Launch of key findings of the 2012 SADC Gender Protocol Barometer – 8th August

The Alliance launched the key findings of 2012 SADC Gender Protocol Barometer in Maputo, ahead of the Summit at an event attend by over 130 local partners. Alliance partners will use this as an advocacy tool to apply pressure on the 13 governments that have signed to deliver on commitments made.

This presented an opportunity to continue lobbying efforts for the ratification of the Protocol by countries that have not done so. Of the 13 countries that have signed, eleven have ratified so technically the Gender Protocol has come into full force because the two-thirds majority required has been achieved. However, South Africa, Swaziland and DRC still need to deposit their instruments of ratification.

Gaps identified in the Barometer are part of the demands included in a press release picked by various media as well as part of the Civil Society communique released ahead of the Heads of State by the umbrella body SADC CNGO.