Women’s rights in African countries
Update On the Campaign on Popularization, Ratification and Domestication of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa
By Equality Now, June 2005
Benin
The country’s Parliament has approved the ratification of the Protocol but the process of depositing its instrument of ratification appears to be somewhat delayed. (WiLDAF West Africa)
Burkina Faso
On 20th May 2005, the National Assembly met and authorized the ratification of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa. It is anticipated that the instrument of ratification would soon be deposited to the African Union. (WiLDAF West Africa)
Cape Verde
The bill of authorization to ratify the Protocol got a favorable vote in the Parliamentary session of April 28th, 2005. Of the 48 representatives present 47 voted in favor of ratification while one abstained. (WiLDAF West Africa)
Djibouti
Following the country’s ratification in February 2005, activists shifted their campaigning to inform the public about the value added of this important instrument while at the same time also preparing for the domestication phase. The UNFD has planned to undertake the following activities to realize these two objectives:
- Information and Sensitization Workshops on the Maputo Protocol including through the organisation theatre tour in schools and in the working areas.
- Public media engagement (skits, spots on radio and television, etc.) in support of the Protocol.
- Judicial study analysing the Djibouti legislation on the protection and the defense of the rights of women in Djibouti with regard to the provisions of the Maputo Protocol. The outcome of the study will be discussed during consultation meetings with lawyers and judges. The anticipated outcome includes : Reflections on setting up effective sectoral structures for follow up of actions in priority sectors for the protection of the human rights of women;. Recommendations for legislative reform or complementing the djiboutian law on the protection and defense of the rights of women.
The Gambia
In response to a letter Equality Now sent to the President Alhaji Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, the office of the President wrote to confirm that the process of ratification of the Protocol has reached an advance stage and that the Gambia was soon due to complete this process.
Guinea, Republic of
The country’s Parliament has approved the ratification of the Protocol in October 2004 but the process of depositing its instrument of ratification has been delayed but coalition member CPTAFE is encouraging government to act without any further delay and anticipates that Guinea will soon be among the countries that the coalition has honored with Green cards for their commitment to women’s rights.
Kenya
The country’s Minister responsible for Gender, hon. Ochilo Ayako, in April informed members of the Solidarity with African Women Rights coalition that his country planned to deposit its instrument of ratification in two and half months. He added that he has already made the first reading in Parliament.
Mali
Mali deposited its instrument of ratification in February. (AJM), a coalition member, is at present engaged in facilitating discussion among women’s organizations and groups to comprehend the potential impact of this important instrument and how they could use it to benefit women. AJM also plans workshops for magistrates and notaries, as it is these groups that must invoke the articles of the Protocol before the courts to protect the rights of women.
Mauritania
The Mauritanian National Assembly (Lower House) met on 19th May and after discussion and adopted a law relating to the ratification of the Protocol. (WiLDAF West Africa)
Nigeria
Hon. Saudatu Sani, the Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs and Children convened a stakeholders’ meeting on May 4, 2005. This meeting was primarily for Legislators and other stakeholders to brainstorm on the envisaged obstacles in the enactment of the Violence Against Women (Prohibition) BILL, 2003 and issues relating to the domestication of CEDAW and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women.The meeting was attended by (15) over 50% of the members of the Committee on Women Affairs, 18 civil society organizations and the media.
At this meeting the Protocol was formally introduced to the Legislature and copies of the simplified version by the Women’s Rights Awareness and Protection Alternatives (WRAPA) were distributed to members. Its status as a regional instrument and the requirements for its ratification was explained. The principles of the provisions and the wide endorsement of the Protocol were also explained. Members were requested to ensure that, the Protocol comes into force; Nigeria would through the relevant institutions commence the domestication processes. The role of the legislature was reiterated and the relationship of this instrument to other international obligations on Nigeria was also highlighted. At the end of the meeting a commitment to support the legislative process for domestication was made by the Committee and its members.
Uganda
Akina mama Wa Afrika and the Ugandan Women Network (UWONET) have joined forces to advocate for the speedy ratification of the Protocol. They plan to hold a press conference in Kampala on 20th June calling on the Government to immediately ratify the Women’s Protocol.