the 25th anniversary of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa under the theme, “Empowering Generations through Educating Women and Girls”.
The Mechanism of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa (SRRWA) is one of the oldest mechanisms of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights ( ACHPR or the Commission), established during the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Commission, held in Banjul, The Gambia.
Its establishment aligns with the Commission’s strong commitment to promoting the rights of women and girls and combating the discrimination and injustice they continue to face across the continent.
Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, Vice-Chairperson and Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa (SRRWA-ACHPR), recalled that since the inception of the Maputo Protocol, which advances women’s rights, the mechanism has been instrumental in shaping the human rights landscape for women across Africa.
She added that over the past 25 years, they have witnessed notable advancements through the implementation of crucial legal instruments that continue to uphold and promote women’s rights.
Commissioner Sallah-Njie also stated that the Maputo Protocol, within five years of its inception, was a testament to the SRRWA’s instrumental contribution.
“We have to fully realize the benefits of the Maputo Protocol,” she said, adding that the mechanism had actively worked towards mainstreaming gender in African human rights discussions, leading to the adoption of additional vital frameworks and soft laws addressing issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, harmful traditional practices, and digital violence.
She pointed out that those advancements have been complemented by the enactment and enforcement of various national laws to protect and promote women’s rights.
Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, said the 25th anniversary served not only as a reflection on the achievements and challenges but also as a powerful reminder of their ongoing commitment to empowering generations through the education of women and girls.
The minister for Gender noted that the Special Rapporteur has played a pivotal role in shaping policies, programs, and practices that safeguard the rights of African women and girls. “The legacy of this mandate is profound,” she noted. “It is a fundamental human right and a critical tool for lifting communities out of poverty.”
By prioritizing education for women and girls, Minister Kinteh said, they are investing in a future where women can contribute fully to their societies.
“Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, engage in civic activities, and make informed decisions about their health and welfare, as well as those of their families and, by extension, their communities.”
The Minister highlighted the challenges women and girls face in accessing education due to socioeconomic barriers, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities.
It was their duty to confront these challenges head-on to create conducive environments where all women and girls can thrive, she added.
Speakers on the occasion included Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
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