Gender Dynamics in Sub-Saharan African Jurisprudence: A Qualitative Study of Djibouti

Djibouti, a small East African country, has been grappling with gender dynamics in its legal framework for decades. Despite recent efforts to address these issues, significant disparities persist across various domains of law. The research employs a thematic analysis approach, drawing from case studies of selected laws and court judgments. Interviews with legal practitioners and scholars provide additional insights into the application of these laws in practice. A key finding is the underrepresentation of gender-specific provisions within Djiboutian legislation, particularly in areas such as family law and labour rights. This gap is notable given the country's commitment to international human rights standards. The study underscores the importance of integrating gender perspectives into legal texts and judicial interpretations to ensure equitable treatment of all genders under the law. Recommendations include a call for more proactive inclusion of gender-specific provisions in new laws, as well as ongoing training for judges and legal practitioners on recognising and addressing gender disparities within their decision-making processes.