In a move hailed by human rights advocates, the Central African Republic has ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, known as the Maputo Protocol. The ratification, which occurred on August 26, has been lauded as a meaningful step forward for women’s rights in the nation.

Reacting to the ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa,(Maputo protocol) on 26 August by the Central African authorities, Abdoulaye Diarra, Senior Researcher at Amnesty International, said:

“The Central African authorities ratification of the Maputo Protocol is a welcome and long-awaited step in promoting and protecting women and girls’ rights in the country, including from all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) such as early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation that have long hindered their education, health, and well-being.”

The ratification signals a commitment to combating gender-based violence and promoting gender equality within the Central African Republic.However, advocates emphasize that further action is needed to fully realize the Protocol’s potential.

“However, actions speak louder than words and Central African authorities must now follow through to take necesary measures to ensure the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol by adopting a comprehensive law to address GBV and promote gender equality, strengthening the justice system, improving support services for survivors, and raising awareness in communities, including in rural areas.”

Challenges remain, particularly concerning deeply entrenched cultural norms and practices. According to data, a significant percentage of girls in the Central African republic still face early marriage and genital mutilation.

“According to the UNFPA latest figures61% of central African girls are still married before the age of 18, and 22% of girls and women aged 15 – 49 suffer from a form of genital mutilation.”

Advocates are calling for a comprehensive and holistic approach to address the root causes of gender-based violence and empower women and girls throughout the country.

“We urge the adoption of a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence to change attitudes and norms to empower women and girls in the Central African Republic.”

Attention is now turning to the remaining African nations that have yet to ratify the Maputo Protocol, with calls for them to take swift action.

“We also urge Niger and Chad, the two countries in West and Central Africa who have not yet ratified the Maputo Protocol, to do so without delay.”

Further Steps Needed

While the ratification is a cause for festivity, experts emphasize the importance of implementation and enforcement.The Central African republic must translate its commitment into concrete actions to ensure the Maputo Protocol’s principles are fully integrated into national law and practise.

“Actions speak louder than words.”