Does Feminism Need a Theory of Transitional Justice? An Introductory Essay

Abstract

This essay surveys feminist scholarship and praxis on transitional justice, examining its ongoing contribution to the conceptualization and design of transitional justice mechanisms. We examine some of the gender implications of a specifically 'transitional' theory of justice. The essay concludes by proposing that feminist theory should focus on how transitional justice debates help or hinder broader projects of securing material gains for women through transition, rather than trying to fit a feminist notion of justice within transitional justice frameworks.

Keywords: transitional justice, feminist theory, international law, international criminal law, gender