Message from the RFLD President
The Maputo Protocol, officially known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, is a legal instrument adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2003.
The Maputo Protocol is an important document that focuses specifically on the promotion and protection of women’s rights in Africa. It addresses a wide range of issues, including gender-based violence, discrimination, child marriage, sexual health and economic rights. The protocol aims to strengthen the social, political and economic autonomy of women and girls across the African continent.
The Maputo Protocol was adopted in response to the specific challenges facing women in Africa, and to promote and protect their rights. Here are the main reasons why the protocol was drawn up:
Combating gender-based discrimination: The Maputo Protocol was created to combat the pervasive gender-based discrimination that women face in various aspects of their lives. It recognizes that women have always been victims of inequality, discrimination and harmful practices, and aims to correct these injustices.
Protecting women’s rights: The Protocol recognizes and affirms the fundamental rights of women, as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights instruments. It provides a comprehensive framework for protecting and promoting women’s rights in Africa.
Combating gender-based violence: The protocol explicitly condemns and seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation and harmful traditional practices. It stresses the importance of prevention, protection and access to justice for survivors.
Promoting reproductive rights: The Maputo Protocol recognizes women’s right to reproductive autonomy, including access to health services, family planning and safe abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and when pregnancy endangers a woman’s life or health.
Women’s empowerment: The protocol stresses the importance of women’s social, economic and political empowerment. It calls for equal participation and representation of women in decision-making processes at all levels, and promotes women’s rights to land, inheritance and economic resources.
Strengthening legal frameworks: The Protocol encourages member states of the African Union to adopt and implement laws in line with its provisions. It calls for legal reforms to eliminate discriminatory laws and practices, and to ensure that national legislation complies with international human rights standards.
Strengthening accountability: The protocol establishes mechanisms to monitor the implementation of women’s rights and hold governments accountable for their commitments. It establishes the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights as institutions to oversee implementation of the protocol.
The Maputo Protocol was drawn up to advance equality between men and women, protect women’s rights and eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence in Africa. It provides an essential legal framework for promoting the well-being and empowerment of women on the continent.
