Maputo Protocol on African Women’s Rights Enters Into Force

FORWARD was delighted that on the 25th November the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa entered into force, following the requisite fifteenth ratification (thank you Togo!).

The protocol affords a historic opportunity for the realisation of African girls’ and women’s human rights. In relation to gender based violence the protocol explicitly prohibits FGM and sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 years.

On November 25th, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, FORWARD issued a statement urging the other 38 African countries to become party to the protocol, and calling upon civil society and the international community at large to exert pressure on African governments to uphold the rights of African girls and women.

Read FORWARD’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day Statement here.