We’re celebrating this positive step for women and girls in South Sudan

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Hon. Aya Benjamin Warille presents the signed copy of the Maputo Protocol to the African Union.

Dear John,

I wanted to share this incredible news with you.

Yesterday, the South Sudan Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Hon. Aya Benjamin Warille, officially deposited the Maputo Protocol to the African Union. This makes South Sudan the 43rd African country to officially ratify the Protocol, leaving 11 more to go.

The journey to ratification

The recent news is a result of over a decade of advocacy across the women’s movement in South Sudan and beyond. For almost 20 years, Equality Now supported women’s rights organizations under the Solidarity of African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) ([link removed]) Coalition to advocate for the universal ratification of the Maputo Protocol across Africa. SOAWR member Steward Women ([link removed]) and the Coalition of Civil Society on the Ratification of Maputo Protocol in South Sudan have steered the national campaign in South Sudan since 2012.

Earlier this year, on February 2023, we joined women’s rights groups working in South Sudan in applauding the President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, for signing four international conventions into law, ([link removed]) including the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol).

The timely move by South Sudan is an indication of the country’s dedication to realizing the rights of women and girls.

Celebrating 20 years of the Maputo Protocol

This year marks 20 years of the Maputo Protocol, a significant milestone for the African continent, more so, its women and girls. This historical journey leading up to its adoption and the critical changes that the Maputo Protocol has enabled in the lived realities of women and girls in Africa 20 years later are monumental and worth commemorating. To recognize those who have steered the arduous complexities of achieving gender equality for all, the Maputo Protocol At 20 Campaign ([link removed]) recently launched the 20 for 20 Solidarity Awards.


The Maputo Protocol 20 for 20 Solidarity Awards

To recognize those who have gone before us and those who continue to steer the numerous complexities that come with advocating for women’s and girls’ rights in Africa, we will be hosting the 20 for 20 Solidarity Awards. The awards will recognize the contribution of 20 state actors and non-state actors, including organizations, key institutions, and individuals.
Learn more about the #20for20SolidarityAwards ([link removed])

With little less than 10 days left for the nominations, we would like to hear from you directly about who these people should be! Nominations are open now until June 14th; head to the SOAWR website to explore the categories and submit your nominations today. ([link removed])

Thank you for your continued support of the rights of women and girls in Africa and around the world.


In solidarity,

Faiza Jama Mohamed

Director, Africa Office

Equality Now


PS: Want to learn more about the role of the Maputo Protocol in ending violence against women and girls? Read our latest reports, released in partnership with UNDP ([link removed]) and the African Union Commission ([link removed]) exploring the role of Regional Economic Communities in addressing the status of ratification, domestication, enforcement, and reporting on global and regional rights instruments related to gender equality ([link removed]) and women’s empowerment and ending violence against women and girls. ([link removed])


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