23 Years of the Maputo Protocol: Advancing Women’s Rights, Renewing Our Commitment
Today, the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) joins governments, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and communities across the continent in commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol).
Since its adoption on 11 July 2003, the Maputo Protocol has stood as one of Africa’s most transformative human rights instruments. It has provided a comprehensive framework for protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls, affirming their rights to equality, dignity, health, education, political participation, economic empowerment, and freedom from violence and discrimination.
Over the past 23 years, significant strides have been made. Many African States have adopted legislative and policy reforms inspired by the Protocol, strengthened protections against gender-based violence, expanded opportunities for women’s leadership, and taken important steps to improve access to education, healthcare, and justice. These achievements demonstrate the Protocol’s enduring relevance and its potential to transform lives when effectively implemented.
Yet, despite this progress, many women and girls across Africa continue to experience discrimination, violence, harmful practices, economic exclusion, and barriers to accessing justice and essential services. The full promise of the Maputo Protocol remains unrealized for millions, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate its implementation.
As we commemorate this milestone, ACDHRS calls on all African Union Member States that have not yet ratified the Maputo Protocol to do so without further delay. We further urge States that have entered reservations to provisions of the Protocol to review and withdraw those reservations, thereby ensuring that all women and girls across Africa can fully benefit from the rights, protections, and safeguards enshrined in this landmark instrument.
We also encourage all States Parties to fulfil their reporting obligations under the Maputo Protocol in a timely manner. Regular reporting is not merely a procedural requirement; it is an essential mechanism for assessing progress, identifying challenges, strengthening accountability, and fostering constructive dialogue on the advancement of women’s rights across the continent.
ACDHRS recognizes that achieving the aspirations of the Maputo Protocol requires strong partnerships between governments, regional institutions, national human rights institutions, and civil society. We therefore reaffirm the commitment of civil society to continue working alongside States by providing technical support, promoting awareness, building capacity, monitoring implementation, and contributing constructively to reporting and accountability processes. Together, we can accelerate progress towards the full realization of the rights guaranteed under the Protocol.
On this 23rd anniversary, let us renew our shared commitment to an Africa where every woman and girl enjoys equality, dignity, justice, and the opportunity to reach her full potential. The Maputo Protocol remains a powerful testament to Africa’s commitment to women’s human rights. It is now our collective responsibility to ensure that its promises are translated into lasting change for present and future generations.
Happy 23rd Anniversary of the Maputo Protocol. Let us continue working together to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.
