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20 years of the Maputo Protocol: report reflects on progress and challenges in advancing women's rights Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR), Equality Now, and Make Every Woman Count jointly released groundbreaking report recently examining the impact and implementation of the Maputo Protocol, a crucial legal instrument for promoting gender equality in Africa
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N commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR), Equality Now, and Make Every Woman Count have jointly released a groundbreaking report titled 20 Years of the Maputo Protocol: Where are we now?. The report, available at SOAWR. org, highlights the progress made in Africa towards the ratification, domestication, and implementation of the Protocol, shedding light on key achievements and challenges. The Maputo Protocol, a crucial legal instrument for the promotion and protection of women's rights in Africa, has played a pivotal role in addressing critical issues affecting women's lives. Serving as a comprehensive legal framework, it promotes women's empowerment and participation while establishing a system of accountability for African countries. By integrating the Protocol's principles into their legal systems, member states ignite a culture of transparency and progress in the promotion of gender equality. One of the Protocol's significant achievements is its explicit condemnation of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and violence against women. This sends a clear message that these violations must be eradicated. With 44 out of 55 African Union (AU) 32
Maputo Protocol 20th anniversary celebrations, July 11 2023. Image source: Equality Now
AFRICA BRIEFING JULY - AUGUST 2023