Committee (SMC) creates and maintains the project's web presence.  The committee leverages the power of the internet to build sustainable networks, increase our base of supporters, locate potential donors or skills, and raise awareness about the project's work.  If you would like to join the SMC, email the Vice Chair at [email protected].

Join IMPOWR Across the Web: IMPOWR can be found on a host of social media sites, including Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and YouTube.

To volunteer, fill out the volunteer form at www.impowr.org.  We look forward to welcoming you!

The American Bar Association

The American Bar Association is one of the world’s largest voluntary professional organizations, with nearly 400,000 members and more than 3,500 entities.  It is committed to doing what only a national association of attorneys can do: serving our members, improving the legal profession, eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, and advancing the rule of law throughout the United States and around the world.

Founded in 1878, the ABA is committed to supporting the legal profession with practical resources for legal professionals while improving the administration of justice, accrediting law schools, establishing model ethical codes, and more.  Membership is open to lawyers, law students, and others interested in the law and the legal profession.

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In Memory of William H. Neukom

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The Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law
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Global Coalition Unites in Warsaw, Unveiling New Principles for Joint Action on Rule of Law

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Chief Justice Zondo accepts the World Justice Project Rule of Law Award
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Chief Justice Raymond Zondo Honored with Prestigious WJP Rule of Law Award for Anti-Corruption Efforts

WARSAW, Poland – June 12, 2025 – Former South African Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was awarded the prestigious World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to justice and his courageous efforts in exposing systemic corruption. The award was presented by WJP Board Vice President Judy Perry Martinez at the 2025 World Justice Forum, a global gathering of rule of law champions. Polish Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, a prior recipient of the award in 2019, made accompanying remarks.

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Adam Bodnar remarks at the World Justice Forum 2025 Opening Reception
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WARSAW, Poland – 23 June, 2025 – Hundreds of global leaders, jurists, and human rights champions gathered in Warsaw—a city with a profound history in the struggle for freedom—for the opening of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The summit aims to mobilize collective action against a rising tide of authoritarianism and reverse the global rule of law recession.

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