I’m honoured to be President of the Board of Patrons of the GCJ Network. Gender based discrimination in any form, and most particularly violence against women, must be fought at all costs. I have dedicated my career, not least the last 9 years as a Judge then President of the European Court of Human Rights, to securing equality of men and women as a most fundamental human right. Judges are on the front line of this battle, especially so in the region. Men and women must play their role here with equal strength. I look forward to playing my role and giving the network my full support.