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Maputo Protocol

Reporting, analysis and field notes from a pan-African feminist network — across women's rights, SRHR, civic space, climate justice, peace and security.

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RFLD, Equality Now, and SOAWR Strengthen Stakeholder Capacity to Advance Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Benin

Women's Rights

October 2, 2025 Africa

RFLD, Equality Now, and SOAWR Strengthen Stakeholder Capacity to Advance Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Benin

Organized by the Network of Women Leaders for Development, alongside Equality Now and SOAWR, the event gathered 20 stakeholders, including government officials and traditional leaders. Despite Benin’s progressive legal framework, gaps in service delivery persist, particularly in rural areas.

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Celebrating Afro-Feminist Movement Efforts in the Ratification of the Maputo Protocol & Mechanisms for Human Rights Protection in Africa

Climate Justice

March 10, 2025 Africa

Celebrating Afro-Feminist Movement Efforts in the Ratification of the Maputo Protocol & Mechanisms for Human Rights Protection in Africa

The Maputo Protocol represents a significant achievement in advancing gender equality and women’s rights in Africa, attributed largely to Afro-feminist movements. These movements have been instrumental in advocating for and ensuring the protocol’s implementation, addressing the unique challenges faced by African women, including issues of race and class. As of December 2023, 45 member states have ratified the protocol, signaling commitment despite ongoing challenges from non-signatories and those that have signed but not ratified. Afro-feminist organizations play a pivotal role in monitoring the protocol’s implementation, lobbying for legal reforms, and promoting grassroots awareness, emphasizing that sustained advocacy and vigilance are crucial for realizing the protocol’s promise.

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RFLD empowers journalists, community and religious leaders to promote gender equality and the Maputo Protocol

Women's Rights

September 2, 2024 Africa

RFLD empowers journalists, community and religious leaders to promote gender equality and the Maputo Protocol

The Maputo Protocol is a vital tool for promoting gender equality in Africa, with a focus on empowering women and girls. The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) is collaborating with The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights to conduct a training program in Benin aimed at raising awareness about the protocol. RFLD has made the protocol available in multiple West African languages, reaching over 26 million people, and has developed comprehensive manuals for its implementation. The protocol covers a wide range of areas including economic and social welfare rights, marriage and reproductive rights, and protection from violence. Despite its importance, nine African countries have not yet ratified the protocol, and RFLD is urging them to do so urgently.

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Celebrating Pan-African Women’s Day: 62nd PAWO Anniversary & Maputo Protocol at 21

Women's Rights

July 31, 2024 Africa

Celebrating Pan-African Women’s Day: 62nd PAWO Anniversary & Maputo Protocol at 21

On July 31, 2024, Pan-African Women’s Day celebrates women’s contributions to Africa’s liberation and development. It marks the 62nd anniversary of the Pan-African Women’s Organization and the 21st anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, which safeguards women’s rights. The Protocol addresses key areas such as eliminating discrimination and violence against women, promoting political participation, protecting reproductive health and economic rights, and ending harmful practices. However, nine African countries have yet to ratify it. The Network of Women Leaders for Development calls for urgent ratification and emphasizes women’s involvement in decision-making processes. The day urges action to accelerate gender equality in Africa, reaffirming commitment to women’s empowerment and advocating for a better future for all women in Africa.

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