STANDING UP FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS
ABOUT THE EVENT
Across Africa, governments, national human rights institutions, courts, parliaments, and civil society continue to advance the rights of women and girls, in all their diversity, in line with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol. Recent developments underscore the importance of strong institutions and community-driven initiatives in preserving hard-won gains and promoting inclusive norms rooted in African values of dignity and justice.
Held on the margins of the 87th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, this side event will showcase practical, context-relevant approaches to advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Through an interactive roundtable, speakers and participants will exchange experiences, highlight good practices, and reflect on how progress can be sustained, even in challenging time.
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Practical examples of legal, institutional, faith-based, parliamentary, and community-led initiatives advancing women’s rights and gender equality
• Peer exchange on strengthening enabling legal and policy environments
• Discussion on accountability, collaboration, and implementation of the Maputo Protocol
FORMAT
The session will take the hybrid format, physically in the Banjul International Conference Centre and via Zoom. It will be convened in a 90-minute moderated roundtable with interactive audience engagement.
PANEL COMPOSITION
Moderator
• Hon. Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, AU Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa
Panelists
• Hon. Margaret Ayebare, Member of Parliament, Uganda
• Mwenya Bwalya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Zambia
• Reverend Nokuthula Dhladhla, Global Ambassador, GIN-SSOGIE
• Representative of a National Human Rights Institution (TBC)
• Civil society organisation representative (TBC)