Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) has an estimated population of 4.5 million (UN, 2010). The capital is Bangui. The Central African Republic has an area of 622,984 sq km (240,535 sq miles). The main languages are French, and Sangho, (lingua franca).
Considered as one of the least developed countries in the world, The Central African Republic, which used to be the French colony of Ubangi-Shari before it became independent in 1960. However, since its independence, Due to rebellions, mutinies, and spillover violence from neighboring countries, the CAR has been an instable country in permanent crisis.
Due to the instability of the country, being a woman is an everyday struggle in CAR. The members of the Lord’s Resistance Arm (LRA) frequently abduct women and girls. They are beaten, raped sometimes and killed by LRA members.
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CAR signed the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (The Maputo Protocol) on the 17th of June 2008 but it has not ratified it.
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The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was ratified by CAR on the 21st of June 1991.
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CAR has not yet adopted a National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325).
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Since September 2007, there is a UN peacekeeping mandate in CAR: United Nations Mission in the African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT).