Breathing Life into the Maputo Protocol
This Digest aims to promote the use of one of the world’s most comprehensive and progressive human rights instruments (the Maputo Protocol or the Protocol).
issue: African Union
11 Years of the Maputo Protocol: Women’s Progress and Challenges
SOAWR coalition organization and others are working to ensure that the Protocol remains on the agenda of policy makers and to urge all African leaders to safeguard the rights of women through its ratification and implementation. These organizations give visibility to both progress as well as violations of the rights enshrined therein.
SOAWR Congratulates the Republic of Cameroon on Its Ratification of the AU Protocol
Cameroon has become the 36th African Union (AU) Member State to ratify the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa following its deposit of its ratification instrument on 28 December 2012. The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) Coalition congratulates Cameroon on taking this important step, which demonstrates its commitment to women’s rights and gender equality. The ratification process has been a long journey. Cameroon signed the Protocol on 25 July 2006 and, on 28 May 2009, President Paul Biya issued Decree Number 2009/143 on the Ratification of the Protocol. Unfortunately, this decree met with opposition from religious communities
Republic of Congo and Guinea Ratify the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa
The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR), a pan-African coalition of 42 organizations in 23 African countries, congratulates the Republic of Congo and the Republic of Guinea on their ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (hereafter the Protocol). The ratification by Congo and Guinea on 6th of August and 17th of September 2012 respectively, brings the total number of ratifications to 34 (thirty-four) out of the 54 (fifty-four) African member states. The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition (SOAWR), a pan-African coalition of 42 organizations
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SOAWR Statement at ACHPR89OS
See SOAWR’s full statement as read on October 13th, 2026 at the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Dakar, Senegal. Read the Full
#MaputoAt23: Keep the Fire Burning 🔥
Today, 11 July 2026, marks 23 years since African governments made a promise to the women and girls of this continent. On this day in 2003, the African Union adopted
Uganda Feminist Forum calls for an end to intimidation and violence against Ugandans
July 2, 2026 “A Nation that Silences its Bravest Daughters Betrays its Future.” The SOAWR Coalition stands in solidarity with our sisters and partners in Uganda. We are extremely concerned
SOAWR’s Statement at the 87th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR
See SOAWR’s full statement as read on May 12th, 2026 at the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, The Gambia. Read the