Bangui: Central African Republic (CAR) has ratified the Maputo Protocol, marking a significant commitment to advancing women's rights as it becomes the 46th African Union Member State to join this groundbreaking African treaty. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, commonly known as the Maputo Protocol, is one of the world's most comprehensive legal frameworks on women's rights. Adopted in 2003 by the African Union (AU), this treaty outlines clear obligations for African governments to end violence against women and girls, ensure reproductive rights, eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, and promote equal participation in economic, political, and public life.
According to African Press Organization, the human rights situation in CAR has been dire, with women and girls disproportionately affected by conflict, insecurity, and weak governance. Communities continue to face cycles of violence, displacement, and widespread sexual and gender-based abuse, often leaving survivors without justice or support. CAR's laudable move forward marks the culmination of sustained and productive endeavors by civil society actors and regional partners. Central to this accomplishment has been the Solidarity for African Women's Rights Coalition (SOAWR), a network of over 70 women's rights organizations based in 33 African countries dedicated to advocating for women's and girls' rights by advocating for the universal ratification of the Protocol.
In a significant mission on June 25, 2025, led by SOAWR Coalition members Jacques Bandji from the Women's Counselling and Information Centre (WCIC) based in Cameroon and Dr. Tom Mulisa from the Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development (GLIHD) based in Rwanda, the CAR government committed to ratifying the Protocol. Over 40 participants, including civil society, development partners, and government officials such as Dr. Marthe Augustine Kirimat, CAR's Minister for Gender Promotion, Women's Protection, Family and Children, attended the high-level gathering, playing a pivotal role in laying the foundations for a successful follow-up trip in July with an AU Commission-led mission including SOAWR.
Barrister Yveline Ntanfai from WCIC reflected on the achievement, stating, "An effective collaborative advocacy, depending on who you surround yourself with, leads to successful goal achievement as with the CAR mission. Today, the Central African Republic stands tall as the 46th AU Member State to ratify the Maputo Protocol. This milestone is the result of considerable efforts by government leaders, women's rights advocates, and regional partners. It is a powerful testament to what we can achieve through collaboration to advance the rights of women and girls."
Dr. Mulisa added, "The CAR mission demonstrated the resilience and strength of women and girls to advocate for their rights. It proved that civil society can effectively engage government institutions to achieve a shared goal. Women's rights organizations in the Central African Republic played a crucial role, speaking with one voice to push for state compliance and the submission of the instruments of ratification."
The Maputo Protocol explicitly affirms the right of women and girls to live free from violence, obligating African governments to adopt strong legislative and policy measures that prevent and respond to all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, guarantee access to justice, and hold perpetrators accountable. Beyond legal reform, the Protocol mandates survivor-centered support services, including access to legal aid, and promotes public education to eliminate harmful practices and challenge discrimination. It also encourages international cooperation and collaboration on research, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices.
However, Africa's progress on securing legal rights for women and girls must not be taken for granted. Amid a growing global pushback against gender equality involving attempts to repeal existing legal protections, such as in The Gambia, where anti-rights activists have filed a case with the Gambian Supreme Court seeking to repeal the country's law prohibiting female genital mutilation, it is more important than ever to both build upon and defend the gains accrued. The Protocol stands as a critical shield against regression, providing a clear roadmap for governments to establish robust legal protections, address systemic discrimination, and turn the aspiration of gender equality into a lived reality.
With just five years remaining to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the ratification and full implementation of the Protocol by every AU Member State is more urgent than ever for SDG 5 - achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It is imperative that each African government takes concrete action to ratify the treaty and incorporate its provisions wholesale into national legislation without reservations that allow states to opt-out of specific commitments and, in doing so, dilute the treaty's protections.
"This is a defining moment for Africa," explains Esther Waweru, Senior Legal Advisor at Equality Now. "The Central African Republic's ratification of the Maputo Protocol sends a powerful message that progress on women's rights continues. But it must not stop here. Over the past two decades, the treaty has driven significant legal advances across the continent. Yet, challenges remain, and sustained effort is needed for its promises to be entirely realized in every African country."
While celebrating the Central African Republic's ratification of the Maputo Protocol, it is crucial to remember the African Union Member States that have not yet prioritized full ratification, domestication, and implementation of the treaty, leaving millions without the comprehensive legal protection they are entitled to. These governments are urged to act without delay to uphold their obligations under the Protocol and ensure no woman or girl is left behind in law, practice, or progress.
