4th July 2023

Twenty Years of the Maputo Protocol: Where Are We Now?

On July 11 2003, African heads of state and government representatives gathered in Maputo, Mozambique, to adopt one of the most important, comprehensive, and progressive legal frameworks for women’s rights the world has ever seen. Twenty years later, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples; Rights on the Rights of Women –also known as the Maputo Protocol – remains a crucial instrument in recognizing, promoting and safeguarding the fundamental human rights of women and girls across Africa.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol and to promote the continued adoption and implementation of its progressive provisions, a landmark report has been prepared by the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR), Equality Now, and Make Every Woman Count (MEWC), titled 20 Years of the Maputo Protocol: Where are we now?

Key takeaways and recommendations

The full report summarizes the progress that has been made in Africa to date toward the ratification, domestication, and implementation of the Maputo Protocol, with a series of detailed case studies illustrating some key achievements and challenges along the way. This evidence is presented alongside recommendations from SOAWR Member Organizations to support States in their continued efforts towards advancing gender equality on the continent. The key findings and recommendations within each of these areas can be downloaded below.

Explore more resources

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Imperative Legal, Policy, and Institutional Reforms for Enhanced Support and Protection of Child Marriage Victims and Survivors

Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA), with support from Equality Now, conducted a focused study on child marriage in Zimbabwe, using Epworth as a case study. The research examined the country’s laws, policies, action plans, and other mechanisms meant to protect and support victims and survivors of child marriage.

Female Genital Mutilation Amongst Sudanese migrants in Greater Cairo: Perceptions and Trends

This report investigates the experience and attitudes of Sudanese migrants in Egypt about female genital mutilation (FGM).

Exploring Legal Aid Mechanisms for Survivors of Sexual Violence: Lessons from South Asia

The South Asian Movement for Accessing Justice (SAMAJ) presents this regional report on legal aid systems in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

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