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BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The African Union (AU) summit which was held from February 15 to 16 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, scored a significant milestone in the protection of women and girls, following the adoption of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
AU Heads of State and Government had in February 2023, developed the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and in February last year, they had reiterated their commitment to conclude the negotiations.
And indeed at the recent summit, the convention was adopted, a move which will go a long way in improving the lives of women and girls who ultimately bear the brunt of harmful practices.
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, Honourable Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, welcomed the adoption as a “historic milestone in our collective fight for gender equality and human dignity.
“The adoption of this groundbreaking convention took place during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 15 to 16 February 2025, and reaffirms Africa’s commitment to eliminating all forms of violence that have long silenced, oppressed, and harmed women and girls across the continent.
“It builds upon and elaborates state responsibility for the implementation of Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 26, and other relevant articles of the Maputo Protocol.
“It is a testament to the power of unity, advocacy, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Now, we must advocate for its ratification to ensure its speedy entry into force and promote its full implementation, translating these commitments into tangible protections, support systems, and legal frameworks that safeguard the rights and well-being of every woman and girl.
“Together, we move forward toward a future where no woman or girl lives in fear, but rather in freedom, dignity, and equality,” said Honourable Sallah-Njie.
It is reported that the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls aims to “establish a comprehensive, legally binding framework for the prevention and elimination of, and effective response to, all forms of violence against women and girls, across Africa, by addressing the root causes and drivers of such violence, strengthening legal and institutional mechanisms, and promoting a culture of respect for human rights, gender equality and the dignity of women and girls.
“Ensure that State Parties reinforce a commonality of approach, to eliminating violence against women and girls, whilst acting as a stimulus for an open narrative and advocacy on violence against women and girls.
“Violence against women and girls remains a widespread issue that cuts across all regions, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“It manifests in many forms, including physical, sexual psychological or economic violence by an intimate partner; Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); Early Child and Forced Marriage where girls below 18 years are forced into marriage; Sexual Violence in Conflict (SVC) and Humanitarian settings which includes rape, sexual assault with violent physical assault, kidnapping, sexual slavery and forced prostitution in conflict situations. Women and girls also face sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, in schools and in other public spaces.
“Violence against women and girls occurs in various environments, such as the family, schools, tertiary institutions, prisons, security institutions, in situations of armed conflict, in the world of work, in sports and on online platforms.
“The persistence of violence against women and girls is largely driven by entrenched gender power relations rooted in patriarchal systems. These systems are characterized by male dominance, an unequal distribution of resources, and power imbalances, all of which are reinforced by social norms and institutions that sustain gender inequality,” read a statement from AU on the Convention.
It was also added that there is need for an inclusive approach that recognizes and responds to the specific needs of women and girls, including those marginalized or in vulnerable situations.
And it was also reported that “addressing this issue is not just about protection—it’s about unlocking opportunities for women and girls to thrive in safe, supportive environments where their contributions to society can be fully realized.”
The Convention is coming in to add to other existing human rights and gender based violence rights treaties, conventions and agreements such as the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol).
And globally, other frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women; the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Labour Organisation Convention on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, meant to protect women and girls.
