FACTS ABOUT MAPUTO PROTOCOL
For years, African women’s rights were protected only under general human rights laws. Until Africa decided: women need their OWN specific legal protection.
The Maputo Protocol is Africa’s own law for women made in Africa in Maputo, Mozambique, for African women, by African leaders.
Africa’s own binding law for ALL African Women exists, with 32 Articles. 24 Key Women’s Rights Provision, and Ratified by 45 countries including Nigeria.
It guarantees 24 key rights, from dignity, to freedom from violence, to women political participation and decision making to protection and sexual health and reproductive rights.
Ratification is not the finish line. It is the starting line. But ratification without domestication and implementation is just ink on paper.
A critical fact of this Protocol that many miss is Article 26(1) which states every State Party MUST report every 2 years on implementation.
22 years after Nigeria ratified, many women still don’t know this law exists, and many of its promises are not yet reality in all 36 states and the FCT.
IRIAD with support from Baobab for Women’s Human Rights and Akina Mama wa Afrika is calling for FROM RATIFICATION TO REALITY.
1. Government: Domesticate and implement the Maputo Protocol in all 36 states and FCT, fund its implementation, and fulfil the 2-year reporting obligation. Turn 32 Provisions into 36 States’ and FCT reality.
2. Legislature & Judiciary: Enforce laws that protect women rights.
3. Women & Girls: Know the Maputo Protocol. It is YOUR law. Demand its Domestication and Implementation. A protected woman means a thriving family, a safer community, and a prosperous Nigeria.
RATIFICATION IS NOT ENOUGH.
DOMESTICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION MATTER.
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