The SADC Gender Protocol ratification process: status and updates

As of the end of February, 13 SADC member states have signed the Protocol, eight have completed internal ratification process, and five have deposited Instruments of Ratification with SADC Secretariat.

The Gender Protocol Ratification Clause (Article 40) states that: “This Protocol shall be ratified by the Signatory States in accordance with their constitutional procedures.”

*The Entry into Force clause (Article 41) states that: “This protocol shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the deposit of the Instruments of Ratification by two-thirds of the Member States.” This implies that at least nine (9) member states have to ratify the SADC Gender Protocol in order for it to be legally binding.

While only one more country is required to ratify the Protocol for in to come into force, it is important that all SADC countries deposit their instruments of ratification with the SADC Secretariat. This will signify that, as a region, SADC has committed not only to upscale its effort to achieve gender equality, but it will be duty-bound to do so, and to report accordingly.