Cote D’Ivoire: Ratifies the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa

Cote D’Ivoire: Ratifies the AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa

The solidarity for African Women’s Rights coalition (SOAWR) has commended the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire on its ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights of Women in Africa (the Protocol).The instrument of ratification was deposited to the African Union Commission on March 9, 2012.

The Protocol was adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the 2nd Ordinary Session of Assembly of the AU in Maputo on July 11, 2003 and came into force in November 2005 after ratification by 15 member states.Cote D’Ivoire ratification of the protocol brings the total number of ratification to 32.

“We welcome Cote D’Ivoire to the group of countries that have ratified the protocol, and we are especially encouraged considering that Cote D’Ivoire is a post-conflict state,” said Naisola Likimani, Head of Advocacy at FEMNET.

SOAWR called upon the government of Cote D’Ivoire to popularise the protocol and to establish a process to ensure that the provisions of the Protocol are realised through laws, policies, practises and services promoting and protecting women’s rights in Cote D’Ivoire.

SOAWR urges other African states to follow suit and ensure that African women make gains through the provisions outlined in the Protocol.Faiza Mohammed, Director of Equality now emphasised ,”This ratification is a step in the right direction. The goal is for the Protocol to be universally ratified, domesticated and implemented in Africa.