As the world marks International Women's Day 2026, the International Criminal Court reaffirms its commitment to building a workplace grounded in dignity, respect, and meaningful inclusion.
This commitment is closely tied to the Court's Core Values-Accountability, Fairness, Inclusion, and Integrity-introduced to guide daily interactions, foster an inclusive environment, and support the institution's broader objectives.
Following the full implementation of the first Strategy on Gender Equality and Workplace Culture (2023-2025), the Court is now developing its second Strategy, which will carry this work forward and strengthen the Court's aspiration to become a more balanced, inclusive and equitable employer. Reflecting on this progress, the President of the Court, Tomoko Akane, highlighted the importance of gender equality within today's global context: "Gender equality is not an optional aspiration but a core institutional responsibility. The Court's credibility is strengthened when we embody the values we stand for. As we develop our second Strategy, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone who serves this institution works in an environment defined by dignity, fairness, and respect-principles essential to the integrity of international justice. As a judicial institution, we also remain mindful that conflict situations heavily affect women and girls, including in the context of gender-based violence, and we remain committed to deliver to them the justice they deserve."
The first Strategy delivered significant advances across the Court, from strengthened gender‑responsive policies and improved representation in staffing to enhanced training on respectful workplace conduct-translating the Core Values into daily practice and reinforcing a culture of Accountability, Fairness, Inclusion, and Integrity.
Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan emphasized that advancing gender equality is essential not only internally but also for the credibility of the Court's mandate: "Furthering gender equality is essential to both our internal functioning and the effectiveness of our mandate. The new Strategy will guide us in embedding gender- responsive approaches across our work, ensuring our workplace reflects the principles of dignity and accountability that underpin our core mandate."
The Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler, underscored the collective commitment that made these achievements possible: " The successful implementation of the Court's first Strategy has yielded significant improvements, including regarding gender parity across the organisation, increased representation of women in senior positions, as well as better results on gender equality questions in the Court's staff surveys. This shows that when leadership and dedicated resources join forces, much can be achieved. As we work on the second Strategy, we will continue to further engrain these values in our institution's identity and culture, and strengthen prevention systems, and equitable opportunities across the Court."
On this International Women's Day, the Court celebrates the many staff who engage for a workplace shaped by its Core Values and who contribute every day to meaningful progress towards Gender Parity. As development of the Second Strategy on Gender Equality and Workplace Culture continues, the Court reaffirms its dedication to strengthening an inclusive, respectful, and balanced workplace-one that empowers every individual and supports the values at the heart of international justice.
