10/07/2023
THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA | IN CS WORDS
VIA| Hon. Aisha Jumwa Katana
"Today marks twenty years since Africa Union member states adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's rights on the rights of women in Africa in Maputo, Mozambique.
I take cognisance of the tremendous efforts by the Africa Union Commission through the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate and Solidarity for African Women's Rights (SOAWR) coalition for driving the process in drafting and adoption of the Maputo Protocol. Here we are today taking stock of the gains made and the challenges encountered by the member States.
On behalf of the Government of Kenya, we are honored to host this historic event. For us and the entire continent it is a celebration of the great transformation witnessed on the social environment of gender equality and women rights.
Today's event keeps alive the Maputo Protocol. Consequently, I urge the member States, under Article 26 of the Protocol to allocate budgetary resources and enhance reporting on measures undertaken to mainstream gender equality.
Despite the gains made, the gender gap still exists between men and women, girls and boys. I urge all of us to endeavour to eliminate challenges like Gender Based Violence (GBV) such as Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, poor access and control of resources for women and girls. We are calling for action since it is the people who do things.
Joining hands with me on this journey was Hon. Janet Ramatoulie, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, Madam Jama Mohamed, Equality Director, Africa Office, Madam Chantal Kulumbu, National Female Candidate (DRC), Madam Awa Ndiaye Seck, UN Women Special Representative to the AU. The National Women Leaders present at the momentous event included the Deputy Chief Justice, Lady Philomena Mwilu, the CS, Water Sanitation and Irrigation Hon. Alice Wahome, Nomination Senator Hon. Catherine Mumma and Women Representative Taita Taveta County, Hon. Haika Lydia Mizighi among others.
African Union Equality Now State Department for Gender UN Women."