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?

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.

Read more in our press release.