10 Article 8 Access to Justice and Equal Protection before the Law Women and men are equal before the law and shall have the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure: a) effective access by women to judicial and legal services, including legal aid; b) support to local, national, regional and continental initiatives directed at providing women access to legal services, including legal aid; c) the establishment of adequate educational and other appropriate structures with particular attention to women and to sensitise everyone to the rights of women; d) that law enforcement organs at all levels are equipped to effectively interpret and enforce gender equality rights; e) that women are represented equally in the judiciary and law enforcement organs; f) reform of existing discriminatory laws and practices in order to promote and protect the rights of women. Article 9 Right to Participation in the Political and Decision-Making Process 1. States Parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation and other measures to ensure that: a) women participate elections; without any discrimination in all