To mark the 10th anniversary of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa known as the "Maputo Protocol", Solidarity for African Women's Rights (SOAWR), Make Every Woman Count and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights partnered together to publish a report: "Journey to Equality: 10 Years of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa" mapping the 10 years of the implementation of the protocol.

Yet, ten years after the Protocol's adoption, are African women better off? To what extent has national legislation been harmonized with the Protocol? Have States Parties to the Protocol taken any innovative steps to make the instrument's provisions a reality for women? What role can civil society organizations (CSOs) play in this process? These are some of the questions, which this publication seeks to answer.

The publication brings together contributions from over two dozen individuals and institutions writing on their areas of expertise. Following Part I, which presents background information about the Protocol and the ongoing SOAWR campaign, Part II examines the extent of domestication and implementation of provisions covering the following issues: non-discrimination, female genital mutilation (FGM), marriage, access to justice, political participation, right to peace, protection of women in armed conflict, education, economic and welfare rights, health and reproductive rights, land and inheritance rights, and rights of women with disabilities.

In Part III, contributors highlight efforts made by the governments of Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe with regard to the Protocol. Subsequently, Part IV brings together articles focusing on various gaps and challenges but also on the potential to realize the Protocol.

Part V shares perspectives from three SOAWR members, the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternatives, and Akina Mama wa Afrika, who have successfully advocated for and supported the realization of women's rights using the Protocol. The section also includes an article about how a multi-sectoral approach can facilitate effective implementation of the important African women's rights instrument.

Finally, Part VI presents a few key recommendations for member states, the African Union Commission, development partners, and civil society organizations.

Although this publication is by no means a comprehensive review of progress at the national and regional levels, it seeks to provide an evaluation of progress made in various countries and across the region in implementing particular provisions. At the same time, it highlights best practices of both member States and CSOs promoting the Protocol; examines gaps and challenges in implementation; considers lessons learned by CSOs; and makes recommendations for future action.

To read the full report, please click here