The Maputo Protocol, which aims to define the, has been endorsed by women leaders from several African nations. girls’ and women’s rights

The women leaders called on the political leaders of the continent to sign, ratify, domesticate, and execute the protocol because they stated it “speaks to the core issues that affect women and girls in the continent” while speaking at the 3rd FEMNET AGYW Festival Signature, which is now taking place in Nairobi.

The AU Special Rapporteur on Women in Africa, the Honorable Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, stated that domesticating the protocol is crucial and that simply having it at the regional level is insufficient.

“We need to make sure that this instrument has an impact on the life of African women and girls. And this can only be achieved by universally ratifying the protocol,” said Commissioner Sallah-Njie on the sidelines of the ongoing 3rd FEMNET AGYW Festival in Nairobi.

The Maputo Protocol, also known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, was ratified by African states twenty years ago. Out of the 55 African nations, 44 have ratified the protocol as of this writing.

The commissioner pointed out that African Heads of State made a solemn commitment to ensuring the full implementation of gender equality during the adoption of the convention.

“But the ratification and implementation of this instrument haven’t been fully achieved,” she noted.

A global philanthropy partnership for systems change, Co-Impact’s Mary Wandia Wanjiru stated that a lack of political will is impeding the implementation of the third gender rule.

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