9th نوفمبر 2020

SOAWR Strategic Plan 2020-2024

For more than a decade and a half, the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) Coalition has remained an indefatigable and resolute force for gender equality, calling upon African governments to adopt, ratify, domesticate and implement the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the “Maputo Protocol”) – arguably the most comprehensive international treaty on the rights of women and girls.

The Coalition has, over the years, positioned itself as the largest network of women’s rights organisations working on the adoption, universal ratification, domestication, and implementation of the Maputo Protocol. During this period, 42 African countries ratified the Maputo Protocol, leaving only 13 countries that have yet to ratify. With over 50 members in 27 countries, working across the Continent, the SOAWR Coalition is poised to grow in numbers and stride, by ensuring stronger sub-regional clusters that will propel its members to foster greater collaboration at national, sub-regional, and regional levels

Download your file

Missing gravity form id.

Key recommendations

The SOAWR Strategic Plan 2020-2024, developed through a rigorous, highly consultative and member-driven process, will undoubtedly position the Coalition to not only consolidate the gains made over the years, but to galvanise the strengths and expertise of its members to hold African governments accountable for the human rights commitments they have made at the national, regional and international levels. The Strategic Plan places a greater focus on ensuring domestication and meaningful implementation, including lifting reservations, while continuing to advocate for universal ratification by securing the remaining 13 African countries, thereby ensuring that no girl or woman in Africa is left behind.

Explore more resources

1

2

3

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.

Newsletter Sign-up

Make a donation

I want to donate