The Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP) is a regional non-governmental body which works towards strengthening and consolidating the situation of justice in the Arab region, through the establishment of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Founded in Cairo in 1997 as a non-profit professional association, it has consultative status with ECOSOC and is a member of the International Committee of Jurists. The project goal is to support and strengthen women’s rights and their involvement in public life.

The project specific objectives are:

1. Strengthen and consolidate women’s rights to hold public offices without discrimination;
2. Reduce violations against women including domestic violence, given the presence of correlation between high rates of violations against women, and what is obtained from earnings;
3. Change the government’s negative position against women’s rights. This rejection is a clear violation of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW);
4. Empowering women and helping them to pass the technical and vocational tests held by the Supreme Judicial Council;
5. Work on changing gender stereotypes in the Egyptian society.

The Canada Fund contribution covers 20% of the project costs during the first year of implementation. The European Commission in Egypt is providing 80% of the project costs over 2 years period. The Egyptian Foundation for Family Development is the main partner organization for the implementation of the project activities.