ABSTRACT

Although the EU has recognised the importance of balanced participation of women and men in democratic decision-making processes, women are a minority in the European judiciary. A more equal gender distribution among the judiciary can bring a number of associated benefits because the judiciary is not only reflective of the greater population it serves, but the diversity in judges’ experiences, viewpoints and opinions lends the Court a stronger sense of legitimacy and authority. The chapter draws on theoretical arguments and work on other courts to make suggestions on how the judiciary can represent the interests of individuals who might not otherwise be heard.