Yakani lauds ratification of AU’s Maputo protocol on women’s rights

JUBA, JUNE 8, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan’s prominent activist Edmund Yakani has welcomed the ratification – by his country’s government – of the Maputo Protocol, a landmark African Union treaty that guarantees women’s rights across the continent.

South Sudan’s Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare Aya Benjamin Warile confirmed to Sudans Post this morning that the ratification process of the important protocol was completed on Wednesday afternoon.

In reaction, Yakani who is the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) described the news as a victory and success for the civil society watchdog which has previously advocated for its ratification.

“This is a remarkable success of CEPO advocacy and lobby on the government to be party to Maputo protocol for long period of time. Congratulations to the government of South Sudan for being now state party to Africa Union Maputo protocol,” Yakani said.

“CEPO’s program of Status of Women Initiative will partner with the government for official dissemination of the Maputo protocol including training of journalists and media outlets to understand what Maputo protocol is for their journalistic reporting purpose,” the civil society activist added.

The Maputo Protocol was adopted by the African Union in 2003. It is a legally binding treaty that prohibits discrimination against women and guarantees their equal rights in all spheres of life, including political, economic, social, and cultural.

The protocol also addresses issues such as violence against women, reproductive rights, and women’s access to education and employment.

The ratification of the Maputo Protocol is a significant victory for women’s rights in South Sudan, according to the gender minister who pointed out that the country has a long history of gender inequality, and that the protocol will provide a much-needed framework for protecting and promoting women’s rights.

“This is a momentous occasion for South Sudan,” Aya told Sudans Post from Juba. “The ratification of the Maputo Protocol is a clear sign of our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women.”