The papers in this volume were written for a workshop convened by the African Network of Constitutional Lawyers’ (ANCL’s) Women, Equality and Constitutionalism focus group. This inaugural workshop set out to map and record women’s choices and experiences with using courts around the African continent to promote gender equality. In particular, we asked participants to document the current legal position in their countries and the strategies that informed the choice of forum in which to claim or enforce these rights. If rights litigation was not considered to be an appropriate route for this purpose, we were interested to learn more about constraints and challenges that women faced when trying to access the justice system. The three-day workshop, held at the University of Cape Town during August 2009, brought together 30 participants from 16 African countries. These included leading academics, gender activists, government officials, judges, lawyers and politicians, including South Africa’s former Minister of Justice, Brigitte Mabandla and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Professor Rashida Manjoo. Participants benefited from the wide range of experiences, legal systems, and cultures and traditions represented in the ANCL. Our first thanks go to the colleagues who participated in those rich discussions, including Nelly Achianga, Oluremilekune Adegoke, Adenike Aiyedun, Florence Akiiki Asiimwe, Prudentia Fonkwe, Michelle Chic Gudo, Dianne Hubbard, Wendy Isaack, Alphonce Katemi, Maureen Kondowe, Grace Malera, Joyce Maluleke, Eugene Manzi, Claris Ogangah-Onyango, Ada Ordor, Chuma Himonga, Brigitte Mabandla and Thuli Madonsela. It is a great pity — reflective of the logistical difficulties of engaging across the continent with lawyers, scholars and activists who are often exceptionally busy — that we were not able to publish more of the excellent and inspirational presentations given at the workshop. Particular thanks are due to Diane Bailey, who played a central role in organising this workshop, reviewing prospective contributions and ensuring that everyone made it safely to Cape Town and back home again. Vanja Karth, secretary-general of the ANCL and stalwart of UCT’s Democratic Governance and Rights Unit, lent her support and enthusiasm to the process from the outset.