Women’s Rights

The author designed and used the attached documentation for the advanced Master’s course, Women’s Rights in European and International Law, delivered at Leiden Law School. The documentation includes a course outline, the PowerPoint presentation and notes for the first lesson, as well as details of the assessment method. The course outline briefly explains the objectives, while the presentation and notes were used for the introductory lesson on Feminist Theory and the State. This lesson can serve as a foundational resource for various women’s rights courses in legal education, regardless of the specific themes explored in subsequent lessons. It builds on two chapters: Celeste Montoya’s Institutions and Johanna Kantola’s State/Nation, both featured in The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Theory (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), edited by Lisa Disch and Mary Hawkesworth. In addition, the author learned from the students’ feedback that they were eager to gain experience in public speaking and conference participation. As a result, the author organized a public symposium where students presented their work. The symposium was hybrid, allowing the loved ones of international students to view the results of their efforts in the Netherlands. During the symposium, students graded each other’s presentations, and the quality of their feedback contributed to their final grade. At the end of the symposium, the audience voted for the best presentation, and the winner received a book on women’s rights. This was an opportunity for the best presenter, as well as the runner-up, to be recognized for their efforts. The prize was not announced in advance to maintain a convivial atmosphere. For a customizable version of the provided documentation, please contact Aleydis Nissen (www.aleydisnissen.com/contact).

COURSE