Africa: Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) in Banjul

The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) held a Press Conference today in Banjul to reflect on the activities that it has been holding on the fringes of the 7th summit of the heads of States and Governments of the African Union (AU).

SOAWR honoured the government of the Gambia through the Vice President, her Excellency the Honourable Isatou Njie Saidy, with a Green Card in recognition of the recent removal of the reservations previously placed on the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa by The Gambia. SOAWR noted however that while the removal of the reservations was a positive step, the women of The Gambia would only begin to celebrate in earnest once the Protocol is domesticated and fully implemented.

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Alhaji Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh must now exercise leadership and use the occasion of the Banjul Summit to urge all member States of the AU towards universal ratification and eventual domestication and application of the Protocol”, said Caroline Agengo of Equality Now.

SOAWR regretted the decision of the members of National Assembly of Niger to reject, in its entirety, the Protocol. “This decision sets a dangerous precedence for the countries that are yet to sign or ratify the Protocol and undermines the commitment made by the heads of the States of the AU to guaranty gender equality in all spheres of life”, said Hawa Ba of Fahamu.

SOAWR reiterated that Africa will only realise its full potential when the women, who form over 50% of the population of the continent, begin to enjoy their rights.

SOAWR, a coalition of 21 national and continental organisations has over the last two years undertaken advocacy to accelerate the ratification, domestication and implementation of the Protocol.