African Union adopts landmark treaty to combat violence against women, girls

ADDIS ABABA – The African Union (AU) has adopted a landmark convention aimed at ending violence against women and girls across the continent.

The AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG), ratified by heads of state at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa in February, is the first continental legal instrument of its kind.

The treaty is designed to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights hailed the adoption as a “historic milestone” in the fight for gender equality and human dignity, saying it expands state responsibilities under the Maputo Protocol.

Janet Ramatoulie Sallah, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, called for swift ratification and implementation of the convention.

“Translating these commitments into tangible protections, support systems, and legal frameworks that safeguard the rights and well-being of every woman and girl,” she said.

“Together, we move forward toward a future where no woman or girl lives in fear, but rather in freedom, dignity, and equality,” she added.

UN Women also welcomed the AU’s move.

“This is a pivotal moment for gender equality in Africa,” said Anna Mutavati, Regional Director at UN Women East and Southern Africa.

“As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we urge the AU Member States to act promptly and ratify this Convention for it to come into effect,” she added.

UN Women noted that the AU-CEVAWG builds on existing frameworks like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, and addresses the intersection of customary and formal legal systems.