South Sudan women call for speedy implementation of Maputo Protocol
Civil society women group has called on the transitional government to fully implement the Maputo Protocol which was ratified earlier this year.
President Salva Kiir signed the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa commonly known as the Maputo Protocol in April 2023.
Zabib Musa, the Director for Woman Justice and Equality, says women are requesting the government to implement the Maputo Protocol to hold accountable the perpetrators of sexual-related and gender-based violence.
The Maputo protocol guarantees extensive rights to women including the right to take part in political developments, to social and political equality with men, improved autonomy in reproductive health decisions and end to harmful traditional practices such female genital mutilation (FGM).
The Protocol also establishes women’s rights to self-protection and protection from HIV infection as well as their right to be informed of their HIV status and the HIV status of their partners in accordance with current international standards and practices.
Josephine Chandiru, the Executive Director of Steward Woman, says provisions relating to women’s economic empowerment need to be implemented to guarantee access to specialized health care for women.
The Maputo Protocol is the first Pan-African treaty to recognize abortion alongside other provisions related to women’s economic and political empowerment as well as health.
The Maputo Protocol is considered among the most advanced treaties on the protection of women and girls’ rights.
