This publication is intended to share an analytical framework for investigating plural legal systems from the gender perspective. It focuses on the broad spectrum of the legal orders, including those that are informal, not formally recognized, or not State sanctioned covering customary, indigenous, traditional and religious orders. UN Women hopes that this publication will be useful for states and non-governmental organizations working at the forefront of cases, making positive impacts on women’s lives with useful working tools; and provide guidance for the regional research and to identify contentious issues within the region.