23rd مارس 2023

Gender equality and international law in Africa: The role of regional economic communities

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is prevalent in Africa, occurring in both public and private spheres during peacetime and war. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns exacerbated the issue, leading to a surge in intimate partner violence and highlighting pre-existing gender inequalities as a cause and effect of VAWG.

Key recommendations

To review the progress made in ending VAWG in Africa at the national and regional levels, and to identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities in advancing the rights of women and girls, Equality Now and SOAWR, in partnership with The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission (AUC) have launched our “Gender Equality and International Law in Africa: The Role of Regional Economic Communities” report.

The report aims to provide a foundation for the UNDP regional project on Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Africa, analyzing the status implementation of four Regional Economic Communities (RECs) pertaining to the three human rights instruments: CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100).

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Exploring the interlinkages between child marriage and family laws in South Asia

Equality Now’s report examines how gaps in child marriage and family laws across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives expose girls to harm and require urgent legal reform.

Legal response to sexual violence in Pakistan: Challenges in enforcement and access to justice

Equality Now’s report analyses gaps in Pakistan’s rape laws and justice system response, with recommendations to strengthen enforcement and survivor access to justice.

Progress and backlash: Accountability for the rights of women and girls – Words and Deeds update, March 2026

A global update mapping legal progress and rising backlash against women’s and girls’ rights, with recommendations to strengthen accountability and protect hard-won gains.

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