On July 11th, we celebrated and commemorated the 21st anniversary of the adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women. The impact and progress of the Protocol continue to ring critical 21 years later.

Here are 21 reasons why the Maputo Protocol remains beneficial to women and girls in Africa.

This occasion allows us to celebrate the great strides made in advancing women’s rights and usher in a renewed era of advocating for the rights of women and girls in Africa. While the Maputo Protocol is recognized globally as one of the most progressive and most ratified human rights instruments, we must continue to champion the universal ratification and implementation of the Protocol.

As we reflect on these critical milestones, this video taken last year to commemorate Maputo at 20 still reflects our undaunted dedication to its advancement:

We commend South Sudan and Botswana for becoming the 44th and 45th countries, respectively, to ratify the Maputo Protocol in 2023, marking 45 out of 55 countries that have ratified it. We urge the 10 countries that are yet to ratify this progressive human rights instrument to make the right choice and stand with the rights of African women and girls.

I call on you all to celebrate progress, take stock, and continue to advocate for the Protocol’s ratification, adoption, and effective implementation.

Equality Now, in collaboration with the SOAWR Coalition and Kenyatta University School of Law, is hosting the 3rd edition of the Africa Gender Equality Moot Court Competition (AGEMCC) from July 2024 to December 2024. The AGEMCC will spotlight the legal complexities of commercial surrogacy in Africa. Next week, on July 25th, join us for the official launch webinar to learn more about the 2024 theme, how to participate, and more information.