11th Anniversary: AU Women's Rights Protocol

Friday 11th July 2014 marks the 11th Anniversary of the adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (“The Maputo Protocol”) by AU states. It has been described by women’s rights law experts as one of the most progressive women’s human rights instruments in the world, with articles addressing amongst others; development, peace, violence against women, sexual and reproductive health rights.
Owing to the efforts of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR) and its partners, the Protocol has garnered 48 signatures and 36 ratifications. Different states on the continent are in various stages of domesticating and implementing it.
The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR) pays tribute to the commitment, determination and courage of all the actors who have tasked it upon themselves in an ultimate display of passion to ensure that the rights guaranteed in the Maputo Protocol are recognized, respected and protected.
Join us, together with Make Every Woman Count, Equality Now and FEMNET in commemorating the 11th Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol, as we highlight actions that AU member states should be taking to ensure that girls and women on the continent fully access their rights, as follows:
Social Media:
We welcome poems, songs, blog posts, articles, photos and more, on twitter and facebook. As you share your thoughts, tag it with #MaputoProtocol11
More resources and reflective pieces can be accessed here