At the recently concluded 85th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the global Pan-African human rights organisation Equality Now raised serious concerns about ongoing violations of women’s and girls’ rights across the continent.
Speaking to Rise and Shine, Gicuku Karugu, Program Officer at Equality Now, said that despite strong legal frameworks, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol, many governments are failing to translate commitments into meaningful protection on the ground.
“Governments may ratify these instruments, but without proper implementation at national level, the rights enshrined in the protocols remain out of reach for many women and girls,” Karugu said. He highlighted persistent sexual and gender-based violence, weak enforcement of laws, limited access to reproductive health services, female genital mutilation, and rising anti-gender backlash as key challenges.
Karugu stressed that governments must align national laws with regional commitments, particularly on reproductive rights and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation. “Even in countries with progressive laws, we see rollbacks that threaten hard-won protections,” he said, calling for multi-sectoral approaches to combat sexual exploitation, trafficking, and other violations.
The organisation also acknowledged progress in some countries. Recent ratifications of the Maputo Protocol by South Sudan, Botswana, and the Central African Republic mark positive steps. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Lesotho have established strong human rights legislation, including domestic violence laws, employment equity measures, and penalties for marital rape. Yet, Karugu highlighted that implementation, particularly in rural areas, remains the biggest hurdle.
“Having laws on paper is not enough. Women and girls must be able to access and enjoy their rights in every corner of the continent,” he said.
The ACHPR session highlighted the urgent need for African governments to turn commitments into action and ensure that human rights protections are upheld for women and girls everywhere.
–ChannelAfrica–
