Context:
In many African countries, gender equality and women’s rights are restricted by discriminatory social norms and practices. The African Union (AU) has committed itself to protecting women’s rights in human rights conventions, such as the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). It has also reaffirmed in policies and strategies that women should participate more fully in social, economic and political life.
Objective:
AU institutions have improved implementation of their duties and obligations to advance gender equality and women’s rights.
Approach:
The project collaborates with the AU Commission and its affiliated institutions. In doing so, it advises the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights so that it can issue landmark legal opinions. The results are intended to serve as standards for reforming legislation and policies in AU member states. The project also facilitates dialogue between AU institutions and civil society. For example, it involves women’s and human rights organisations in the development of a so-called AU Common African Position. The topic is the largely unpaid care work performed by women. The project advises the AU’s Women, Gender and Youth Directorate on implementing and disseminating activities to promote women’s economic and financial participation. The Directorate cooperates with AU member states and the private sector to achieve this.Together with the AU’s Good Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate, the project provides training to women in two member states so that they can run successful campaigns for parliamentary seats. The project focuses particularly on young women and women with disabilities, whose opportunities for participation have been severely limited to date.