Human rights defenders welcome the decision by the Central African Republic, which becomes the 46th African country to commit to promoting women’s rights.
As part of an initiative to promote gender equality, the Central African Republic officially ratified the Maputo Protocol at the end of July 2025, becoming the 46th member state of the AU (African Union) to accede to this African treaty aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, commonly known as the ‘Maputo Protocol,’ is one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in the world on women’s rights.
Adopted in 2003 by the AU, this treaty defines the obligations of African governments to combat violence against women and girls, guarantee reproductive rights, eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, and promote equal participation in economic, political and public life.
According to observers, the human rights situation in the Central African Republic is alarming, with women and girls disproportionately affected by conflict, insecurity and weak governance. Communities continue to face cycles of violence, displacement and widespread sexual and gender-based abuse, often leaving survivors without justice or support.
With this ratification, the Central African government is making a strong public commitment to ending legal discrimination against women and girls, otherwise known as ‘gender-based discrimination’.
According to the NGO Equality Now, ‘this important step reflects a clear commitment to strengthening the country’s legal protections, adopting and fully implementing laws and policies to uphold human rights, and forging a future where women and girls can live in safety, freedom and with equal opportunities.’
Time for action
Opinion shared by Amnesty International: ‘The ratification of the Maputo Protocol by the Central African authorities is a welcome and long-awaited step towards promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls in the country, particularly against all forms of gender-based violence, such as early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation, which have long hindered their education, health and well-being,’ comments Abdoulaye Diarra, senior researcher for the organisation.
He warned: “Actions speak louder than words, and the Central African authorities must now take the necessary steps to ensure the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol by adopting comprehensive legislation to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality, strengthening the judicial system, improving victim support services and raising awareness in communities, including in rural areas. ”
According to UNFPA, 61 per cent of Central African girls are still married before the age of 18, and 22 per cent of girls and women aged 15 to 49 have undergone some form of genital mutilation. ‘We urge the adoption of a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence in order to change attitudes and norms and empower women and girls in the Central African Republic,’ said Abdoulaye Diarra. He called on Niger and Chad to take the same step ‘without delay’.
Across the continent, the Protocol has enabled African countries to make commendable legal and political progress, with governments strengthening the protection of women and girls in partnership with regional and local organisations and activists. Indeed, Equality Now points out that at the heart of this success is SOAWR, a network of more than 70 women’s rights organisations based in 33 African countries dedicated to promoting the rights of women and girls by advocating for universal ratification of the Protocol.
Nothing can be taken for granted
The Maputo Protocol explicitly affirms the right of women and girls to live free from violence, and African governments are required to adopt strong legislative and policy measures to prevent and combat all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, guarantee access to justice, and bring perpetrators to justice.
Beyond legal reform, the Protocol requires the establishment of survivor-centred support services, including access to legal aid, and encourages public education to eliminate harmful practices and combat discrimination. It also encourages international cooperation and collaboration in research, capacity building and the exchange of good practices.
However, NGOs warn that nothing should be taken for granted, especially in a global context marked by growing opposition to gender equality. In The Gambia, for example, anti-rights activists have appealed to the Supreme Court to repeal the law banning female genital mutilation.
‘This is a decisive moment for Africa,’ explains Esther Waweru, senior legal advisor at Equality Now. “The ratification of the Maputo Protocol by the Central African Republic sends a strong message: progress on women’s rights continues. But it must not stop there. Over the past two decades, the treaty has enabled significant legal advances across the continent. However, challenges remain and sustained efforts are needed to ensure that its promises are fully realised in all African countries.”
