On 11 July 2003, in Maputo, African Union member states adopt the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa — the Maputo Protocol.

The Protocol requires elimination of discrimination, protects civil, political, economic and reproductive rights, bans female genital mutilation and promotes equal participation of women.

Opened for signature at the AU Maputo summit, it enters into force on 25 November 2005. It is one of the most progressive regional instruments on women’s rights.

It complements the African Charter (Banjul) with detailed obligations on gender, health and justice.

For human rights in Africa, 11 July 2003 marks adoption of the Maputo Protocol.

The official text is published by the African Union / ACHPR.

The Maputo Protocol of 11 July 2003 remains the AU reference for women’s rights in Africa.

Image: Maputo / Africa; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Maputo Protocol. Treaty text: Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women (AU).